German Phrase
Mach keine lauten Telefonate.
Meaning
A direct instruction meaning ‘Don’t make loud phone calls.’ It tells the listener to keep the volume down while speaking on the phone, usually because the surrounding environment requires quiet.
When to use
Use this phrase in shared spaces such as libraries, offices, coworking areas, or any setting where loud conversations on the phone would disturb others. It can also be used in a household when someone is being noisy on a call.
✦Grammar Breakdown
MachkeinelautenTelefonate
Imperativ von 'machen'
‘Mach’ is the du‑imperative form of the verb ‘machen’ (to do/make).
Negation with ‘keine’
When negating a plural noun in the accusative, use ‘keine’ (no/none).
Adjektivdeklination (schwach)
After ‘keine’ the adjective takes the weak ending –en: ‘lauten’.
Plural accusative noun
‘Telefonate’ is the plural accusative of ‘das Telefonat’ (phone call).
🗨In Conversation
Entschuldigung, ich muss kurz telefonieren.
Excuse me, I need to make a quick phone call.
Mach keine lauten Telefonate, bitte.
Don’t make loud phone calls, please.
✕Common Mistakes
Mach nicht laute Telefonate.
‘Nicht’ negates verbs or adjectives, not nouns. Use ‘keine’ to negate a plural noun.
Mach keine lauter Telefonate.
After ‘keine’ the adjective takes the weak ending –en, not the strong –er.
Mach keine lauten Telefonat.
If you keep the noun singular, the article must also be singular: ‘Mach kein lautes Telefonat.’
↔Alternatives
Bitte sprich leiser am Telefon.
Please speak more quietly on the phone.
Vermeide laute Telefonate.
Avoid loud phone calls.
Halte das Telefonat leise.
Keep the phone call quiet.
Cultural Tip
German speakers often soften direct imperatives with ‘bitte’ to sound more polite. In formal contexts you might use the Sie‑imperative: ‘Machen Sie keine lauten Telefonate.’ Also note that ‘Telefonate’ is plural; if you refer to a single call, say ‘Mach kein lautes Telefonat.’