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German Phrase

Ich mache Hausaufgaben.

/ɪç ˈmaːçə ˈhaʊ̯sˌʔaʊ̯fˌɡaːbn̩/
Meaning"I am doing homework."
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Meaning

This sentence means “I am doing homework.” It uses the verb machen (to do/make) with the noun Hausaufgaben (homework) to describe an ongoing activity. In German, you often use machen for tasks like homework, chores, or projects.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you want to tell someone that you are currently working on your school assignments, whether in a classroom, at home, or in a study group. It’s a neutral, everyday statement suitable for both spoken and written contexts.

✦Grammar Breakdown

IchmacheHausaufgaben

1

Subject Pronoun (Ich)

Ich means “I” and is the first‑person singular pronoun. In German, the subject is always explicitly stated.

2

Verb Conjugation (mache)

Machen is a regular verb. In the present tense, the ich‑form adds –e: ich mache, du machst, er/sie/es macht, etc.

3

Noun (Hausaufgaben)

Hausaufgaben is a plural noun (die Hausaufgaben) meaning “homework.” Plural nouns take the article die and the verb does not change because the noun is the object, not the subject.

🗨In Conversation

A

Was machst du gerade?

What are you doing right now?

Ich mache Hausaufgaben.

I’m doing homework.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ich mache Hausaufgabe.

    Avoid using "machen" with a singular form; "Hausaufgabe" (singular) would require a different construction, e.g., "Ich mache meine Hausaufgabe."

  • Ich mache die Hausaufgaben.

    Do not add an article before Hausaufgaben unless you use a possessive, e.g., "meine Hausaufgaben."

  • Ich mache Hausaufgaben jetzt.

    While not wrong, native speakers prefer the adverb placement "Jetzt mache ich Hausaufgaben." for emphasis.

↔Alternatives

  • Ich erledige meine Hausaufgaben.

    I am completing my homework.

  • Ich arbeite an meinen Hausaufgaben.

    I am working on my homework.

  • Ich habe Hausaufgaben zu machen.

    I have homework to do.

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Cultural Tip

In German schools, "Hausaufgaben" are a standard part of daily learning, and students often discuss them with friends after class. While "machen" is common, "erledigen" sounds a bit more formal and is used when emphasizing that the task is finished. Be aware that in some regions, especially in Austria, you might hear "Hausaufgaben machen" replaced by "Hausaufgaben erledigen" more frequently.