In 15 Seconds
- To go for a leisurely stroll for relaxation.
- Uses the verb 'machen' (to make) instead of 'take'.
- Essential for the traditional German Sunday routine.
Meaning
It means going outside for a leisurely stroll to enjoy the fresh air and stretch your legs. It is not about reaching a destination quickly, but about enjoying the movement and the surroundings.
Key Examples
3 of 6Suggesting an activity to a friend
Das Wetter ist schön, wollen wir einen Spaziergang machen?
The weather is nice, do you want to take a walk?
Explaining your evening routine
Ich mache jeden Abend einen kleinen Spaziergang.
I take a short walk every evening.
In a professional setting, suggesting a break
Lassen Sie uns in der Mittagspause einen Spaziergang machen.
Let's take a walk during the lunch break.
Cultural Background
The 'Sonntagsspaziergang' (Sunday walk) is a deeply rooted tradition in German-speaking countries. It dates back centuries and was famously celebrated in Goethe's 'Faust'. It represents a cultural emphasis on 'Erholung' (recovery) and a deep connection to nature, even in urban settings.
The 'Small' Walk
If you want to sound like a local, say `einen kleinen Spaziergang`. Adding 'klein' (small) makes the invitation sound low-stakes and cozy.
Don't 'Take' It
Avoid saying `einen Spaziergang nehmen`. While 'take a walk' is English, Germans always 'make' (machen) or 'go' (gehen) their walks.
In 15 Seconds
- To go for a leisurely stroll for relaxation.
- Uses the verb 'machen' (to make) instead of 'take'.
- Essential for the traditional German Sunday routine.
What It Means
Einen Spaziergang machen is the quintessential German way to say you are going for a stroll. It is not just walking to the grocery store. It is an intentional act of leisure. You do it to clear your head. You do it to chat with a friend. You do it because the sun is finally out. In German, you don't 'take' a walk; you 'make' one. It sounds active and purposeful, even if you are just wandering slowly.
How To Use It
You use the verb machen (to make/do). Since Spaziergang is masculine, you use the accusative einen. In a basic sentence, machen goes in the second position. For example: Ich mache einen Spaziergang. If you are asking a friend, you might say: Wollen wir einen Spaziergang machen? It is very flexible. You can add adjectives like kleinen (small) to make it sound more casual. Just remember that machen is the engine of this phrase.
When To Use It
Use this phrase anytime you want to suggest a low-pressure outdoor activity. It is perfect for a first date in the park. It is great for suggesting a break during a long study session. You can use it at work when you need a 'walking meeting.' It is a very safe, polite, and positive phrase. If you are texting a friend on a sunny Saturday, this is your go-to suggestion. It implies you have time to kill and want to relax.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this if you are hiking up a mountain. For that, use wandern. Do not use it if you are just walking to the bus stop. That is just gehen. If you are power-walking for exercise, this phrase feels a bit too slow. Also, avoid using it if you are in a huge rush. Telling your boss you are 'making a walk' when you should be at your desk might sound like you are slacking off. It is a leisure word, not a transit word.
Cultural Background
Germans take their walks very seriously. The Sonntagsspaziergang (Sunday walk) is a national institution. After a heavy lunch of roast and potatoes, families head to the woods. It is a time for 'Lüften'—literally 'airing out' your brain and body. Even the famous poet Goethe wrote about the 'Osterspaziergang' (Easter walk). In Germany, a walk is often seen as a legitimate form of therapy or problem-solving. If you live in a German city, you will see people of all ages out for their Spaziergang regardless of the weather.
Common Variations
You will often hear spazierengehen. This is a verb that means the same thing. Ich gehe spazieren is just as common as Ich mache einen Spaziergang. Another variation is einen Bummel machen, which is more like a slow stroll through a shopping district. If you want to sound very cute, you can say ein Ründchen drehen (to turn a little round). This usually means a very short walk around the block.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral, everyday collocation. It is safe for all social situations. Remember that 'Spaziergang' is a noun, so it must be capitalized.
The 'Small' Walk
If you want to sound like a local, say `einen kleinen Spaziergang`. Adding 'klein' (small) makes the invitation sound low-stakes and cozy.
Don't 'Take' It
Avoid saying `einen Spaziergang nehmen`. While 'take a walk' is English, Germans always 'make' (machen) or 'go' (gehen) their walks.
The Sunday Rule
In Germany, shops are closed on Sundays. This is why the `Spaziergang` is so popular—it is one of the few things everyone can do together on a quiet day.
Examples
6Das Wetter ist schön, wollen wir einen Spaziergang machen?
The weather is nice, do you want to take a walk?
A very common and friendly way to suggest hanging out.
Ich mache jeden Abend einen kleinen Spaziergang.
I take a short walk every evening.
Shows a healthy, relaxed habit.
Lassen Sie uns in der Mittagspause einen Spaziergang machen.
Let's take a walk during the lunch break.
Professional but encourages a healthy work-life balance.
Lust auf einen Spaziergang im Park?
Feel like a walk in the park?
Short, sweet, and very common in text messages.
Mein Hund glaubt, er muss fünfmal am Tag einen Spaziergang machen.
My dog thinks he needs to take a walk five times a day.
Uses the phrase to describe a funny, repetitive demand.
Ich bin traurig und muss jetzt einen Spaziergang machen.
I am sad and need to take a walk now.
Reflects the German idea that walking helps process emotions.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'machen'.
Wir ___ am Sonntag oft einen Spaziergang.
Since the subject is 'Wir' (we), the verb 'machen' must be conjugated to the first-person plural form, which is 'machen'.
Choose the correct article for 'Spaziergang' in the accusative case.
Ich möchte ___ Spaziergang machen.
The word 'Spaziergang' is masculine (der), and in this sentence, it is the direct object (accusative), so 'ein' becomes 'einen'.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'einen Spaziergang machen'
Used with friends and family.
Lust auf 'nen Spaziergang?
The standard way to use the phrase.
Ich mache einen Spaziergang.
Polite suggestion to a colleague.
Möchten Sie einen Spaziergang machen?
When to 'make a walk'
After a big meal
Digestion walk
On a first date
Getting to know someone
Feeling stressed
Clearing your head
Sunday afternoon
Family tradition
Practice Bank
2 exercisesWir ___ am Sonntag oft einen Spaziergang.
Since the subject is 'Wir' (we), the verb 'machen' must be conjugated to the first-person plural form, which is 'machen'.
Ich möchte ___ Spaziergang machen.
The word 'Spaziergang' is masculine (der), and in this sentence, it is the direct object (accusative), so 'ein' becomes 'einen'.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThey mean exactly the same thing. Spazierengehen is a separable verb, while einen Spaziergang machen uses a noun and a verb. Both are equally common.
It is masculine: der Spaziergang. That is why we say einen Spaziergang in the accusative case.
Not really. For hiking in the mountains with gear, use wandern. A Spaziergang is usually on flat ground and in normal clothes.
You can say Ich mache gerade einen Spaziergang or Ich gehe gerade spazieren.
Yes, if you are suggesting a break. It's a very neutral and polite phrase.
It means taking a walk specifically to help your digestion after a large meal. It's a very popular German concept!
Technically yes, but it sounds weird. If you have a destination and a purpose, just use zu Fuß gehen (to go by foot).
It's a mix of valuing nature, health, and 'Ruhe' (peace). It's a way to disconnect from technology and reconnect with the environment.
Not exactly slang, but eine Runde drehen (turning a round) is a very casual, cool way to say you're going for a quick walk.
Yes, for example einen Ausflug machen (to take a trip) or eine Reise machen (to go on a journey).
Related Phrases
spazierengehen (to go walking)
wandern (to hike)
einen Ausflug machen (to go on an excursion)
frische Luft schnappen (to grab some fresh air)
zu Fuß gehen (to go on foot)
