Breakdown of Die Zahlen machen das Problem deutlich.
das Problem
the problem
die Zahl
the number
deutlich machen
to make clear
Questions & Answers about Die Zahlen machen das Problem deutlich.
How does deutlich machen fit into the current lesson about active vs. state constructions?
Deutlich machen (to make clear) is the active, transitive action where a subject (here, die Zahlen) causes the clarity. If we shift the perspective to the problem itself, we use the intransitive counterpart deutlich werden (to become clear), as in Das Problem wird deutlich (The problem becomes clear).
Why use Zahlen here instead of Nummern for figures or numbers?
Zahlen refers to quantities, statistics, or amounts used in calculations, which fits this context perfectly. Nummern is used for identification or ordering, like a phone number (Telefonnummer) or a room number (Zimmernummer).
Is deutlich machen considered a separable verb here?
It acts very much like one! It is a fixed combination of an adjective (deutlich) and a verb (machen). In a main clause, machen takes the second position and deutlich goes to the end of the sentence, just like a separable prefix. In a subordinate clause, they would group together at the end: ... weil die Zahlen das Problem deutlich machen.
Could I use erklären instead of deutlich machen?
You could, but it changes the nuance. Deutlich machen means to illustrate or highlight something so it is unmistakably seen. Erklären means to actively explain how or why something works. The figures do not speak or give reasons; they just make the problem visible.
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