Brot backen

You use this phrase just like any other activity. If someone asks what you're doing, you say Ich backe Brot. If you want to invite a friend over for a cozy afternoon, you might ask Wollen wir zusammen Brot backen?. It’s a very straightforward collocation. Just remember that backen is an irregular verb in some forms, but for A2 level, ich backe and du backst will get you through most conversations.

Use this when discussing your hobbies or weekend plans. It’s a great conversation starter in Germany because everyone has a favorite type of bread. You can use it when texting a friend to show off your latest sourdough creation. It’s also appropriate in a professional setting if you’re talking about work-life balance or traditional crafts. If you’re at a local market, you might ask a vendor if they selber backen (bake it themselves).

Don't use backen if you are just putting a pre-made loaf in the toaster; that is toasten. Also, don't use it if you are heating up pre-baked rolls from the supermarket; that is aufbacken. Avoid using it for cooking things like meat or vegetables in the oven—that’s usually braten or garen. If you say Ich backe Fleisch, Germans might look at you like you've invented a very strange new cake.

Bread is sacred in Germany. It’s part of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list! The German Abendbrot (evening bread) is a traditional dinner consisting of bread, cheese, and meats. Because bread is so central to the diet, many Germans take great pride in baking their own, especially sourdough (Sauerteig). It’s a way to connect with the past and ensure the crust is exactly as crunchy as they like it.

You will often hear frisches Brot backen (to bake fresh bread) or selber Brot backen (to bake bread yourself). If you’re making small rolls, you’d say Brötchen backen. If you’re using a machine, you might mention your Brotbackautomat. No matter the variation, the focus is always on that perfect, floury result.