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German Phrase

Ich versuche, das dreimal pro Woche zu machen.

/ɪç fɛɐ̯ˈzuːxə, das ˈdʁaɪ̯mal pʁo ˈvoːxə tsuː ˈmaːxn/
Meaning"I try to do that three times a week."
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Meaning

The sentence means “I try to do that three times a week.” It expresses an ongoing effort or intention to perform a certain activity with a specific frequency.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you want to talk about a habit you’re trying to establish, such as exercising, studying, or any recurring task you’re working on.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Ichversuche,dasdreimalproWochezumachen

1

Verb + zu‑Infinitiv

After verbs of trying, intending, or planning (e.g., versuchen, planen), the infinitive is introduced with ‘zu’.

2

Substantiviertes Pronomen ‘das’

‘das’ stands in for a previously mentioned activity; it functions as a neuter pronoun.

3

Frequency expression

‘dreimal pro Woche’ literally means ‘three times per week’ and is placed before the infinitive clause.

4

Comma usage

In German, a comma separates the main clause from the infinitive clause when ‘zu’ is used.

🗨In Conversation

A

Ich versuche, das dreimal pro Woche zu machen.

I try to do that three times a week.

Super! Wie fühlst du dich dabei?

Great! How do you feel about it?

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ich versucht, das dreimal pro Woche zu machen.

    ‘Versucht’ is the 3rd‑person singular; you need the 1st‑person ‘versuche’.

  • Ich versuche, das Joggen dreimal pro Woche zu machen.

    If you refer to a specific noun, use the noun itself instead of the pronoun.

  • Ich versuche, das dreimal pro Woche machen.

    Do not omit ‘zu’; the infinitive clause requires it after ‘versuchen’.

  • Ich versuche, das pro Woche dreimal zu machen.

    The order should be ‘dreimal pro Woche’; swapping to ‘pro Woche dreimal’ sounds unnatural.

↔Alternatives

  • Ich bemühe mich, das drei Mal pro Woche zu erledigen.

    I make an effort to get that done three times a week.

  • Ich will das drei Mal pro Woche machen.

    I want to do that three times a week.

  • Ich plane, das drei Mal pro Woche zu tun.

    I plan to do that three times a week.

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Cultural Tip

In German, mentioning a regular schedule (e.g., ‘dreimal pro Woche’) often signals commitment and reliability. When discussing personal goals, it’s common to pair the effort verb (versuchen, bemühen) with a concrete frequency to show seriousness. Avoid over‑promising; Germans appreciate realistic statements.