Hausaufgaben machen
To do homework
Literally: House-tasks make/do
Use it for schoolwork or professional prep, but never for cleaning the house.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for school assignments and university tasks.
- Commonly used in business to mean 'preparation'.
- Always uses the plural form of 'tasks'.
Meaning
This phrase describes the act of completing school assignments or university tasks at home. In a broader sense, it also means doing your preparation or research before a meeting or project.
Key Examples
3 of 6A student talking to a friend
Ich kann nicht spielen, ich muss meine Hausaufgaben machen.
I can't play, I have to do my homework.
A parent asking a child
Hast du deine Hausaufgaben schon gemacht?
Have you already done your homework?
In a professional business meeting
Wir haben unsere Hausaufgaben gemacht und die Zahlen geprüft.
We have done our homework and checked the numbers.
Cultural Background
In Germany, education is highly structured, and homework is seen as a vital part of self-discipline. The transition of this phrase into the business world reflects the German emphasis on 'Vorbereitung' (preparation) as a prerequisite for any successful discussion.
The 'Hausis' Shortcut
If you want to sound like a local teenager, use the word `Hausis`. It makes the chore sound a little less painful!
Don't Clean the Homework
Never confuse `Hausaufgaben` with `Hausarbeit`. If you tell your boss you did your `Hausarbeit`, they might think you spent the day mopping your floors instead of working.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for school assignments and university tasks.
- Commonly used in business to mean 'preparation'.
- Always uses the plural form of 'tasks'.
What It Means
Hausaufgaben machen is the bread and butter of student life. It simply means sitting down to finish the work your teacher assigned. But wait, there is a twist! In the adult world, it means being prepared. If you research a client before a meeting, you are doing your homework. It is about being diligent and ready.
How To Use It
The phrase uses the verb machen, which means 'to do' or 'to make'. You must conjugate machen to match the person speaking. For example, ich mache or wir machen. The word Hausaufgaben is almost always plural in German. Even if you only have one math problem, you still use the plural form. You can add possessive pronouns like meine (my) or deine (your) to be specific.
When To Use It
Use this phrase daily if you are a student or parent. It is perfect for explaining why you cannot go out. 'I have to do my homework' is a classic excuse. In the office, use it to show you have prepared well. Tell your boss you did your Hausaufgaben regarding the new market trends. It sounds professional and proactive. You will hear it in schools, libraries, and corporate boardrooms alike.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this phrase for physical chores around the house. Cleaning the toilet or vacuuming is Hausarbeit or Haushalt, not Hausaufgaben. Do not use it for cooking dinner either. If you use it for chores, Germans will think you are studying your broom! Also, avoid using it for 'working from home' (that is Homeoffice). It is strictly for learning or preparation tasks.
Cultural Background
Germans value Gründlichkeit (thoroughness) and Fleiß (diligence). Doing your homework is a sign of respect for the teacher and the subject. In German business culture, showing up unprepared is a big no-no. The phrase has migrated from the classroom to the office to emphasize this value. Even politicians are often told by the media to 'do their homework' on new laws.
Common Variations
Kids often shorten the word to Hausis to sound more casual. You might hear Hausis machen on the playground. In some regions, like Bavaria, people might say Schulaufgaben. Another variation is seine Hausaufgaben erledigen, which sounds a bit more formal and final. It means you have successfully 'dealt with' or 'completed' them.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and safe for all contexts. Remember that 'Hausaufgaben' is a plural noun, so any adjectives or pronouns must also be plural (e.g., 'meine', 'viele').
The 'Hausis' Shortcut
If you want to sound like a local teenager, use the word `Hausis`. It makes the chore sound a little less painful!
Don't Clean the Homework
Never confuse `Hausaufgaben` with `Hausarbeit`. If you tell your boss you did your `Hausarbeit`, they might think you spent the day mopping your floors instead of working.
Business Prep
In German meetings, saying 'Ich habe meine Hausaufgaben gemacht' is a high compliment to yourself. it means you are 100% prepared.
Examples
6Ich kann nicht spielen, ich muss meine Hausaufgaben machen.
I can't play, I have to do my homework.
Standard usage for a student.
Hast du deine Hausaufgaben schon gemacht?
Have you already done your homework?
A very common question in German households.
Wir haben unsere Hausaufgaben gemacht und die Zahlen geprüft.
We have done our homework and checked the numbers.
Here it means 'we have prepared thoroughly'.
Hilfst du mir bei den Hausis?
Will you help me with the homework?
Uses the cute slang 'Hausis'.
Mein Hund hat meine Hausaufgaben gefressen.
My dog ate my homework.
The universal student excuse works in German too.
Ich hasse es, am Sonntag Hausaufgaben zu machen!
I hate doing homework on Sunday!
Expresses strong emotion about the task.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'machen'.
Wir ___ heute zusammen unsere Hausaufgaben.
Since the subject is 'wir' (we), the verb must be 'machen'.
Choose the correct noun for school assignments.
Hast du deine ___ für morgen fertig?
'Hausaufgaben' refers to school tasks, while 'Hausarbeit' usually refers to housework or a university thesis.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Hausaufgaben machen'
Using 'Hausis' with friends.
Hausis machen.
Standard school or home talk.
Hausaufgaben machen.
Used in meetings for preparation.
Seine Hausaufgaben machen.
Where to use 'Hausaufgaben machen'
At School
The teacher asks if you're done.
At Home
Telling your parents you're busy.
In the Office
Proving you researched a project.
University
Studying for a seminar.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, in 99% of cases, it is plural. Even if you have just one exercise, you say Ich mache meine Hausaufgaben.
No, Hausaufgaben tun sounds very unnatural. Always stick with the collocation Hausaufgaben machen.
Hausaufgaben are school tasks. Hausarbeit refers to chores like cleaning, or a long academic term paper at university.
Absolutely! Adults use it metaphorically to mean they have prepared for a meeting or a difficult conversation.
You say: Ich habe meine Hausaufgaben vergessen.
Yes, Hausis is the most common slang version used by students.
Yes, it is neutral. Using it in a professional context like Wir haben unsere Hausaufgaben gemacht is perfectly fine.
In some regions like Bavaria, Schulaufgaben can mean homework, but it often specifically refers to scheduled classroom tests.
You say: Ich mache gerade meine Hausaufgaben.
Yes, though university students often use more specific terms like lernen (to study) or Übungsblätter (exercise sheets).
Related Phrases
Lernen
To study or learn
Vorbereitungen treffen
To make preparations
Hausarbeit erledigen
To do housework or chores
Etwas vorbereiten
To prepare something
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