Nomen-Verb-Verbindungen
Nomen-Verb-Verbindungen — for English Speakers
Introduction
German Nomen-Verb-Verbindungen are fixed phrases where a noun pairs with a specific verb: 'eine Entscheidung treffen' (make a decision), 'Kritik üben' (criticize), 'einen Beitrag leisten' (make a contribution). English has similar collocations (make a decision, take action), so the concept is familiar. The challenge is memorizing which noun goes with which verb — German 'treffen' (to meet/hit) pairs with 'Entscheidung', not 'machen'.
German vs English
In German
eine Entscheidung treffen (make a decision)
In English
make a decision
Key Difference
Both languages use fixed noun+verb pairs, but the specific verb choices differ (treffen ≠ make).
In German
einen Beitrag leisten (make a contribution)
In English
make a contribution
Key Difference
German uses 'leisten' (to perform), not 'machen' — you can't directly translate the English verb.
Common Mistakes for English Speakers
Ich mache eine Entscheidung.
Translating 'make' as 'machen' — the correct German verb is 'treffen', not 'machen'.
Er gibt Kritik.
Guessing the verb — 'Kritik' pairs with 'üben' (to practice/exercise), not 'geben' (to give).
Practice Examples
Wir müssen eine Entscheidung treffen.
We must make a decision.
Er hat einen wichtigen Beitrag geleistet.
He made an important contribution.
Die Maßnahme wird in Kraft treten.
The measure will come into effect.
Memory Tip
Noun-verb combos are like dance partners — they only work together. Learn the pair, not just the noun.
View Grammar Rule
Nomen-Verb-Verbindungen
Nomen-Verb-Verbindungen — B2
Practice Exercises
Nomen-Verb-Verbindungen Übungen
8 exercises
Other Languages
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