In 15 Seconds
- To execute or carry out a planned project.
- Common in work, university, and organized hobby contexts.
- Uses a separable verb: 'durch' goes to the end.
Meaning
This phrase describes the actual process of executing or managing a project from start to finish. It’s about taking a plan and making it happen in the real world.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a job interview
In meinem letzten Job habe ich drei große Projekte durchgeführt.
In my last job, I carried out three large projects.
Discussing university work
Wir müssen dieses Semester eine wissenschaftliche Studie durchführen.
We have to carry out a scientific study this semester.
Texting a colleague about progress
Ich führe die Analyse morgen durch.
I will carry out the analysis tomorrow.
Cultural Background
In German business culture, the 'Durchführungsphase' is the critical execution stage where efficiency is measured. The phrase gained massive popularity with the rise of project management certifications in Germany during the 1990s. It reflects the 'Pünktlichkeit' (punctuality) and 'Gründlichkeit' (thoroughness) that German industry prides itself on.
The Separable Split
Remember that 'durch' acts like a caboose on a train. It stays at the very end of the sentence unless there is a modal verb like 'kann' or 'muss'.
Don't Over-Formalize
If you tell your partner you are 'durchführen'-ing the grocery shopping, they might think you've been working too hard. Stick to 'einkaufen' for that!
In 15 Seconds
- To execute or carry out a planned project.
- Common in work, university, and organized hobby contexts.
- Uses a separable verb: 'durch' goes to the end.
What It Means
Imagine you have a big idea. Maybe you want to build a community garden. Or perhaps you need to launch a new app. Projekte durchführen is the action of doing that work. It is the bridge between a dream and reality. You are taking the necessary steps to finish the job. It sounds more professional than just saying machen. It implies a structured process is happening. You are the one making the gears turn.
How To Use It
The verb durchführen is a separable verb. This is a classic German grammar trap! In a simple sentence, the durch flies to the very end. You would say: Ich führe das Projekt durch. If you use a modal verb, it stays together. For example: Ich muss das Projekt durchführen. Always pair it with a noun like Projekt or Studie. It feels active and decisive. It shows you are in control of the situation.
When To Use It
Use this phrase in any professional or academic setting. It is perfect for your CV or a job interview. You can use it at university when discussing lab work. It also works for community events or large-scale hobbies. If you are organizing a charity run, you are durchführen-ing it. It tells people you are organized and serious. It is the language of people who get things done. Use it when you want to sound competent and reliable.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for tiny, everyday chores. You don’t durchführen the dishes or the laundry. That would sound very strange and robotic. Your friends might think you have turned into a computer. Avoid it for spontaneous, unorganized activities. If you are just hanging out, don't use it. It requires a goal and a plan. Using it for a pizza night is a bit much. Unless, of course, you have a 20-page PDF for the pizza night.
Cultural Background
Germans are famous for their love of planning and structure. This phrase reflects that cultural value perfectly. The word durch means 'through'. It suggests you are following a path to the end. There is a sense of duty and completion involved. In German offices, the 'Durchführung' phase is highly respected. It is where the 'Ordnung' (order) meets the 'Arbeit' (work). It is not just about starting; it is about finishing.
Common Variations
You might hear people say ein Projekt umsetzen. This means 'to implement' or 'to realize' a project. It is very similar but feels a bit more creative. Another option is ein Projekt leiten. This means you are the boss or leader of it. If you want to sound more casual, just use an einem Projekt arbeiten. That simply means you are working on it. But durchführen remains the gold standard for professional execution.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral to formal collocation. It is highly expected in professional environments and academic writing, but should be avoided in very casual personal conversations unless used ironically.
The Separable Split
Remember that 'durch' acts like a caboose on a train. It stays at the very end of the sentence unless there is a modal verb like 'kann' or 'muss'.
Don't Over-Formalize
If you tell your partner you are 'durchführen'-ing the grocery shopping, they might think you've been working too hard. Stick to 'einkaufen' for that!
The 'Durch' Secret
The prefix 'durch-' often implies completion in German. It suggests you aren't just starting something, but you are seeing it through to the finish line.
Examples
6In meinem letzten Job habe ich drei große Projekte durchgeführt.
In my last job, I carried out three large projects.
This shows experience and professional capability.
Wir müssen dieses Semester eine wissenschaftliche Studie durchführen.
We have to carry out a scientific study this semester.
Standard academic usage for research or labs.
Ich führe die Analyse morgen durch.
I will carry out the analysis tomorrow.
Note the separable verb 'durch' at the end.
Ich werde jetzt das Projekt 'Kühlschrank putzen' durchführen.
I will now carry out project 'clean the fridge'.
Using formal language for a boring chore is funny.
Es ist schwer, so viele Projekte gleichzeitig durchzuführen.
It is hard to carry out so many projects at the same time.
Expresses the weight of responsibility.
Können wir die Spendenaktion nächsten Monat durchführen?
Can we carry out the fundraiser next month?
Used for organized community efforts.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb.
Ich ___ das Projekt nächste Woche ___.
In a main clause, 'durchführen' is a separable verb, so 'durch' moves to the end.
Which noun fits best with 'durchführen' in a professional context?
Wir müssen eine ___ durchführen.
'Marktanalyse' (market analysis) is a formal task that fits the professional tone of 'durchführen'.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of Doing Tasks
Doing chores or small tasks.
Sachen machen
General work or implementation.
Aufgaben erledigen
Executing structured projects.
Projekte durchführen
Where to use 'Projekte durchführen'
Office Meeting
Presenting a plan.
University Lab
Conducting an experiment.
NGO / Charity
Organizing an event.
IT / Coding
Deploying a new feature.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesIch ___ das Projekt nächste Woche ___.
In a main clause, 'durchführen' is a separable verb, so 'durch' moves to the end.
Wir müssen eine ___ durchführen.
'Marktanalyse' (market analysis) is a formal task that fits the professional tone of 'durchführen'.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt means to carry out or execute projects. It implies a professional, structured approach to completing a task, like Wir führen das Projekt gemeinsam durch.
Yes, machen is very casual and general. Durchführen is more formal and suggests a specific method or plan is being followed.
Only if the hobby is organized. You can ein Projekt durchführen if you are restoring a vintage car, but not if you are just doodling in a notebook.
It is a separable verb. In the present tense: Ich führe durch, Du führst durch, Er führt durch. The durch always goes to the end.
Absolutely! It is one of the most common phrases to describe work experience, such as Erfahrung in der Durchführung von IT-Projekten.
The noun is die Durchführung. You will see this often in project plans or contracts to describe the 'execution' phase.
Yes, it is the standard verb for experiments. You would say ein Experiment durchführen or eine Studie durchführen.
In a professional setting, no. In a casual setting with friends, yes. It’s all about the context.
Umsetzen (to implement) or realisieren (to realize) are great alternatives that sound slightly more modern.
It is used in both! You'll hear it in meetings and see it in reports or emails constantly.
You can use it for organizing a tournament, but not for playing the game itself. You don't durchführen a soccer match as a player.
The most common mistake is forgetting to put durch at the end of the sentence. Don't say Ich durchführe das Projekt.
Related Phrases
Ein Projekt leiten (To lead a project)
Ein Projekt umsetzen (To implement a project)
An einem Projekt arbeiten (To work on a project)
Ein Projekt abschließen (To complete/finish a project)
