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When German chooses a different support verb

In English, we often use combinations like "make a decision", "take a photo", or "give a speech". In these phrases, the verbs "make", "take", and "give" do not carry much meaning on their own. They act as light support verbs, while the noun does the heavy lifting.

German uses the exact same structure, but it frequently chooses a completely different support verb. English speakers often translate their native expressions word for word, which sounds highly unnatural to a German ear. Learning which verb belongs to which noun is essential for sounding fluent.

Word list
eine Frage stellenA2 to ask ask -> stellen ein Foto machenB1 to take a photo take -> machen einen Blick werfenB1 to glance have a look -> werfen einen Spaziergang machenB1 to take a walk take/go for -> machen sich Mühe gebenB1 to make an effort make -> geben Sinn ergebenB1 to make sense make -> ergeben Sport treibenB1 to work out exercise -> treiben zu Ende gehenB1 to come to an end come -> gehen die Einkäufe erledigenB2 to do the shopping do -> erledigen ein Foto schießenB2 to take a photo take -> schießen ein Nickerchen machenB2 to take a nap take -> machen ein Risiko eingehenB2 to take a risk take -> eingehen eine Entscheidung treffenB2 to make a decision make -> treffen eine Rede haltenB2 to give a speech give/make -> halten seinen Lebensunterhalt bestreitenB2 to make a living make -> bestreiten seinen Lebensunterhalt verdienenB2 to make a living make -> verdienen sich Notizen machenB2 to take notes take -> machen in Brand steckenC1 to set fire set -> stecken
When "take" becomes "machen"

English loves the verb "take" for everyday activities. In German, many of these expressions use machen (to make or do) instead.

If you want to rest, you take a nap, but in German you say ein Nickerchen machen. If you want to go outside for a stroll, you say einen Spaziergang machen. The same rule applies to photography: you do not "take" a picture, you make one with ein Foto machen.

Darf ich hier ein Foto machen?
(May I take a photo here?)
Nach dem Essen mache ich gerne ein Nickerchen.
(After eating I like to take a nap.)
Wir machen heute Abend einen Spaziergang.
(We are taking a walk tonight.)
When "machen" is the wrong choice

The biggest trap for English speakers is using machen when translating phrases that use "make" in English. German usually rejects this literal translation.

You cannot translate "make a decision" with machen. Instead, you have to "meet" or "hit" a decision: eine Entscheidung treffen. Similarly, to "ask a question" requires the verb stellen (to place upright), giving us eine Frage stellen. If you want to "give a speech", you actually "hold" it in German: eine Rede halten.

Du musst endlich eine Entscheidung treffen.
(You finally have to make a decision.)
Der Präsident hält eine Rede.
(The president gives a speech.)
Darf ich dir eine Frage stellen?
(May I ask you a question?)
More surprising verb pairings

Sometimes the German support verb creates a very vivid picture. If you want to "have a look" or "glance" at something, you literally "throw a look" in German: einen Blick werfen. If you decide to "take a risk", you step or "go into" it: ein Risiko eingehen. Finally, if you exercise or play sports, you "drive" the sport forward: Sport treiben.

Kannst du mal einen Blick auf dieses Dokument werfen?
(Can you have a look at this document?)
Ich möchte kein Risiko eingehen.
(I do not want to take a risk.)
Es ist wichtig, regelmäßig Sport zu treiben.
(It is important to exercise regularly.)
Summary

Whenever you learn a new noun in German, always check if it commonly pairs with a specific verb. Avoid translating English support verbs like "make", "take", or "give" directly, as German usually relies on its own unique partnerships.