German Phrase
Machst du Besorgungen?
Meaning
Literally ‘Are you doing errands?’, this phrase is used to ask whether someone is going out to take care of small tasks such as shopping, picking up dry‑cleaning, or buying groceries. It’s a casual, everyday question.
When to use
Use it when you want to know if a friend, family member, or colleague is heading out to run errands, or when you’re offering to join them. It works best in informal conversation; in a formal setting switch to ‘Machen Sie Besorgungen?’
✦Grammar Breakdown
MachstduBesorgungen?
Verb conjugation – machen
‘Machst’ is the 2nd‑person singular present of ‘machen’ (to do/make). In questions the verb comes first.
Pronoun – du
‘du’ is the informal singular ‘you’. Use ‘Sie’ for a formal address.
Noun – Besorgungen
‘Besorgungen’ is a plural noun meaning ‘errands’. The idiom is ‘Besorgungen machen’ (to run errands).
? – question particle
The question mark indicates the whole clause is a yes/no question.
🗨In Conversation
Machst du Besorgungen?
Are you running errands?
Ja, ich muss Milch und Brot kaufen.
Yes, I need to buy milk and bread.
✕Common Mistakes
Machst du einkaufen?
‘Einkaufen’ is not combined with ‘machen’; you should say ‘Gehst du einkaufen?’ or ‘Kaufst du ein?’.
Machst du Besorgung?
‘Besorgung’ in singular sounds odd in this idiom; the phrase always uses the plural ‘Besorgungen’.
Du machst Besorgungen?
In yes/no questions the verb must precede the subject; the correct order is ‘Machst du …?’.
↔Alternatives
Gehst du einkaufen?
Are you going shopping?
Hast du noch etwas zu erledigen?
Do you have anything else to take care of?
Willst du etwas besorgen?
Do you want to fetch something?
Cultural Tip
‘Besorgungen machen’ is a set phrase in German for everyday chores. It’s informal, so reserve it for people you address with ‘du’. In the south of Germany you’ll also hear ‘Besorgungen erledigen’. When speaking politely or to strangers, use the formal ‘Machen Sie Besorgungen?’ or simply ask ‘Kann ich Ihnen helfen?’.