Learn Hardcore German: Das Telefon klingelt ständig, also mache ich es am besten stumm. - The phone keeps ringing, so I will silence it.

In this context, stumm means mute or silent. It describes the state the phone is being set to, indicating that the speaker silences it so it won’t ring audibly.

What is the role and meaning of am besten in this sentence?

Am besten translates to “the best” or “most effectively”. Here, it emphasizes that, given the phone rings constantly, setting it to mute is the optimal solution. It indicates the speaker’s preferred course of action.

What does also signify in this sentence?

In this sentence, also means “therefore” or “so”. It connects the observation that the phone rings constantly with the conclusion that the speaker should silence it.

Why is the pronoun es used in the phrase “mache ich es”?

The pronoun es refers back to das Telefon (which is neuter in German). It functions as the direct object of the verb machen, ensuring that the action of silencing is clearly applied to the telephone.

How does the sentence structure in “mache ich es am besten stumm” work in terms of word order and verb placement?

German grammar typically places the finite verb in the second position. In this sentence, mache (the finite verb) appears early, followed by ich (the subject) and es (the object referring to the telephone). The descriptive phrase “am besten stumm” comes at the end, emphasizing the manner in which the action is performed. This structure is common in German, where additional details or modifications often appear at the sentence’s end for clarity and emphasis.