German Phrase
Wie viele Wiederholungen soll ich machen?
Meaning
The sentence asks for the recommended number of repetitions in an exercise set. It is a polite way to request guidance from a trainer, a workout partner, or a fitness app.
When to use
Use this phrase in a gym, fitness class, or at home when you’re unsure how many times you should repeat a movement (e.g., push‑ups, squats, or a weight‑lifting set). It works both in formal settings (talking to a trainer) and informal ones (asking a friend).
✦Grammar Breakdown
WievieleWiederholungensollichmachen
Wie (Fragewort)
‘Wie’ introduces a question about manner, quantity or degree. Here it asks for a number.
viele (Quantifier)
‘viele’ is the plural form of ‘viel’ and must agree with the plural noun ‘Wiederholungen’.
Wiederholungen (Plural noun)
A countable noun, plural ending –en. Means ‘repetitions’ in a workout context.
soll (Modalverb)
‘sollen’ expresses recommendation or advice. Conjugated for ‘ich’ (first person singular).
ich (Personalpronomen)
Subject pronoun ‘I’, required because the modal verb ‘sollen’ needs a subject.
machen (Infinitiv)
Infinitive verb meaning ‘to do / to perform’. With a modal verb it stays in the infinitive.
🗨In Conversation
Wie viele Wiederholungen soll ich machen?
How many repetitions should I do?
Mach zehn Wiederholungen, dann machst du drei Sätze.
Do ten repetitions, then you’ll do three sets.
✕Common Mistakes
Wie viel Wiederholungen soll ich machen?
‘Wie viel’ is used with uncountable nouns; ‘Wiederholungen’ is countable, so you need ‘wie viele’.
Wie viele Wiederholungen soll ich tun?
Learners sometimes replace ‘machen’ with ‘tun’, which sounds odd in a gym context. ‘machen’ is the natural verb here.
Wie viele Wiederholungen muss ich machen?
Using ‘muss ich’ sounds too demanding; ‘soll ich’ conveys a request for advice.
↔Alternatives
Wie oft soll ich das trainieren?
How often should I train this?
Wie viele Wiederholungen empfehlst du mir?
How many repetitions do you recommend for me?
Wie viele Wiederholungen sind ideal für mich?
How many repetitions are ideal for me?
Cultural Tip
In German gyms it’s common to ask for exact numbers rather than vague advice. Trainers often give a specific range (e.g., 8‑12 Wiederholungen). Using ‘soll ich’ sounds polite and shows you respect the trainer’s expertise. Avoid overly casual phrasing like ‘Wie viel mach ich?’ – the correct plural form ‘viele Wiederholungen’ is expected.