die Heizung anmachen
To turn on heating
Littéralement: the heating on-make
Use this neutral phrase whenever you want to start the heating at home, work, or in cars.
En 15 secondes
- Used to turn on any indoor heating system.
- Uses the separable verb 'anmachen' (to turn on).
- Essential for German winters and daily life.
Signification
This phrase is what you say when you want to get cozy. It literally means to turn on the radiator or central heating system because it's getting chilly inside.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6At home with a roommate
Es ist echt kalt hier, ich mache mal die Heizung an.
It's really cold in here, I'm going to turn the heating on.
In a shared office
Wäre es okay, wenn ich die Heizung anmache?
Would it be okay if I turn the heating on?
Texting a partner before arriving home
Kannst du bitte schon mal die Heizung anmachen?
Can you please turn the heating on already?
Contexte culturel
In Germany, heating is regulated by law; landlords must ensure apartments can reach at least 20-22°C during the day. There is a strong cultural emphasis on efficiency, leading to the practice of 'Stoßlüften' (shock ventilation) where windows are opened briefly but fully while the heat is off. Energy prices are high in Germany, so 'die Heizung anmachen' is often a conscious financial decision.
The Dial Secret
On German radiators, setting the dial to '3' usually targets about 20°C. Turning it to '5' won't heat the room faster; it just tells the radiator to keep going until it reaches 28°C!
Ventilation Protocol
Never leave the windows tilted (auf Kipp) while you 'die Heizung anmachen'. It wastes energy and drives Germans crazy. Turn it off, open wide, then close and turn back on.
En 15 secondes
- Used to turn on any indoor heating system.
- Uses the separable verb 'anmachen' (to turn on).
- Essential for German winters and daily life.
What It Means
die Heizung anmachen is your best friend during a German winter. It simply means to turn on the heat. Whether you are turning a physical dial on a radiator or clicking a button on a smart thermostat, this is the phrase you need. It is straightforward and essential for survival between October and April.
How To Use It
German uses the verb anmachen for many electrical or mechanical things. Since anmachen is a separable verb, the an flies to the very end of the sentence. For example, you would say: Ich mache die Heizung an. If you are asking a question, it becomes: Kannst du die Heizung anmachen? It is simple, effective, and keeps you from freezing.
When To Use It
Use this the moment your nose starts feeling cold indoors. You will use it at home with your roommates, in the office when the morning chill lingers, or even in a car. It is a very common request. If you are visiting a German friend and you are shivering, it is perfectly polite to ask them to die Heizung anmachen—though they might suggest you put on a sweater first!
When NOT To Use It
Do not use anmachen if you are talking about lighting a fire in a fireplace; for that, use anzünden. Also, avoid using it for putting on clothes, even if they keep you warm. That would be anziehen. Finally, be careful with anmachen in romantic contexts—it can also mean 'to hit on someone,' but context usually makes it clear you are talking about the radiator, not the person!
Cultural Background
Heating in Germany is a serious topic. Most German homes use hot-water radiators with a dial numbered 1 to 5. There is a legal 'heating period' (Heizperiode) from October to April where landlords must ensure the heat works. Also, watch out for the 'Stoßlüften' culture. Germans will turn the heating off, open all windows for five minutes to get fresh air, and then die Heizung anmachen again. It is a national ritual.
Common Variations
You might also hear die Heizung einschalten, which is a bit more formal or technical. Another very common one is die Heizung aufdrehen. This literally means 'to turn up' the heat, referring to the physical act of twisting the radiator valve. If you want to turn it off, just swap an for aus: die Heizung ausmachen.
Notes d'usage
This is a neutral, everyday collocation. The main 'gotcha' is the separable verb structure: 'an' must go to the end of the clause unless using a modal verb like 'können'.
The Dial Secret
On German radiators, setting the dial to '3' usually targets about 20°C. Turning it to '5' won't heat the room faster; it just tells the radiator to keep going until it reaches 28°C!
Ventilation Protocol
Never leave the windows tilted (auf Kipp) while you 'die Heizung anmachen'. It wastes energy and drives Germans crazy. Turn it off, open wide, then close and turn back on.
The 'Anmachen' Double Meaning
While 'die Heizung anmachen' is safe, 'jemanden anmachen' means to hit on someone or provoke them. Stick to objects like lights and heaters to avoid awkward stares!
Exemples
6Es ist echt kalt hier, ich mache mal die Heizung an.
It's really cold in here, I'm going to turn the heating on.
A very common, casual way to announce you're warming up the room.
Wäre es okay, wenn ich die Heizung anmache?
Would it be okay if I turn the heating on?
A polite way to ask for consensus in a professional setting.
Kannst du bitte schon mal die Heizung anmachen?
Can you please turn the heating on already?
Using 'schon mal' implies doing it in advance of arrival.
Soll ich die Heizung anmachen oder ziehen wir einfach drei Pullis an?
Should I turn the heat on or do we just put on three sweaters?
A classic joke about high German energy prices.
Ich muss sofort die Heizung anmachen, meine Füße sind wie Eis!
I have to turn the heating on immediately, my feet are like ice!
Expresses a strong physical need for warmth.
Abends musst du im Wohnzimmer die Heizung anmachen.
In the evenings, you need to turn the heating on in the living room.
Giving clear instructions using the phrase.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the separable verb.
Ich ___ die Heizung ___.
In a simple present tense sentence, the prefix 'an' goes to the end of the sentence.
Choose the most natural object for the verb 'anmachen' in a cold room.
Es zieht! Bitte mach die ___ an.
'Heizung' (heating) is the logical thing to turn on when it's cold or drafty.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'Heizung anmachen'
Used with friends: 'Mach mal die Heizung an!'
Casual
Standard everyday usage for all situations.
Standard
In formal writing, 'einschalten' is preferred.
Technical
Where to use 'die Heizung anmachen'
At Home
Warming up the living room.
In the Car
Defrosting the windows.
At the Office
Asking colleagues before heating.
In a Hotel
Asking the reception how it works.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, you can also say die Heizung einschalten (more formal) or die Heizung aufdrehen (referring to the physical dial).
Yes, you can say die Klimaanlage anmachen for AC, though AC is much less common in German homes.
The opposite is ausmachen. For example: Vergiss nicht, die Heizung auszumachen, wenn du gehst.
Not at all, especially if you are visibly cold. Just say: Dürfte ich vielleicht die Heizung anmachen?
Energy is expensive and the winters are long, so managing the Heizung is a major part of household logistics.
Not really. Starten is for engines or computers. For heating, stick to anmachen or einschalten.
It means 'the heating is running' or 'the heating is on' right now.
No, it is a standard, neutral verb used by everyone from children to professionals.
You still use anmachen. You might tell your smart speaker: Heizung im Wohnzimmer anmachen.
Yes, the physical radiator is called der Heizkörper, but people usually just say die Heizung.
Expressions liées
die Heizung ausmachen
to turn off the heating
die Heizung aufdrehen
to turn up the heating (literally 'to twist open')
Stoßlüften
shock ventilation (opening windows wide briefly)
Frieren
to freeze / to be cold
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