einen Vorschlag machen

This is a classic "Nomen-Verb-Verbindung" or a noun-verb combination. The noun is Vorschlag and the verb is machen. Because Vorschlag is masculine, you will almost always see it as einen Vorschlag in the accusative case. If you have multiple ideas, you can say Vorschläge machen. You can place the phrase at the start of a sentence to be direct. For example: Ich möchte einen Vorschlag machen. If you want to be softer, you can turn it into a question. Use Darf ich einen Vorschlag machen? to sound extra polite. It is a flexible tool for your linguistic toolbox.

You can use this phrase in almost any setting. At work, use it during a brainstorming session to show initiative. At home, use it when deciding what to cook for dinner. It is perfect for texting when a group chat is stuck in a loop of indecision. It is also great for resolving small conflicts. If two people are arguing, you can step in and einen Vorschlag machen to find a middle ground. It is a very positive, forward-looking expression that people always appreciate hearing.

Do not use this phrase if you are giving a direct order or a command. If you are the boss and you are telling someone what to do, calling it a "suggestion" might sound sarcastic or passive-aggressive. Also, avoid it for professional medical or legal advice. In those cases, Germans prefer the verb empfehlen (to recommend). A suggestion is usually optional and open for discussion. If the thing you are saying is a fact or a requirement, this is the wrong phrase. Don't use it if you aren't actually offering a solution, or you might confuse your listeners!

Germans deeply value the concept of "Konsens" (consensus). In German culture, it is common to discuss an idea thoroughly before making a final decision. Making a suggestion is seen as a sign of being a "Teamplayer." It shows you are thinking critically and want to contribute to the group's success. In German offices, there is often a flat hierarchy during brainstorming. This means even an intern is encouraged to einen Vorschlag machen. It is a phrase that bridges the gap between being silent and being bossy, which fits the German ideal of direct but respectful communication.

Once you master the basic phrase, you can start adding flavors to it. If you have a better idea than someone else, you can einen Gegenvorschlag machen (make a counter-suggestion). This is very common in negotiations. You can also einen Vorschlag annehmen (accept a suggestion) or einen Vorschlag ablehnen (reject a suggestion). If you want to say the suggestion was great, you can call it ein guter Vorschlag. If you want to talk about the process, you can say wir müssen einen Vorschlag ausarbeiten, which means you are working out the details of the plan.