15초 만에
- Used when starting a journey or leaving a location.
- Requires reflexive pronouns like 'mich', 'dich', or 'sich'.
- Sounds more active and intentional than simply saying 'go'.
뜻
This phrase is what you say when you're literally starting your journey. It’s like telling someone, 'I’m heading out now' or 'I’m hitting the road.'
주요 예문
3 / 6Leaving a friend's apartment
Es ist schon spät, ich mache mich jetzt auf den Weg.
It's already late; I'm heading out now.
Starting a business trip
Wir machen uns morgen früh auf den Weg nach Berlin.
We are setting off for Berlin tomorrow morning.
Texting a date to say you're leaving
Ich mache mich gerade auf den Weg, bis gleich!
I'm just heading out, see you soon!
문화적 배경
Hiking ({das|n} Wandern) is a national pastime. You will often hear this phrase at trailheads or mountain huts. In the Alps, 'sich auf den Weg machen' can imply a serious undertaking due to changing weather conditions. Punctuality is key. If you say you are 'making yourself on the way', it is a commitment to a specific arrival time. In WhatsApp culture, 'Bin auf dem Weg' (I'm on the way) is the short version, but 'Mache mich auf den Weg' is used to signal the exact moment of departure.
The 'Leaving' Signal
Use this phrase at a party to signal you are leaving without being rude. It sounds intentional and planned.
Reflexive Check
Always check your subject. If 'Wir' is the subject, use 'uns'. If 'Ihr' is the subject, use 'euch'.
15초 만에
- Used when starting a journey or leaving a location.
- Requires reflexive pronouns like 'mich', 'dich', or 'sich'.
- Sounds more active and intentional than simply saying 'go'.
What It Means
sich auf den Weg machen is a beautiful, active way to say you are leaving. It doesn't just mean 'to go.' It captures the specific moment you decide to start moving. Think of it as the transition from sitting to traveling. It sounds more intentional than just gehen. It implies you have a destination in mind. You aren't just wandering; you are 'making' your path.
How To Use It
This is a reflexive phrase, so you need the right pronouns. You say Ich mache mich, Du machst dich, or Wir machen uns. It’s like you are physically preparing yourself for the journey. You follow it with auf den Weg. If you want to say where you are going, add zu or nach. For example, Ich mache mich auf den Weg zu dir. It’s a very flexible structure. Just don't forget that mich/dich/sich part!
When To Use It
Use this when you are standing up to leave a friend's house. It’s perfect for that 'well, better get going' moment. Use it when you start a long-planned road trip. It works great in professional emails too. You might tell a client, 'I am heading to the office now.' It shows you are being proactive. It's the ultimate 'action' phrase for departure.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this if you are already halfway there. If you are on the bus, you are unterwegs, not sich auf den Weg machen. Don't use it for tiny movements, like going to the kitchen. That would sound like you're planning an epic quest for a sandwich. Avoid it if you're being forced to leave. It usually implies a voluntary start.
Cultural Background
Germans value punctuality and clear communication. Saying you are 'making yourself on the way' provides a clear status update. It’s deeply rooted in the German love for hiking and walking. Historically, 'the way' was something you had to actively conquer. Today, it’s a polite way to signal the end of a social visit. It bridges the gap between staying and being gone.
Common Variations
If you want to be funny, use sich auf die Socken machen. That literally means 'to make oneself on the socks.' It’s very informal and cute. For a more formal or sudden departure, you might hear aufbrechen. But sich auf den Weg machen remains the gold standard. It’s the most natural way to announce your departure. It sounds friendly, capable, and ready for adventure.
사용 참고사항
The phrase is highly versatile and fits almost any context from casual to professional. Ensure you match the reflexive pronoun to the subject (ich/mich, wir/uns).
The 'Leaving' Signal
Use this phrase at a party to signal you are leaving without being rude. It sounds intentional and planned.
Reflexive Check
Always check your subject. If 'Wir' is the subject, use 'uns'. If 'Ihr' is the subject, use 'euch'.
Metaphorical Power
Use this in job interviews to talk about starting a new career path. It shows high-level language control.
Punctuality
In Germany, saying this means you are actually moving. Don't say it if you're still in bed!
예시
6Es ist schon spät, ich mache mich jetzt auf den Weg.
It's already late; I'm heading out now.
A very common way to politely end a visit.
Wir machen uns morgen früh auf den Weg nach Berlin.
We are setting off for Berlin tomorrow morning.
Shows a planned, professional departure.
Ich mache mich gerade auf den Weg, bis gleich!
I'm just heading out, see you soon!
Perfect for giving a real-time status update.
Kommt Kinder, wir müssen uns jetzt auf den Weg machen!
Come on kids, we have to get going now!
Used to create a sense of urgency.
Sobald der Chef wegguckt, mache ich mich auf den Weg.
As soon as the boss looks away, I'm making a run for it.
Uses the phrase to imply a 'sneaky' departure.
Es fällt mir schwer, aber ich muss mich nun auf den Weg machen.
It's hard for me, but I must set off now.
The phrase carries weight in a significant life transition.
셀프 테스트
Fill in the correct reflexive pronoun and article.
Ich mache ____ auf ____ Weg.
Reflexive 'mich' for 'ich' and Accusative 'den' for movement.
Which sentence is correct in the Perfekt tense?
How do you say 'We set off'?
The verb 'machen' always takes 'haben', and 'Weg' remains in the accusative 'den'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kommst du zum Essen? B: Ja, ich ______ ______ gerade auf den Weg.
The speaker is talking about themselves (ich) in the present tense.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are leaving a business meeting politely.
This is the most neutral and professional option.
🎉 점수: /4
시각 학습 자료
Ways to Leave
연습 문제 은행
4 연습 문제Ich mache ____ auf ____ Weg.
Reflexive 'mich' for 'ich' and Accusative 'den' for movement.
How do you say 'We set off'?
The verb 'machen' always takes 'haben', and 'Weg' remains in the accusative 'den'.
A: Kommst du zum Essen? B: Ja, ich ______ ______ gerade auf den Weg.
The speaker is talking about themselves (ich) in the present tense.
You are leaving a business meeting politely.
This is the most neutral and professional option.
🎉 점수: /4
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문No, that would mean you are physically building a road. You must use 'mich' and 'auf'.
For this phrase, it is always 'auf den Weg' (Accusative) because it implies movement to a place.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
'Losgehen' is more basic and informal. 'Sich auf den Weg machen' sounds a bit more deliberate.
Yes, it's very common to say 'Wir machen uns auf den Weg zur Digitalisierung'.
No, you can be 'making yourself on the way' by car, train, or plane.
Use 'Ich bin schon unterwegs'.
Ich habe mich auf den Weg gemacht.
Yes, but it's much more informal and implies you are leaving quickly.
Technically yes, but it sounds funny/ironic because the phrase is usually for longer journeys.
관련 표현
aufbrechen
synonymTo set off / to break camp
losgehen
similarTo start walking / to go
sich auf die Socken machen
specialized formTo hurry off
unterwegs sein
builds onTo be on the way
jemandem aus dem Weg gehen
contrastTo avoid someone
