Machen vs. tun
In German, the verbs machen and tun can both be translated as to make or to do. While they seem similar, they are not interchangeable and are used in different contexts. Machen is far more common and generally refers to creating or producing something tangible or performing a specific task, whereas tun is more abstract and often used in fixed expressions.
Machen
A1Machen is the general-purpose verb for to do or to make. It typically implies creating, producing, causing, or performing a specific, concrete action or task. If you are unsure which verb to use, machen is often the safer bet.
Ich mache mir einen Kaffee.
(I am making myself a coffee.)
Was machst du am Wochenende?
(What are you doing this weekend?)
Die Kinder machen ihre Hausaufgaben.
(The children are doing their homework.)
Wir machen eine Pause.
(We are taking a break.)
Er macht das Fenster zu.
(He is closing the window.)
Lärm macht mich nervös.
(Noise makes me nervous.)
Kannst du bitte ein Foto von uns machen?
(Can you please take a photo of us?)
Sie hat gestern einen großen Fehler gemacht.
(She made a big mistake yesterday.)
Tun
A1Tun is used for actions in a more abstract or general sense, where the specific activity is not mentioned. It is also a key component of many common idiomatic phrases and is used to describe an effect or sensation, such as pain or relief.
Mein Rücken tut weh.
(My back hurts.)
Es tut mir wirklich leid.
(I am truly sorry.)
Was kann ich für Sie tun?
(What can I do for you?)
Das hat nichts mit der Sache zu tun.
(That has nothing to do with the matter.)
Er tut nur so, als würde er arbeiten.
(He is just pretending to work.)
Eine Tasse Tee würde mir jetzt guttun.
(A cup of tea would do me good right now.)
Man sollte immer sein Bestes tun.
(One should always do one's best.)
Sie redet viel, aber tut wenig.
(She talks a lot, but does little.)
Summary
In essence, use machen for creating, producing, or performing concrete tasks (e.g., making dinner, doing homework, taking a photo). It is the more versatile and frequently used verb. Use tun for more abstract or unspecified actions, or in many fixed expressions, especially those related to feelings or effects (e.g., to hurt, to be sorry, to have to do with something). Learning the fixed expressions with tun is key to using it correctly.