Zusagen machen
To make commitments
Littéralement: To make affirmations / To make promises
Use this when you want to sound reliable and officially commit to a plan or offer.
En 15 secondes
- Giving a firm 'yes' to an offer or invitation.
- Stronger and more official than a casual agreement.
- Used frequently in business, event planning, and formal socializing.
Signification
This phrase is used when you officially say 'yes' to a request, offer, or invitation. It’s about giving a firm commitment rather than just a vague 'maybe.'
Exemples clés
3 sur 6In a business meeting about a project
Wir können heute noch keine festen Zusagen machen.
We cannot make any firm commitments today.
Planning a birthday party
Ich habe schon zehn Zusagen für meine Party erhalten.
I have already received ten confirmations for my party.
Texting a friend about dinner
Ich mache dir jetzt die Zusage: Ich bin dabei!
I'm giving you the 'yes' now: I'm in!
Contexte culturel
In Germany, reliability (Zuverlässigkeit) is a core cultural value. Making a 'Zusage' is often treated with the same weight as a written contract, especially in business and formal social events like weddings. The concept is rooted in the traditional 'Kaufmannsehre' (merchant's honor), where a verbal agreement was legally binding.
The Verb Alternative
In casual speech, just use the verb 'zusagen'. It is much more common to say 'Ich habe zugesagt' than 'Ich habe eine Zusage gemacht'.
Don't be a 'Jein' Person
Germans value a clear 'Yes' or 'No'. If you make a 'Zusage' and then cancel, it's seen as a bigger deal than in some other cultures.
En 15 secondes
- Giving a firm 'yes' to an offer or invitation.
- Stronger and more official than a casual agreement.
- Used frequently in business, event planning, and formal socializing.
What It Means
Imagine you are at a crossroads. You have been invited to a big party. You have been offered a new job. Zusagen machen is the moment you stop hesitating. You say, "Yes, I am in." It is about giving a firm "yes." It is not just a casual "sure." It carries real weight. You are making a commitment to someone else. In your head, you are closing the door on other options. You are giving your word.
How To Use It
You usually use this with a person or a group. You make a Zusage to someone. In German, we use the dative case for the person. You would say, jemandem eine Zusage machen. It sounds a bit more official than just saying "yes." You can use it as a plural too. Zusagen machen refers to the general act of committing. It is very common in professional planning. It is also common in social organizing. You might hear it when people talk about event numbers.
When To Use It
Use it in professional settings. Use it when you are planning events. If you are organizing a wedding, you need Zusagen. If you are applying for an apartment, you want a Zusage. It is perfect for situations where clarity is king. It shows you are a reliable person. Use it when you want to sound decisive. It works well in emails. It works well in meetings. Use it when you finally decide to go to that weekend trip.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for tiny, everyday things. If a friend asks for the salt, don't say you're making a Zusage. That sounds like you are a robot. It is too heavy for small favors. Also, avoid it if you are still "checking your calendar." A Zusage is final. If you break it, people might get grumpy. Only use it when you are 100% sure. Don't use it for secrets. That would be a Versprechen.
Cultural Background
Germans love their calendars. We love reliability even more. A Zusage is almost like a contract. There is an old saying: "Ein Mann, ein Wort." It means your word should be your bond. If you make a Zusage, you better show up. It is part of the social glue here. Reliability is a high virtue in Germany. Breaking a Zusage without a very good reason is seen as rude. It can even damage your professional reputation.
Common Variations
You will often hear verbindliche Zusage. That means it is legally or socially binding. Then there is the Absage. That is the opposite—saying "no." You might also hear the verb zusagen. This is the most common way to say "to accept." For example, "Ich habe für die Party zugesagt." You might also hear feste Zusagen. This emphasizes that the commitment is solid. People use this when they need to order food for a group.
Notes d'usage
The phrase is highly versatile but leans towards formal or organized contexts. In everyday texting, the verb 'zusagen' is usually preferred over the full collocation 'Zusagen machen'.
The Verb Alternative
In casual speech, just use the verb 'zusagen'. It is much more common to say 'Ich habe zugesagt' than 'Ich habe eine Zusage gemacht'.
Don't be a 'Jein' Person
Germans value a clear 'Yes' or 'No'. If you make a 'Zusage' and then cancel, it's seen as a bigger deal than in some other cultures.
The Apartment Secret
In the competitive German housing market, a 'Zusage' from a landlord is the holy grail. If you get one, act fast!
Exemples
6Wir können heute noch keine festen Zusagen machen.
We cannot make any firm commitments today.
Used here to manage expectations when things are still uncertain.
Ich habe schon zehn Zusagen für meine Party erhalten.
I have already received ten confirmations for my party.
Uses the noun form to count how many people said 'yes'.
Ich mache dir jetzt die Zusage: Ich bin dabei!
I'm giving you the 'yes' now: I'm in!
A bit more emphatic than just saying 'I'm coming'.
Ich mache meinem Salat keine Zusagen, solange Pizza im Raum ist.
I'm not making any commitments to my salad as long as there is pizza in the room.
Uses the formal weight of the word for a funny contrast.
Du darfst keine Zusagen machen, die du nicht halten kannst.
You shouldn't make commitments that you cannot keep.
Focuses on the responsibility that comes with giving your word.
Die Firma hat mir gestern die Zusage gemacht.
The company gave me the confirmation/job offer yesterday.
Standard way to say you got the job.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
Ich kann dir erst morgen eine ___ machen, wenn ich meinen Kalender geprüft habe.
You make a 'Zusage' (commitment) after checking if you are free.
Complete the professional phrase.
Wir müssen erst die Details klären, bevor wir verbindliche Zusagen ___.
The standard collocation is 'Zusagen machen'.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of Saying Yes
Just saying 'Bin dabei' (I'm in).
Bin dabei!
The standard way to commit.
Ich mache eine Zusage.
A binding, official confirmation.
Eine verbindliche Zusage erteilen.
When to use 'Zusagen machen'
Job Market
Getting a job offer.
Event Planning
RSVPing to a wedding.
Real Estate
Confirming an apartment rental.
Business Deals
Finalizing a contract.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsA 'Zusage' is usually for plans or offers (like a job or party). A 'Versprechen' is a personal promise, often more emotional or moral.
It is neutral to slightly formal. You can use it at work or when organizing events, but it might sound a bit stiff for a quick coffee date.
You could, but it sounds very business-like. Better to say 'Ich komme gerne' or 'Ich freue mich'.
It means a 'binding commitment.' If you say this, you are legally or socially obligated to follow through.
You can say: 'Ich kann mich noch nicht festlegen' or 'Ich kann noch keine Zusage machen'.
Yes! When a university accepts you, they send you a 'Zusage'.
The opposite is 'Absage' (a rejection or cancellation).
Not really. It is a social act. For yourself, you would use 'sich etwas vornehmen' (to plan to do something).
Both are correct. 'Machen' is very common, while 'geben' sounds a bit more like you are handing over a decision.
You are giving an 'Absage'. In Germany, it is polite to do this as early as possible so others can plan.
Expressions liées
Jemandem sein Wort geben
Sich festlegen
Eine Einladung annehmen
Etwas bestätigen
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