In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe improvement in skills or projects.
- Combines the noun 'Fortschritte' with the verb 'machen'.
- Works in both professional and casual settings.
Meaning
It's what you say when you're finally getting the hang of something or moving closer to a goal. It's that satisfying feeling of not being stuck anymore.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about learning German
Ich mache endlich Fortschritte beim Deutschlernen.
I am finally making progress with learning German.
In a professional meeting
Wir haben bei diesem Projekt große Fortschritte gemacht.
We have made great progress on this project.
Texting a friend about the gym
Beim Training mache ich gute Fortschritte!
I'm making good progress with my training!
Cultural Background
In Germany, the concept of 'Fortschritt' (progress) is deeply tied to the post-war 'Wirtschaftswunder' (economic miracle). It reflects a cultural value of constant improvement and technical mastery. While many cultures celebrate the end goal, Germans often focus on the measurable steps of the process itself.
Adjective Power
Always pair this with an adjective like 'groß' (big), 'klein' (small), or 'schnell' (fast) to sound more like a native speaker.
Plural is Key
Avoid saying 'einen Fortschritt machen' in most cases. Using the plural 'Fortschritte' sounds much more natural in German.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe improvement in skills or projects.
- Combines the noun 'Fortschritte' with the verb 'machen'.
- Works in both professional and casual settings.
What It Means
Imagine you are learning to bake bread. At first, your loaf is a hard rock. Then, it finally becomes edible. That is exactly when you Fortschritte machen. It means you are moving forward. You are getting better at a specific task. It is a very positive expression. It suggests growth, effort, and successful development. It is the opposite of being stuck in one place.
How To Use It
The word Fortschritte is almost always used in the plural here. You pair it with the verb machen. In a simple sentence, you would say Ich mache Fortschritte. If you want to sound more impressive, add adjectives. You can make große Fortschritte (big progress). Or perhaps you are making sichtbare Fortschritte (visible progress). Just remember to conjugate the verb machen to match your subject. It is a very flexible collocation.
When To Use It
This phrase is like a Swiss Army knife for your vocabulary. Use it in a job interview to show you are a fast learner. Use it when texting a friend about your new gym routine. 'I can finally lift the heavy weights!' Use it in your German class to encourage yourself. It works for hobbies, career milestones, and personal growth. It is a great way to stay motivated and acknowledge your hard work.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for physical travel or movement. If you are on a train to Berlin, you aren't 'making progress' in this linguistic sense. You are simply traveling. Also, avoid it for simple one-off tasks. You don't 'make progress' on taking out the trash. It is reserved for processes that take time and skill. Don't use it if you just feel happy; use it when you have actually achieved a new level of competence.
Cultural Background
Germans are famous for their love of 'Ordnung' (order) and 'Fleiß' (diligence). Progress is a big deal in German culture. It is closely linked to the idea of 'Selbstoptimierung' or self-optimization. People like to see a clear, logical path forward. Whether it is engineering, music, or learning a hobby, results and improvement matter. Using this phrase shows you value the process of improvement. It fits the productive German vibe perfectly.
Common Variations
You might hear vorankommen in casual chats. It literally means 'to come forward' or 'to get ahead.' In a formal business report, you might see einen Durchbruch erzielen. That means 'to achieve a breakthrough.' If you are stuck, you can say keine Fortschritte machen. If you are moving slowly but surely, use the phrase Schritt für Schritt. It means 'step by step.' Every little bit counts in the end!
Usage Notes
This is a neutral collocation suitable for all levels of formality. The main 'gotcha' is to ensure you use the plural 'Fortschritte' rather than the singular 'Fortschritt' when using it with 'machen'.
Adjective Power
Always pair this with an adjective like 'groß' (big), 'klein' (small), or 'schnell' (fast) to sound more like a native speaker.
Plural is Key
Avoid saying 'einen Fortschritt machen' in most cases. Using the plural 'Fortschritte' sounds much more natural in German.
The Feedback Loop
In German workplaces, people appreciate hearing about 'Fortschritte' because it implies a structured process is being followed.
Examples
6Ich mache endlich Fortschritte beim Deutschlernen.
I am finally making progress with learning German.
A classic use for any student.
Wir haben bei diesem Projekt große Fortschritte gemacht.
We have made great progress on this project.
Uses 'große' to emphasize the scale of success.
Beim Training mache ich gute Fortschritte!
I'm making good progress with my training!
Casual and motivating.
Mein Computer macht heute keine Fortschritte beim Laden.
My computer is making no progress with loading today.
Using the negative to show frustration.
Wir machen Fortschritte in unserer Kommunikation.
We are making progress in our communication.
Used for emotional or interpersonal growth.
Du machst tolle Fortschritte am Klavier!
You are making great progress on the piano!
Very encouraging and warm.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'machen'.
Er ___ jeden Tag kleine Fortschritte.
Since the subject is 'Er' (he), the verb 'machen' must be conjugated to 'macht'.
Choose the correct noun to complete the phrase.
Wir wollen in der Forschung ___ machen.
While 'Fortschritt' exists, the plural 'Fortschritte' is the standard way to use this collocation.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Fortschritte machen'
Talking to friends about hobbies.
Ich mache Fortschritte beim Skaten!
Standard everyday use.
Er macht Fortschritte in der Schule.
Business reports and meetings.
Das Unternehmen macht signifikante Fortschritte.
Where to use 'Fortschritte machen'
Language School
Finally understanding grammar.
The Office
Finishing a software update.
The Gym
Lifting heavier weights.
Music Lessons
Playing a song without mistakes.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesEr ___ jeden Tag kleine Fortschritte.
Since the subject is 'Er' (he), the verb 'machen' must be conjugated to 'macht'.
Wir wollen in der Forschung ___ machen.
While 'Fortschritt' exists, the plural 'Fortschritte' is the standard way to use this collocation.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, 'Fortschritte tun' is incorrect. In German, certain nouns are married to specific verbs. 'Fortschritte' always takes machen.
Usually, yes. While der Fortschritt exists, the expression Fortschritte machen almost always uses the plural form.
Just add 'keine'. For example: Ich mache keine Fortschritte. It sounds a bit frustrated but very clear.
Absolutely! You can say Ich mache Fortschritte bei meiner Diät. It implies you are successfully sticking to the plan.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend without changing the wording at all.
Vorankommen is a bit more casual and literally means 'getting ahead'. Fortschritte machen is slightly more descriptive of the improvement itself.
Yes, just add 'langsame'. For example: Wir machen langsame Fortschritte. It shows you are moving, just not quickly.
Yes, it is very common in tech. Die Technik macht große Fortschritte means technology is advancing rapidly.
Yes. If someone is recovering from an injury, you can say Er macht gute Fortschritte regarding his health.
Not exactly slang, but people might say Es läuft (It's running/going well) to imply they are making progress in a very casual way.
Related Phrases
Vorankommen
To get ahead / To move forward
Einen Durchbruch erzielen
To achieve a breakthrough
Sich verbessern
To improve oneself
Erfolge feiern
To celebrate successes
