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German Phrase

Ich mach den Abwasch nach dem Essen.

/ɪç max deːn ˈapˌvaʃ nax deːm ˈɛsən/
Meaning"I'll do the dishes after eating."
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Meaning

This phrase is a common way to volunteer for cleaning up after a meal. It uses the verb 'machen' (to make/do) colloquially instead of the more formal 'abwaschen' or 'spülen'.

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When to use

Use this in casual settings with friends, family, or roommates to indicate you will handle the cleanup once everyone is finished eating.

✦Grammar Breakdown

IchmachdenAbwaschnachdemEssen

1

mach

A colloquial shortening of 'mache'. In spoken German, the final 'e' in first-person singular verbs is often dropped.

2

nach dem

'Nach' is a dative preposition. Even though 'Essen' is a neuter noun (das Essen), it changes to 'dem' in the dative case.

🗨In Conversation

A

Wer räumt heute die Küche auf?

Who is tidying up the kitchen today?

Ich mach den Abwasch nach dem Essen.

I'll do the dishes after eating.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ich mache die Abwasch nach dem Essen.

    'Abwasch' is masculine, so in the accusative case it must be 'den'.

  • Ich mache den Abwasch nach das Essen.

    The preposition 'nach' always requires the dative case, so 'das' becomes 'dem'.

↔Alternatives

  • Ich spüle nachher.

    I'll wash up later.

  • Ich kümmere mich um das Geschirr.

    I'll take care of the dishes.

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Cultural Tip

In Germany, clarity regarding household chores is highly valued to maintain harmony in shared living spaces (WGs). Offering to do the dishes 'nach dem Essen' is a polite way to contribute to the household.