Translation of German word "schaffen" to English
schaffen
/ˈʃafən/
Meaning
VerbTo create. To build, construct, produce, or originate.
How to use
The verb schaffen is famous in German because it has two completely distinct conjugations based on meaning: (1) Strong conjugation (schafft, schuf, hat geschaffen) when meaning 'to create / produce' (Gott schuf die Welt — God created the world; Arbeitsplätze schaffen — to create jobs). (2) Weak conjugation (schafft, schaffte, hat geschafft) when meaning 'to manage / succeed / get done / work' (Ich habe die Prüfung geschafft! — I passed/managed the exam!; Wir schaffen das — We can manage this). Note: the source translation is 'to do/make' (сделать), which does not capture this essential dual nature.
🇬🇧 English
to make
Example
Ich werde versuchen, den Berg zu schaffen.
I will try to climb the mountain.
Die Firma wird versuchen, den Verlust zu minimieren, indem sie den Gewinn schafft.
The company will try to minimize the losses by making a profit.
Your personal vocabulary
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Common phrases
- Wir schaffen das!— We can manage this! / We can do it! (famous political phrase)
- Arbeitsplätze schaffen— to create jobs (strong conjugation meaning)
- die Prüfung schaffen— to pass the exam / succeed (weak conjugation)
More Core Verbs words
This concept in other languages
📖 Related grammar
🦊 Conjugation of the verb "schaffen"Full conjugation →
Present Tense (Präsens)
Simple Past (Präteritum)
Perfect (Perfekt)
ich bin/schaffen
Imperative (Imperativ)
Frequency rank: #245 in German
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the definition of the German word "schaffen"?▼
The German word "schaffen" is defined as: "To create. To build, construct, produce, or originate."
What does the German word "schaffen" mean?▼
The German word "schaffen" means "to make" in English.
How do you pronounce the German word "schaffen"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "schaffen" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "schaffen"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "Ich werde versuchen, den Berg zu schaffen." (which translates as "I will try to climb the mountain.").
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