En 15 secondes
- Used for both software installations and sharing life news.
- Combines the German verb 'machen' with the English word 'Update'.
- Perfect for office talk, tech issues, or catching up with friends.
Signification
This phrase is used when you are installing the latest software on your devices or giving someone the latest news about a situation. It is the perfect bridge between technology and social life.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6At the office with a slow computer
Ich muss erst mal ein Update machen, mein Laptop ist total langsam.
I have to do an update first; my laptop is really slow.
Meeting a friend after a long time
Wir müssen unbedingt mal wieder ein Update machen!
We definitely need to have an update soon!
Talking about a work project
Können wir heute Nachmittag ein kurzes Update zu dem Projekt machen?
Can we do a quick update on the project this afternoon?
Contexte culturel
In German offices, 'Update' is often used in 'Jour Fixe' meetings. It implies efficiency and brevity. Younger Germans use 'Update' almost exclusively over 'Aktualisierung' because it sounds more modern and global. In Switzerland, English loanwords are very common in business, and 'Update mache' is standard in Swiss German dialects too. Austrians might use 'Neuigkeiten austauschen' in social settings more often than 'Update machen', which can sound a bit 'Prussian' or 'too corporate' to some.
Use it in Slack
In professional digital communication, 'Kurzes Update:' is a perfect way to start a message.
Gender Matters
Always remember it's {das|n} Update. Using 'der Update' is a common beginner mistake.
En 15 secondes
- Used for both software installations and sharing life news.
- Combines the German verb 'machen' with the English word 'Update'.
- Perfect for office talk, tech issues, or catching up with friends.
What It Means
Ein Update machen is a classic example of 'Denglish'—the mix of German and English. You use it exactly like you do in English. It refers to installing new software on your phone or laptop. However, Germans also use it socially. If you haven't seen a friend in weeks, you might 'make an update' on your lives. It is about getting everyone up to speed. It feels modern, efficient, and very common in daily life.
How To Use It
The verb here is machen (to make/do). You conjugate machen based on who is doing the updating. For example, Ich mache ein Update or Wir machen ein Update. If you are talking about a computer, the update is the object. If you are talking to a person, you usually say you are doing an update *on* a specific topic. It is a very flexible phrase. Just don't forget the article ein!
When To Use It
Use it at work when your software is lagging. Your boss will understand why you are staring at a loading bar. Use it with friends when you meet for coffee. It sounds a bit more 'proactive' than just chatting. Use it in a meeting to summarize the current status of a project. It is great for texting too. If someone asks 'What's new?', you can reply that you need to ein Update machen soon.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for physical repairs. If your bike is broken, you don't ein Update machen; you reparieren it. Avoid using it in very traditional, poetic contexts. You wouldn't 'make an update' on your feelings in a love letter. That would sound like you are a robot. Also, if you are just refreshing a website, use aktualisieren instead. Update implies a bigger change or a summary of events.
Cultural Background
Germany is known for engineering and precision. It is no surprise that tech terms have invaded the language. Since the late 90s, English tech terms have become standard in German offices. Using Update makes you sound professional and 'plugged in.' It reflects the fast-paced nature of modern German city life. Even though German has the word Aktualisierung, it sounds a bit stiff. Update is the cool, younger sibling everyone prefers to hang out with.
Common Variations
You will often hear the verb version: jemanden updaten. This means 'to update someone.' For example, Update mich mal! (Update me!). Another variation is auf dem neuesten Stand sein. This means being 'up to date.' While ein Update machen is the action, auf dem Stand sein is the result. Both are essential for surviving a German office environment or a busy social circle.
Notes d'usage
This phrase is incredibly versatile and safe for A2 learners. It sits comfortably in the 'neutral' category, making it appropriate for both the office and the pub.
Use it in Slack
In professional digital communication, 'Kurzes Update:' is a perfect way to start a message.
Gender Matters
Always remember it's {das|n} Update. Using 'der Update' is a common beginner mistake.
Don't overdo it
In very traditional German companies, stick to 'Aktualisierung' to avoid sounding too 'trendy'.
Exemples
6Ich muss erst mal ein Update machen, mein Laptop ist total langsam.
I have to do an update first; my laptop is really slow.
A very common excuse for a quick coffee break at work.
Wir müssen unbedingt mal wieder ein Update machen!
We definitely need to have an update soon!
This implies sharing the latest gossip and life events.
Können wir heute Nachmittag ein kurzes Update zu dem Projekt machen?
Can we do a quick update on the project this afternoon?
Used here as a synonym for a status meeting.
Hier ist ein kleines Update: Der Termin wurde verschoben.
Here is a small update: The appointment has been moved.
Perfect for providing quick information via text.
Mein Gehirn muss heute ein Update machen, ich verstehe gar nichts.
My brain needs to do an update today; I don't understand anything.
A funny way to say you are tired or confused.
Sie haben ein Update zu ihrer Beziehung gemacht.
They gave an update on their relationship.
Used when sharing significant personal news with a group.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of 'machen' and the article for 'Update'.
Gestern ________ ich ein ________ für mein Handy.
The sentence is in the past (Gestern), so 'machte' or 'habe...gemacht' is needed. Since only one blank is provided for the verb, 'machte' fits best.
Which sentence is correct for a social situation?
You want to catch up with a friend.
This is the standard way to suggest catching up.
Match the German phrase to its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are the various nuances of the phrase.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesGestern ________ ich ein ________ für mein Handy.
The sentence is in the past (Gestern), so 'machte' or 'habe...gemacht' is needed. Since only one blank is provided for the verb, 'machte' fits best.
You want to catch up with a friend.
This is the standard way to suggest catching up.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the various nuances of the phrase.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsYes, 'updaten' is becoming a verb, but 'ein Update machen' is more common in spoken German.
Yes, in standard German it is always {das|n} Update.
Absolutely! It's a very common way to catch up on personal news.
The plural is 'die Updates'. You can say 'Ich muss viele Updates machen.'
It's better to say 'Ich möchte Ihnen einen Überblick über meine Erfahrungen geben' in an interview.
Expressions liées
aktualisieren
synonymTo update (verb)
auf dem Laufenden halten
similarTo keep someone posted
ein Upgrade machen
builds onTo upgrade
neu aufsetzen
specialized formTo reinstall from scratch
Bescheid geben
similarTo let someone know
