mach deine Arbeit
The German phrase for "do your work" is mach deine Arbeit.
This phrase is a command telling someone to perform the tasks they are responsible for.
Which one should you use?
While mach deine Arbeit is a direct command, it can sound quite harsh or blunt in German depending on the tone, similar to 'do your job' in English.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form mach deine Arbeit uses the singular informal imperative, which is used when addressing one person you know well or a child. If you are addressing a group of people you know well, the plural informal imperative is macht eure Arbeit. For one or more people in a professional or respectful context, use the formal version machen Sie Ihre Arbeit.
Did you know?
- The German concept of Feierabend describes the specific time when you stop doing your work for the day. It is not just 'after work', but a sacred boundary where work life ends.
- The German word Arbeit shares a surprising history with the English word 'orphan'. Both words trace back to an ancient root meaning 'servant' or 'one who is left without support'.
- Using the formal machen Sie Ihre Arbeit can actually sound more aggressive than the informal version because it creates a cold, emotional distance.
Examples in context
- Mach deine Arbeit aufmerksamer.Do your work with more care.This sentence is useful for suggesting someone performs their work with more care.Tatoeba #761973 by jakov, translation #30383 by Dejo
- Mach deine Arbeit, wie du es für richtig hältst.Do your work in your own way.This sentence is useful for telling someone to perform their work in their own way.Tatoeba #978691 by Sudajaengi, translation #17575 by BraveSentry
- Bitte erledigen Sie Ihre Arbeit rechtzeitig.Please do your work on time.
- Sei bitte konzentriert und erledige deine Arbeit sorgfältig bis morgen früh.Please be focused and complete your work carefully by tomorrow morning.
- Hey, es ist Zeit, dass du mal deine Arbeit machst. Komm schon!Hey, it's time for you to do your work. Come on!
- Ich erwarte, dass du deine Aufgaben gewissenhaft und termingerecht ausführst.I expect you to carry out your tasks diligently and on time.
- Mach deine Arbeit und lass mich in Ruhe.Do your work and leave me alone.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura is talking to Felix who is playing with his phone.
- LauraFelix, leg das Handy weg und mach deine Arbeit.Felix, put the phone away and do your work.
- FelixIch mache eine kurze Pause, Laura.I am taking a short break, Laura.
- LauraDu hast schon genug Pausen gemacht.You have already taken enough breaks.
- FelixNa gut, ich fange jetzt damit an.Alright, I'll start with it now.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Arbeit, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
