Meaning
To cope with a difficult situation as well as possible.
Cultural Background
In Germany, this phrase is often linked to the 'Wiederaufbau' (reconstruction) mentality. It's not just about being happy; it's about being useful and efficient even when things are broken. Austrians might use this phrase with a bit more 'Schmäh' (sarcastic humor). It can sometimes sound a bit more resigned, like 'Well, it's bad, but what can you do?' In Switzerland, the phrase often appears in the context of high quality and precision. Even with limited resources, the 'Beste' must still be of a high standard. In German offices, this is a standard response to 'Sparmaßnahmen' (austerity measures). It signals that you are a team player who doesn't complain about budget cuts.
Use 'draus' for native flow
In casual conversation, shorten 'daraus' to 'draus'. It makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Don't forget the 'das'
Without the 'das', the sentence is grammatically incomplete. Always say 'DAS Beste'.
Meaning
To cope with a difficult situation as well as possible.
Use 'draus' for native flow
In casual conversation, shorten 'daraus' to 'draus'. It makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Don't forget the 'das'
Without the 'das', the sentence is grammatically incomplete. Always say 'DAS Beste'.
The 'Stoic' Tone
When you say this, try to sound calm and collected. It’s a phrase of strength, not of complaining.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the phrase.
Der Urlaub war teuer und es hat nur geregnet, aber wir haben das ______ ______ gemacht.
The standard phrase is 'das Beste daraus machen'. 'Beste' needs to be capitalized and 'daraus' is the correct adverb.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in a professional context?
Your boss tells you the project deadline has been moved up. How do you respond?
This is the grammatically correct and professionally appropriate way to show a positive attitude.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Ich habe meine Tasche verloren!' B: 'Oh nein! Aber Kopf hoch, wir ...'
The verb is 'machen' and the pronominal adverb is 'daraus'.
Match the situation to the most likely use of the phrase.
Situation: You are at a party where you don't know anyone.
Making the best of it implies a proactive, positive action to improve the experience.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDer Urlaub war teuer und es hat nur geregnet, aber wir haben das ______ ______ gemacht.
The standard phrase is 'das Beste daraus machen'. 'Beste' needs to be capitalized and 'daraus' is the correct adverb.
Your boss tells you the project deadline has been moved up. How do you respond?
This is the grammatically correct and professionally appropriate way to show a positive attitude.
A: 'Ich habe meine Tasche verloren!' B: 'Oh nein! Aber Kopf hoch, wir ...'
The verb is 'machen' and the pronominal adverb is 'daraus'.
Situation: You are at a party where you don't know anyone.
Making the best of it implies a proactive, positive action to improve the experience.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, that sounds wrong. 'Daraus' (out of it) is the fixed prepositional adverb for this phrase.
Yes, it is perfectly fine. It shows a solution-oriented mindset.
'Mein Bestes geben' means 'to do my best' (effort). 'Das Beste daraus machen' means 'to make the best of a situation' (adaptation).
Yes, in this phrase it is a nominalized adjective and must be capitalized.
Not really. You make the best out of a situation or a thing, not usually a person.
No, it is generally seen as an optimistic or at least a very pragmatic and positive phrase.
Ich habe {das|n} Beste daraus gemacht.
Yes, if the situation is truly terrible, saying 'Tja, machen wir das Beste daraus' can be very dry German humor.
Related Phrases
aus der Not eine Tugend machen
similarTo make a virtue out of necessity.
sich mit etwas abfinden
contrastTo resign oneself to something.
den Kopf in den Sand stecken
contrastTo bury one's head in the sand.
Schadensbegrenzung betreiben
specialized formTo engage in damage control.
