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German Phrase

Was machst du so am Wochenende?

/vas ˈmaxst duː zoː am ˈvoːxənˌdɛ/

Meaning"What are you doing (like) on the weekend?"

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Meaning

Literally, 'What do you do like on the weekend?' It’s a friendly way to ask someone about their weekend plans or activities, often used when you want to keep the conversation light and informal.

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When to use

Use this phrase in casual conversations with friends, classmates, or coworkers you know well. It’s perfect for small talk after work or school, or when you’re trying to arrange a meetup.

✦Grammar Breakdown

WasmachstdusoamWochenende?

1

Was (question word)

Used to ask 'what?' and starts most 'what' questions in German.

2

machst (machen – 2nd person singular)

Present tense of 'machen' (to do/make) conjugated for 'du'.

3

du (subject pronoun)

Informal 'you' used with friends, family, or peers.

4

so (colloquial filler)

Adds a casual tone, similar to 'like' or 'so' in English.

5

am (an + dem)

Contraction of the preposition 'an' + definite article 'dem', meaning 'on' for dates/times.

6

Wochenende (noun)

Neuter noun meaning 'weekend'; takes the article 'das' in the singular.

🗨In Conversation

A

Hey, was machst du so am Wochenende?

Hey, what are you doing (like) on the weekend?

Ich gehe mit ein paar Freunden wandern. Und du?

I'm going hiking with a few friends. And you?

B

✕Common Mistakes

Was machen du so am Wochenende?
The infinitive 'machen' cannot be used here; you need the conjugated form 'machst' for 'du'.
Was machst Du so am Wochenende?
In the middle of a sentence 'du' stays lowercase; only capitalize at the start of a sentence or in formal writing.
Was machst du so a m Wochenende?
Do not separate the contraction; 'am' must stay together as 'an dem'.

↔Alternatives

Was hast du am Wochenende vor?
What do you have planned for the weekend?
Wie verbringst du dein Wochenende?
How are you spending your weekend?
Hast du am Wochenende etwas vor?
Do you have anything planned for the weekend?

Cultural Tip

In Germany, weekends are often reserved for "Freizeit" (free time) activities such as hiking, meeting friends at a café, or visiting a local "Biergarten." Asking about weekend plans is a common ice‑breaker, but keep the tone informal – avoid overly formal phrasing unless you’re speaking with a senior colleague or a stranger.