Learn German: Jetzt mache ich etwas. - Now I am doing something.

In German main sentences, the verb must almost always be in the second position. This is known as the V2 rule. Because this sentence starts with the time word jetzt (now) in position 1, the verb mache (am doing) takes position 2. This pushes the subject ich (I) right after the verb, into position 3.

Why does the verb mache end in an -e?

The base form (infinitive) of this verb is machen (to do). When you use a regular verb with ich (I) in the present tense, you drop the -en ending and add an -e. Therefore, it becomes ich mache.

The English translation says "I am doing". Why aren't there words for "am" and "-ing" in the German sentence?

German does not have a separate continuous tense like English does. The single present tense verb mache translates to both "do" and "am doing". The word jetzt (now) gives you the clue that the action is happening right at this exact moment.

Can the verb machen also mean "to make"?

Yes! The German verb machen is very common and covers both "to do" and "to make". Here, "doing something" makes the most sense, but if you said Ich mache Pizza, it would mean "I am making pizza".