How to say "flirt" and "turn on" in German 

German Word of the Day: “anmachen” – This German word, which literally translates as “to make on” can primarily mean two different things:

1) “to turn on” or “to switch on” – e.g. the lights, the computer, the dishwasher, etc.:
“Kannst du bitte das Licht anmachen?” – “Could you please turn on the light?”
2) “to come on to someone” or “to hit on someone”, “to try flirt with someone”:
“Hör auf mich anzumachen.” – “Stop hitting on me.”

Especially when coupled with the word “blöd” (“stupid”), it also has the meaning of “to provoke a fight with someone”.

The opposite, “ausmachen”, has the meaning of “to switch off” (as you would an appliance or the lights), and “to agree on a fixed time” (as in an appointment), “to barely make something out with your eyes” (as in, a distant shape on the horizon), and, lastly, “to mind” (as in, if something is a burden or annoying or unpleasant: “Es macht mir nichts aus” – “It doesn’t bother me”).


Listen up, lurkers!

We filmed an entire beginner German course!


More cool stuff from Expath

The best ways to remember gender in German

How's your German? Take our free online test!

How to get a handle on childcare in Berlin

Join us for small online German classes for English speakers

How to go about finding a flat in Berlin and Germany

All the different ways to say you're exhausted in German

Want to work as a freelancer in Germany but need more info?

Want to live and work in Germany but not sure how to do it?

How to obtain an artist visa for Berlin

How do English speakers find jobs in Germany?

All of Expath's German "words of the day"

How to tell time in German