Meaning
To switch off an electric light.
Cultural Background
Energy conservation is a high priority. Leaving lights on in an empty room is often commented upon by roommates or parents. In some regions, 'abdrehen' is used more frequently than 'ausmachen', reflecting the history of gas valves. Swiss German often uses 'lösche' (extinguish) even for electric lights in dialect contexts.
Separable Verb Rule
Always remember: the 'aus' goes to the very end. 'Ich mache das Licht im großen blauen Zimmer... aus!'
Don't say 'schließen'
Even if your native language says 'close the light', Germans will find it very confusing.
Meaning
To switch off an electric light.
Separable Verb Rule
Always remember: the 'aus' goes to the very end. 'Ich mache das Licht im großen blauen Zimmer... aus!'
Don't say 'schließen'
Even if your native language says 'close the light', Germans will find it very confusing.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the separable verb.
Ich ______ das Licht ______.
The verb 'machen' is conjugated, and 'aus' goes to the end.
Which sentence is correct?
You want to ask your roommate to turn off the light.
'Ausmachen' is the correct verb for lights.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Es ist zu hell hier. B: Okay, ich ______ ______ ______ ______.
Follows the SVO + Prefix order.
Match the phrase to the context.
Licht aus!
Short imperatives are common in informal/parental contexts.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch ______ das Licht ______.
The verb 'machen' is conjugated, and 'aus' goes to the end.
You want to ask your roommate to turn off the light.
'Ausmachen' is the correct verb for lights.
A: Es ist zu hell hier. B: Okay, ich ______ ______ ______ ______.
Follows the SVO + Prefix order.
Licht aus!
Short imperatives are common in informal/parental contexts.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, but 'ausschalten' or 'herunterfahren' is more common for computers.
Yes, it is neutral. Adding 'bitte' makes it perfectly polite.
'Ausmachen' is more colloquial and common at home; 'ausschalten' is more formal/technical.
Related Phrases
Licht anmachen
contrastTo turn the light on.
das Licht ausschalten
synonymTo switch off the light.
im Dunkeln sitzen
builds onTo sit in the dark.
