In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to say 'taking a vacation'.
- Uses the verb 'machen' (to make) instead of 'take'.
- Suitable for both professional and casual conversations.
Meaning
This is the standard way to say you're going on holiday or taking time off work to relax. It covers everything from a luxury trip to a quiet week at home.
Key Examples
3 of 6Chatting with a neighbor
Wir machen diesen Sommer Urlaub an der Nordsee.
We are taking a vacation at the North Sea this summer.
In a professional meeting
Frau Bauer macht ab nächster Woche Urlaub.
Ms. Bauer is taking a vacation starting next week.
Texting a friend about stress
Ich muss dringend mal wieder Urlaub machen!
I urgently need to take a vacation again!
Cultural Background
Vacation is a right, not a privilege. Most employees have 25-30 days of paid leave.
Use it often
It is the most natural way to talk about time off.
In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to say 'taking a vacation'.
- Uses the verb 'machen' (to make) instead of 'take'.
- Suitable for both professional and casual conversations.
What It Means
This phrase is your ultimate ticket to talking about free time. It simply means taking a vacation or going on holiday. In German, you don't 'take' a vacation; you 'make' one. It covers the entire experience of being away from work or school. Whether you are flying to Bali or just sleeping in, you are Urlaub machen.
How To Use It
You conjugate the verb machen and keep Urlaub as the object. It usually sits at the end of the sentence or right after the verb. For example, Ich mache Urlaub (I am taking a vacation). If you want to specify where, use in followed by the place. Wir machen Urlaub in Italien (We are vacationing in Italy). It’s a very flexible and sturdy phrase.
When To Use It
Use it in almost any context involving time off. It’s perfect for office small talk on a Monday morning. Use it when planning trips with your family. It’s also the right choice for social media captions of your beach feet. If you are officially 'off the clock' for more than a day or two, this is your phrase.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for a single public holiday like Christmas Day. That is a Feiertag. Avoid using it for a quick doctor's appointment or a random Wednesday off. For those, use frei haben (to have free time). Also, if you are a student, you might use Ferien machen, though Urlaub is becoming common for everyone now.
Cultural Background
Germans take their Urlaub very seriously. It is a cultural pillar. Most workers get 25 to 30 days of paid leave per year. It’s not just a luxury; it’s considered essential for health. There is even a word for the 'vacation feeling': Urlaubsstimmung. If you don't take your vacation, your German colleagues might actually get worried about you!
Common Variations
You will often hear Urlaub nehmen. This specifically refers to the act of 'taking' or 'booking' the days off with your boss. In den Urlaub fahren is used when you are physically traveling somewhere. If you're staying home, some Germans jokingly say they are doing Urlaub auf Balkonien (vacation on the balcony).
Usage Notes
The phrase is universally understood and safe in all social registers. The biggest 'gotcha' for English speakers is the verb 'machen'—avoid the urge to translate 'take' literally as 'nehmen' when describing the vacation itself.
Use it often
It is the most natural way to talk about time off.
Examples
6Wir machen diesen Sommer Urlaub an der Nordsee.
We are taking a vacation at the North Sea this summer.
A very common way to share travel plans.
Frau Bauer macht ab nächster Woche Urlaub.
Ms. Bauer is taking a vacation starting next week.
Perfectly acceptable in a professional setting to explain absence.
Ich muss dringend mal wieder Urlaub machen!
I urgently need to take a vacation again!
Expressing a strong desire for a break.
Mein Hund macht das ganze Jahr Urlaub.
My dog is on vacation all year round.
Using the phrase jokingly about someone (or a pet) who doesn't work.
Wo machst du dieses Jahr Urlaub?
Where are you taking a vacation this year?
The standard question for travel small talk.
Nach dem harten Jahr haben wir uns den Urlaub verdient.
After this hard year, we have earned the vacation.
Used when the break is much needed for emotional recovery.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct verb.
Ich möchte dieses Jahr in den Bergen Urlaub ____.
The collocation is 'Urlaub machen'.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Urlaub machen'
Used with friends and family via text or speech.
Endlich Urlaub machen! 🍹
The standard way to use the phrase in daily life.
Ich mache im Juli Urlaub.
Used in professional emails or meetings.
Ich werde im August Urlaub machen.
Where to use 'Urlaub machen'
At the Office
Telling your boss your dates.
With Friends
Planning a group trip to Berlin.
Social Media
Posting a photo of a suitcase.
At Home
Discussing summer plans with a partner.
Practice Bank
1 exercisesIch möchte dieses Jahr in den Bergen Urlaub ____.
The collocation is 'Urlaub machen'.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsYes, that means 'I am on vacation'.
Related Phrases
in den Urlaub fahren
synonymto go on vacation
