einen Führerschein machen
To get driver's license
Literally: to make a leader-certificate
In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to say you're getting a driver's license.
- Uses the verb 'machen' to describe the learning process.
- A major cultural milestone and a significant financial investment.
Meaning
This phrase describes the entire journey of obtaining your driver's license. It covers everything from signing up for classes to passing the final road test.
Key Examples
3 of 6Chatting with a friend about future plans
Ich will nächsten Sommer endlich meinen Führerschein machen.
I want to finally get my driver's license next summer.
Explaining a current busy schedule
Ich habe wenig Zeit, weil ich gerade meinen Führerschein mache.
I have little time because I'm currently getting my license.
A job interview for a delivery position
Ich habe meinen Führerschein bereits mit 18 Jahren gemacht.
I already got my driver's license when I was 18.
Cultural Background
In Germany, the 'Führerschein' is historically significant and notoriously difficult to obtain compared to the US. The term 'Führer' here simply means 'driver' or 'one who leads a vehicle'. It is a high-prestige achievement because of the strict 'Fahrschule' (driving school) regulations.
The 'Lappen' Secret
If you want to sound like a local, call it 'den Lappen'. It literally means 'the rag' because old licenses were made of flimsy pink paper.
Verb Choice Matters
Always use 'machen'. If you say 'Ich bekomme einen Führerschein', it sounds like it's being handed to you as a gift without any work!
In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to say you're getting a driver's license.
- Uses the verb 'machen' to describe the learning process.
- A major cultural milestone and a significant financial investment.
What It Means
In German, you don't just 'get' a license; you 'make' it. This phrase encompasses the whole educational process. It includes theory lessons, first-aid courses, and many hours of driving. When you say you are 'making' your license, people know you're currently a student. It is a major milestone for young adults in Germany.
How To Use It
You treat this phrase like a project or a course. Use the verb machen at the end of the sentence. If you are currently in the process, use the present tense. If you finished it years ago, use the Perfekt tense with habe... gemacht. It is a very flexible collocation. You can also specify the type, like Motorradführerschein machen.
When To Use It
Use it when discussing your weekend plans at driving school. It is perfect for job interviews if the role requires driving. Use it when complaining to friends about how expensive lessons are. It fits perfectly in any conversation about personal milestones. You might even use it when explaining why you are broke!
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you already have the physical card. In that case, you 'have' (haben) a license. Avoid it if you are just renewing an old one. That would be erneuern, not machen. Also, don't use it for professional pilot licenses. That usually requires more specific verbs like erwerben.
Cultural Background
Getting a license in Germany is a serious, expensive business. It often costs between 2,000 and 3,500 Euros. You must attend mandatory theory classes and special 'night drives'. Most Germans learn on manual transmissions, which adds to the stress. Because it is so hard, passing is a huge relief. It is truly a rite of passage into adulthood.
Common Variations
Younger people often use the slang term den Lappen machen. Lappen literally means 'rag', referring to the old paper licenses. You might also hear den Schein machen for short. If someone is struggling, they might say they are 'fighting' for it. But einen Führerschein machen remains the standard, most common way.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and used by everyone regardless of social status. The only 'gotcha' is ensuring you use the correct accusative case: 'einen' or 'meinen' Führerschein.
The 'Lappen' Secret
If you want to sound like a local, call it 'den Lappen'. It literally means 'the rag' because old licenses were made of flimsy pink paper.
Verb Choice Matters
Always use 'machen'. If you say 'Ich bekomme einen Führerschein', it sounds like it's being handed to you as a gift without any work!
Manual vs. Automatic
In Germany, if you 'make' your license on an automatic car, you might be restricted from driving manual cars. Most people still choose manual.
Examples
6Ich will nächsten Sommer endlich meinen Führerschein machen.
I want to finally get my driver's license next summer.
Shows intent to start the process.
Ich habe wenig Zeit, weil ich gerade meinen Führerschein mache.
I have little time because I'm currently getting my license.
Uses the present tense for an ongoing process.
Ich habe meinen Führerschein bereits mit 18 Jahren gemacht.
I already got my driver's license when I was 18.
Professional way to state you are a qualified driver.
Leute, ich habe den Führerschein endlich gemacht! Party!
Guys, I finally got my license! Party!
Informal and celebratory tone.
Ich mache meinen Führerschein, aber mein Bankkonto weint.
I'm getting my license, but my bank account is crying.
Highlights the high cost of German driving schools.
Danke, dass ihr mir helft, den Führerschein zu machen.
Thank you for helping me get my driver's license.
Expressing gratitude for the financial or moral support.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'machen'.
Bist du schon 18? Willst du bald deinen Führerschein ___?
We use the infinitive 'machen' here because it follows the modal verb 'willst'.
Complete the sentence to say you already finished the process.
Ich habe meinen Führerschein vor zwei Jahren ___.
The Perfekt tense (habe... gemacht) is used for completed actions in the past.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'einen Führerschein machen'
Den Lappen machen
Ich mach' jetzt den Lappen.
The standard phrase for all situations.
Ich mache meinen Führerschein.
Die Fahrerlaubnis erwerben
Er hat die Fahrerlaubnis erworben.
When to talk about 'making' a license
At the Driving School
Ich mache hier meinen Führerschein.
Job Application
Haben Sie den Führerschein schon gemacht?
Family Dinner
Oma, ich mache bald meinen Führerschein!
With Friends
Hast du den Führerschein im ersten Versuch gemacht?
Practice Bank
2 exercisesBist du schon 18? Willst du bald deinen Führerschein ___?
We use the infinitive 'machen' here because it follows the modal verb 'willst'.
Ich habe meinen Führerschein vor zwei Jahren ___.
The Perfekt tense (habe... gemacht) is used for completed actions in the past.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, in this context, machen means to complete a course or process. It's like saying ich mache eine Ausbildung (I'm doing an apprenticeship).
Yes, just change the noun to Motorradführerschein. You would say Ich mache den Motorradführerschein.
Yes, it is perfectly neutral. However, in very legal documents, you might see die Fahrerlaubnis erwerben (to acquire the driving permission).
You are still in the process of machen. You would say Ich bin durchgefallen, aber ich mache den Führerschein weiter.
Switch the verb to haben. For example: Ich habe den Führerschein seit fünf Jahren.
Schein means certificate or note. It refers to the document that proves you are allowed to drive.
Yes, but that specifically means you are studying the theory. Machen covers the whole practical and theoretical package.
No, in the word Führerschein, it is completely neutral and refers to a driver. It has no political connotation in this compound word.
This is when you 'make' your license at 17. You can drive, but only with an adult in the car until you turn 18.
Some Germans do this to save money, calling it Führerscheintourismus. However, German authorities are very strict about recognizing these.
Related Phrases
die Fahrprüfung bestehen
durch die Prüfung fallen
Fahrstunden nehmen
den Führerschein abgeben
