Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| bereit machen | /bəˈʁaɪ̯t ˈmaxən/ (Germany, word by word) |
| fertig machen | /ˈfɛrtɪç ˈmaxən/ (word by word) |
| klar machen | /klaːr ˈmaxən/ (word by word) |
| vorbereiten | /ˈfoːʁbəˌʁaɪ̯tən/ |
Depending on the context, there are different ways to express the idea of getting ready. You might use it for general preparation, for personal grooming and dressing or in slang to mean getting something sorted.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase bereit machen is a literal construction where bereit means 'ready' and machen means 'to make'.
Which one should you use?
The choice of phrase depends on what you are preparing. vorbereiten is the most neutral and versatile way to say 'to prepare' or 'to get ready' for a task or an exam. In contrast, fertig machen is commonly used when someone is getting ready for a social event, such as dressing up or grooming. Finally, klar machen is a colloquial way to say one is getting something sorted or prepared.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For commands, you can use Bereiten Sie sich vor! or Machen Sie sich bereit! in formal situations. In informal situations, you can say Mach dich bereit! or Bereite dich vor! The phrase klar machen is considered slang and is used in much more informal contexts than vorbereiten.
How does it change in a sentence?
When 'get ready' refers to a person preparing themselves (for example, getting dressed), you must use the reflexive pronoun, such as in sich fertig machen.
How do you pronounce it?
/bəˈʁaɪ̯t ˈmaxən/
Did you know?
- In German, fertig machen can be an ambiguous phrase because, depending on the context, it can mean 'to get ready' or 'to finish someone off' in a fight.
- The word fertig is etymologically linked to the concept of a journey. It derives from the Old High German noun fart, meaning a 'journey' or 'expedition'.
- In a formal setting, using the wrong reflexive structure can change your meaning. If you say Machen Sie bereit instead of Machen Sie sich bereit, you are no longer preparing yourself, but rather making something else ready.
Examples in context
- Ich muss mich vorbereiten.I've got to get ready.This sentence is useful for expressing a personal need to prepare using vorbereiten.Tatoeba #6772753 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3821247 by CK
- Du musst dich fertig machen.You need to get ready.This sentence shows how to use fertig machen when someone needs to get ready.Tatoeba #3112403 by al_ex_an_der, translation #2276415 by CK
- Ich muss mich fertig machen.I have to get ready.This sentence demonstrates another way to use fertig machen to say one has to get ready.Tatoeba #11058716 by brauchinet, translation #11058671 by CK
- In zehn Minuten startet die Besprechung. Machen Sie sich bitte bereit.The meeting starts in ten minutes. Please get ready.
- Wir gehen gleich einkaufen. Mach dich bereit!We're going shopping soon. Get ready!
- Der Film beginnt in Kürze. Bereite dich vor!The movie will start shortly. Get ready!
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are preparing to leave for a party.
- MaximilianIch muss mich noch schnell bereit machen.I still need to get ready quickly.
- SarahWir müssen in zehn Minuten los!We have to leave in ten minutes!
- MaximilianKeine Sorge, ich mache mich schnell bereit.Don't worry, I'm getting ready quickly.
- SarahGut, ich warte im Auto auf dich.Good, I'll wait for you in the car.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “get ready” translations and entries vorbereiten, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (bereit, machen, fertig, klar) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bereit, fertig, klar, machen, vorbereiten, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
