In 15 Seconds
- Trying new things to see the result.
- Used for science, cooking, business, or lifestyle.
- Often used negatively to mean 'playing it safe'.
Meaning
This phrase is about trying something new to see if it works. It covers everything from science labs to testing a weird new recipe in your kitchen.
Key Examples
3 of 6Cooking with friends
Ich mache heute beim Kochen ein paar Experimente mit Gewürzen.
I'm doing some experiments with spices while cooking today.
A serious business meeting
Wir sollten bei diesem wichtigen Projekt keine Experimente machen.
We shouldn't conduct any experiments on this important project.
Texting about a new look
Ich mache gerade Experimente mit meiner Haarfarbe!
I'm currently experimenting with my hair color!
Cultural Background
The 'Jugend forscht' competition is a huge cultural phenomenon where students 'Experimente machen' to win prizes. It encourages a culture of innovation from a young age. The phrase 'Keine Experimente' is a famous political slogan from the 1950s, representing the German desire for stability (Stabilität) after the chaos of war. The concept of 'Vorsprung durch Technik' relies on 'Experimente machen'. German engineers are known for rigorous testing before a product reaches the market. Germans are often seen as risk-averse, but in their hobbies (like gardening or bread baking), they love to 'rumexperimentieren'.
Use Plural
Unless you are talking about one specific test, use the plural 'Experimente machen'. It sounds more natural when talking about a general habit or process.
Avoid 'Tun'
Never say 'Experimente tun'. It is a classic 'Gemanism' in reverse for English speakers, but it sounds very wrong to native ears.
In 15 Seconds
- Trying new things to see the result.
- Used for science, cooking, business, or lifestyle.
- Often used negatively to mean 'playing it safe'.
What It Means
It means testing out an idea to see what happens. It is not just for scientists in white coats. You can use it for your daily life too. It implies a sense of curiosity and discovery. It suggests you are okay with a bit of trial and error.
How To Use It
The verb here is machen. You conjugate it like any normal German verb. In a sentence, Experimente usually stays in the plural form. You can say ich mache, du machst, or wir machen. It is a very flexible building block for your sentences. Pair it with gerne if you enjoy trying new things.
When To Use It
Use it when you are cooking without a recipe. Use it when a company tries a new marketing strategy. It fits perfectly when discussing hobbies or creative projects. If you are changing your fashion style, tell your friends. It sounds proactive and adventurous. It works well in casual chats and office meetings.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid it when things are very serious or dangerous. Don't use it for heart surgery or flying a plane. It sounds a bit too playful for life-or-death moments. Also, don't use it if you are just 'trying' to open a jar. That is just versuchen. Experimente implies a longer process of discovery.
Cultural Background
Germans are famous for engineering and precision. But they also have a deep love for Tüfteln. This means tinkering or fiddling with things in a workshop. This phrase captures that spirit of trial and error. Interestingly, it became a famous political slogan in the 1950s. The slogan was Keine Experimente. It promised safety and stability to the voters.
Common Variations
You will often hear keine Experimente machen. This means 'let's play it safe.' People say this when they want to avoid risks. Another version is herumexperimentieren. This means 'to experiment around' in a messy way. It sounds a bit more informal and disorganized than the standard phrase.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile and works in almost any social register. Just remember that 'machen' is the standard verb, while 'durchführen' is its more professional cousin.
Use Plural
Unless you are talking about one specific test, use the plural 'Experimente machen'. It sounds more natural when talking about a general habit or process.
Avoid 'Tun'
Never say 'Experimente tun'. It is a classic 'Gemanism' in reverse for English speakers, but it sounds very wrong to native ears.
The 'Mit' Rule
Always use 'mit' + Dative to describe the tools or ingredients of your experiment. 'Ich mache Experimente mit {dem|m} neuen Rezept.'
Examples
6Ich mache heute beim Kochen ein paar Experimente mit Gewürzen.
I'm doing some experiments with spices while cooking today.
A very common way to describe being creative in the kitchen.
Wir sollten bei diesem wichtigen Projekt keine Experimente machen.
We shouldn't conduct any experiments on this important project.
Here it means 'we should stick to what we know works.'
Ich mache gerade Experimente mit meiner Haarfarbe!
I'm currently experimenting with my hair color!
Casual and enthusiastic use for personal changes.
Mein Kind macht gerade Experimente mit der Schwerkraft und seinem Essen.
My child is currently conducting experiments with gravity and their food.
A humorous way to describe a mess.
In unserer Beziehung möchte ich keine Experimente machen.
I don't want to do any experiments in our relationship.
Expresses a need for stability and commitment.
Er macht gerne Experimente im Garten mit neuen Pflanzen.
He likes to conduct experiments in the garden with new plants.
Shows a proactive and curious hobbyist.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'machen' and the noun 'Experiment'.
In der Schule ______ wir heute ein ______ in Chemie.
We use 'machen' for experiments, and the context of 'Chemie' requires 'Experiment'.
Which sentence is correct?
A: Ich mache Experimente mit meinen Haaren. B: Ich mache Erfahrungen mit meinen Haaren.
When you are testing a new look, you are 'making experiments'. 'Erfahrungen' would mean you are gaining wisdom from your hair, which is unlikely.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Warum schmeckt die Suppe so süß? B: Ich ______ gerade ein ______ mit Zucker.
The speaker is testing a new ingredient, so it's an experiment.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: A scientist in a lab. Phrase: ______
Scientists conduct experiments in labs.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Experiment vs. Erfahrung
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIn der Schule ______ wir heute ein ______ in Chemie.
We use 'machen' for experiments, and the context of 'Chemie' requires 'Experiment'.
A: Ich mache Experimente mit meinen Haaren. B: Ich mache Erfahrungen mit meinen Haaren.
When you are testing a new look, you are 'making experiments'. 'Erfahrungen' would mean you are gaining wisdom from your hair, which is unlikely.
A: Warum schmeckt die Suppe so süß? B: Ich ______ gerade ein ______ mit Zucker.
The speaker is testing a new ingredient, so it's an experiment.
Situation: A scientist in a lab. Phrase: ______
Scientists conduct experiments in labs.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 'experimentieren' is the verb form. 'Experimente machen' is a collocation that is very common in spoken German, but the single verb is also perfectly fine.
Not always. If someone says 'Mach keine Experimente!', they are telling you to play it safe and not take risks.
An 'Experiment' is usually more structured and scientific. A 'Versuch' can be a simple attempt at something. However, in school, they are often used as synonyms.
You say '{die|f} Tierversuche machen' or 'Experimente an Tieren durchführen'.
Yes, 'soziale Experimente machen' is a common phrase, especially on social media like YouTube.
Yes. In a formal lab report, use 'durchführen' (to conduct) or 'vornehmen' (to undertake).
It is neuter: {das|n} Experiment. The plural is {die|f} Experimente.
No! That is 'Erfahrungen machen'. This is the most common mistake for learners.
Yes, it's very common in tech to say 'Wir machen {ein|n} Experiment mit dem neuen Feature'.
The most common casual version is 'rumexperimentieren'.
Related Phrases
etwas ausprobieren
similarto try something out
einen Versuch wagen
similarto dare an attempt
Erfahrungen sammeln
contrastto gather experiences
herumtüfteln
specialized formto tinker around
