In 15 Seconds
- Used for jotting down information to remember later.
- Always use the verb 'machen', never use 'nehmen'.
- Common in schools, offices, and during important phone calls.
Meaning
This phrase is used when you are writing down information to remember it later. It is the natural way to say you are taking notes in a meeting, class, or during a phone call.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a university lecture
Ich muss mir im Unterricht immer Notizen machen.
I always have to take notes during class.
During a business meeting
Machen Sie sich Notizen, Herr Müller?
Are you taking notes, Mr. Müller?
Texting a friend about a recipe
Warte kurz, ich mache mir schnell Notizen zum Rezept.
Wait a second, I'm quickly taking notes on the recipe.
Cultural Background
Germans value 'Schriftlichkeit' (written form). A verbal agreement is good, but 'Notizen machen' makes it real. It is common to see people with high-quality paper notebooks even in tech companies. In Swiss business culture, precision is key. 'Notizen machen' is seen as a sign of 'Pünktlichkeit' (not just being on time, but being precise). While slightly more relaxed than in the north, 'Notizen machen' in academic settings like Vienna's old universities is a tradition dating back centuries. The 'Zettelkasten' method (pioneered by Niklas Luhmann) is a famous German way of 'Notizen machen' that influenced modern note-taking apps like Obsidian and Roam.
Use the Dative
Always try to say 'Ich mache **mir** Notizen'. It sounds much more like a native speaker.
Avoid 'Nehmen'
Never say 'Notizen nehmen'. It's the most common mistake for English speakers.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for jotting down information to remember later.
- Always use the verb 'machen', never use 'nehmen'.
- Common in schools, offices, and during important phone calls.
What It Means
Notizen machen is your go-to phrase for recording information. It is simple and direct. You use it when you grab a pen or open a laptop. It means you are capturing the important bits. You aren't writing a book. You are just making sure you don't forget. It is a very active phrase. It implies you are paying attention.
How To Use It
In German, you 'make' notes rather than 'take' them. This is a common trap for English speakers. You use the verb machen at the end of the sentence usually. If you are doing it for yourself, add mir. Say: Ich mache mir Notizen. This sounds much more natural. It shows the notes are for your own benefit. You can also use it without mir in more general contexts. Just remember: never use nehmen here! That would sound like you are physically stealing pieces of paper.
When To Use It
Use this in any professional or educational setting. It is perfect for university lectures. Use it during a business meeting to show you are engaged. It also works in daily life. Imagine you are on the phone with your doctor. You need to remember an appointment. You say, "Wait, I need to Notizen machen." It shows you are organized. You can even use it when planning a trip with friends. It keeps everyone on the same page.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for long-form writing. If you are writing a diary entry, use Tagebuch schreiben. If you are writing a letter, use einen Brief schreiben. Notizen machen is strictly for short, fragmented points. Also, avoid it if you are officially recording a meeting's minutes. For that, Germans use the word protokollieren. That is much more formal. Don't use it for scribbling aimlessly either. That is kritzeln.
Cultural Background
Germans have a deep cultural love for documentation. There is an old saying: "Wer schreibt, der bleibt" (He who writes, stays). It means if it isn't written down, it didn't happen. Being seen Notizen machen is often a sign of respect. It shows you value the speaker's words. In German offices, you will see many people with high-quality notebooks. It is part of the professional aesthetic. Digital notes are common now, but the paper culture is still very strong.
Common Variations
You will often hear sich etwas notieren. This is a bit more formal. It means "to note something down." Another one is mitschreiben. This is used specifically when you write while someone is speaking. If you are in a lecture, you are mitschreiben. If you are just jotting down ideas later, you are Notizen machen. Both are useful, but Notizen machen is the most versatile for a beginner.
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral and safe for all situations. The main 'gotcha' is the verb choice: always use 'machen', and remember that adding 'mir' (dative reflexive) makes you sound significantly more fluent.
Use the Dative
Always try to say 'Ich mache **mir** Notizen'. It sounds much more like a native speaker.
Avoid 'Nehmen'
Never say 'Notizen nehmen'. It's the most common mistake for English speakers.
Show Respect
In a German meeting, making notes shows you are listening. Even if you don't need them, it looks good!
Examples
6Ich muss mir im Unterricht immer Notizen machen.
I always have to take notes during class.
The reflexive 'mir' makes it sound like a personal habit.
Machen Sie sich Notizen, Herr Müller?
Are you taking notes, Mr. Müller?
A polite way to ask if someone is recording the details.
Warte kurz, ich mache mir schnell Notizen zum Rezept.
Wait a second, I'm quickly taking notes on the recipe.
Casual use of 'schnell' to show it's a quick action.
Soll ich mir Notizen machen, wenn du dich beschwerst?
Should I take notes while you're complaining?
A cheeky way to tease someone about how much they are talking.
Wir haben viele Notizen für die Hochzeit gemacht.
We took a lot of notes for the wedding.
Shows a collaborative effort in planning.
Es hilft mir, während des Gesprächs Notizen zu machen.
It helps me to take notes during the conversation.
Expressing a personal coping or memory strategy.
Test Yourself
Wähle das richtige Verb.
In der Vorlesung ______ ich mir immer Notizen.
In German, we always use 'machen' with 'Notizen'.
Fülle die Lücke mit dem richtigen Reflexivpronomen (Dativ).
Ich mache ____ Notizen.
The phrase 'sich Notizen machen' uses the dative reflexive pronoun.
Vervollständige den Dialog.
A: Hast du den Termin aufgeschrieben? B: Ja, ich habe mir eine ______ gemacht.
Since the speaker says 'eine' (singular), the answer must be 'Notiz'.
Welcher Satz passt zur Situation 'Meeting im Büro'?
Situation: Ein wichtiges Meeting.
Making notes for the minutes is a standard office activity.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIn der Vorlesung ______ ich mir immer Notizen.
In German, we always use 'machen' with 'Notizen'.
Ich mache ____ Notizen.
The phrase 'sich Notizen machen' uses the dative reflexive pronoun.
A: Hast du den Termin aufgeschrieben? B: Ja, ich habe mir eine ______ gemacht.
Since the speaker says 'eine' (singular), the answer must be 'Notiz'.
Situation: Ein wichtiges Meeting.
Making notes for the minutes is a standard office activity.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, if it's just one single thing you are writing down. For the general activity, use the plural.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends, at school, or at work.
'Notieren' is a single verb that means the same thing but is slightly more formal.
Related Phrases
Mitschreiben
similarTo write along while someone speaks.
Aufschreiben
similarTo write something down.
Protokoll führen
specialized formTo take official minutes.
Sich etwas merken
contrastTo memorize something.
