In 15 Seconds
- Used to turn on any indoor heating system.
- Uses the separable verb 'anmachen' (to turn on).
- Essential for German winters and daily life.
Meaning
This phrase is what you say when you want to get cozy. It literally means to turn on the radiator or central heating system because it's getting chilly inside.
Key Examples
3 of 6At home with a roommate
Es ist echt kalt hier, ich mache mal die Heizung an.
It's really cold in here, I'm going to turn the heating on.
In a shared office
Wäre es okay, wenn ich die Heizung anmache?
Would it be okay if I turn the heating on?
Texting a partner before arriving home
Kannst du bitte schon mal die Heizung anmachen?
Can you please turn the heating on already?
Cultural Background
Germans are very careful about heating costs.
Separable Verb
Don't forget the 'an' at the end!
In 15 Seconds
- Used to turn on any indoor heating system.
- Uses the separable verb 'anmachen' (to turn on).
- Essential for German winters and daily life.
What It Means
die Heizung anmachen is your best friend during a German winter. It simply means to turn on the heat. Whether you are turning a physical dial on a radiator or clicking a button on a smart thermostat, this is the phrase you need. It is straightforward and essential for survival between October and April.
How To Use It
German uses the verb anmachen for many electrical or mechanical things. Since anmachen is a separable verb, the an flies to the very end of the sentence. For example, you would say: Ich mache die Heizung an. If you are asking a question, it becomes: Kannst du die Heizung anmachen? It is simple, effective, and keeps you from freezing.
When To Use It
Use this the moment your nose starts feeling cold indoors. You will use it at home with your roommates, in the office when the morning chill lingers, or even in a car. It is a very common request. If you are visiting a German friend and you are shivering, it is perfectly polite to ask them to die Heizung anmachen—though they might suggest you put on a sweater first!
When NOT To Use It
Do not use anmachen if you are talking about lighting a fire in a fireplace; for that, use anzünden. Also, avoid using it for putting on clothes, even if they keep you warm. That would be anziehen. Finally, be careful with anmachen in romantic contexts—it can also mean 'to hit on someone,' but context usually makes it clear you are talking about the radiator, not the person!
Cultural Background
Heating in Germany is a serious topic. Most German homes use hot-water radiators with a dial numbered 1 to 5. There is a legal 'heating period' (Heizperiode) from October to April where landlords must ensure the heat works. Also, watch out for the 'Stoßlüften' culture. Germans will turn the heating off, open all windows for five minutes to get fresh air, and then die Heizung anmachen again. It is a national ritual.
Common Variations
You might also hear die Heizung einschalten, which is a bit more formal or technical. Another very common one is die Heizung aufdrehen. This literally means 'to turn up' the heat, referring to the physical act of twisting the radiator valve. If you want to turn it off, just swap an for aus: die Heizung ausmachen.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral, everyday collocation. The main 'gotcha' is the separable verb structure: 'an' must go to the end of the clause unless using a modal verb like 'können'.
Separable Verb
Don't forget the 'an' at the end!
Examples
6Es ist echt kalt hier, ich mache mal die Heizung an.
It's really cold in here, I'm going to turn the heating on.
A very common, casual way to announce you're warming up the room.
Wäre es okay, wenn ich die Heizung anmache?
Would it be okay if I turn the heating on?
A polite way to ask for consensus in a professional setting.
Kannst du bitte schon mal die Heizung anmachen?
Can you please turn the heating on already?
Using 'schon mal' implies doing it in advance of arrival.
Soll ich die Heizung anmachen oder ziehen wir einfach drei Pullis an?
Should I turn the heat on or do we just put on three sweaters?
A classic joke about high German energy prices.
Ich muss sofort die Heizung anmachen, meine Füße sind wie Eis!
I have to turn the heating on immediately, my feet are like ice!
Expresses a strong physical need for warmth.
Abends musst du im Wohnzimmer die Heizung anmachen.
In the evenings, you need to turn the heating on in the living room.
Giving clear instructions using the phrase.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing part of the verb.
Ich ___ die Heizung an.
The verb 'anmachen' is conjugated as 'mache' for 'Ich'.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Heizung anmachen'
Used with friends: 'Mach mal die Heizung an!'
Casual
Standard everyday usage for all situations.
Standard
In formal writing, 'einschalten' is preferred.
Technical
Where to use 'die Heizung anmachen'
At Home
Warming up the living room.
In the Car
Defrosting the windows.
At the Office
Asking colleagues before heating.
In a Hotel
Asking the reception how it works.
Practice Bank
1 exercisesIch ___ die Heizung an.
The verb 'anmachen' is conjugated as 'mache' for 'Ich'.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsNo, use 'den Ofen anmachen'.
Related Phrases
Heizung ausmachen
contrastTurn off the heat
