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Wir machen morgen einen Termin aus, um alles zu klären.

Wir machen morgen einen Termin aus, um alles zu klären.
We will arrange an appointment tomorrow in order to clarify everything.
FromLesson 49inHardcore German
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Questions & Answers about Wir machen morgen einen Termin aus, um alles zu klären.

What does the verb pair machen … aus mean here? I thought ausmachen was “to turn off” or “to matter.”

German ausmachen is a separable verb with several meanings. In the collocation einen Termin ausmachen, it means “to arrange/set up an appointment.” Other common meanings are:

  • das Licht ausmachen = turn off the light
  • Es macht mir nichts aus. = I don’t mind / It doesn’t bother me. Context tells you which meaning is intended.
Why is the verb split as machen … aus?

Because ausmachen is a separable-prefix verb. In a main clause with simple tenses, the prefix (aus) goes to the end of the clause, while the finite verb (machen) stays in position 2:

  • Wir machen … aus.
Where does the prefix go in other tenses and clause types?
  • Perfect: the prefix reattaches to form the past participle at the end: Wir haben einen Termin ausgemacht.
  • Subordinate clause: the verb is at the end and the prefix stays attached: …, dass wir einen Termin ausmachen.
  • With a modal: the infinitive goes to the end, attached: Wir wollen einen Termin ausmachen.
  • Future with werden: same as modal: Wir werden einen Termin ausmachen.
Why is it einen Termin and not ein Termin?

Termin is masculine (der Termin). Here it’s the direct object, so it’s accusative singular. The accusative of the indefinite article for masculine is einen:

  • Nominative: ein Termin
  • Accusative: einen Termin
Is Termin machen also acceptable, or should I say something else?

You’ll hear einen Termin machen in casual speech, but the standard and widely accepted options are:

  • einen Termin ausmachen
  • einen Termin vereinbaren (more formal/neutral, common in business) Regional: einen Termin abmachen (Swiss), einen Termin fixieren (Austrian).
Does morgen mean the appointment is for tomorrow, or that we will arrange it tomorrow?

In the sentence given, morgen modifies the arranging action: “We will arrange an appointment tomorrow.” If you mean the appointment itself is scheduled for tomorrow, say:

  • Wir machen einen Termin für morgen aus.
Can morgen go somewhere else in the sentence?

Yes:

  • Morgen machen wir einen Termin aus, … (fronted for emphasis)
  • Wir machen morgen einen Termin aus, … (neutral, very common)
  • Wir machen einen Termin morgen aus, … (possible but sounds clunky; Germans prefer the earlier placements)
Why is there a comma before um?
Because um … zu introduces an infinitive clause of purpose. German requires a comma before these when introduced by um, ohne, statt/anstatt, außer, als. So the comma here is mandatory.
Can I use damit instead of um … zu?

Yes, but use it when you need a full clause with a subject and finite verb, especially if the subject changes:

  • Same subject (we): …, um alles zu klären.
  • Different subject: …, damit er/sie alles klärt. You can also keep the same subject with damit for style or to add a modal: …, damit wir alles klären können.
Why not use the future tense (werden) for a future plan?
German often uses the present tense with a time word for near-future plans. Wir machen morgen … is the most natural. Wir werden morgen … is correct but is more like a prediction or adds emphasis/formality.
What case is alles, and why isn’t there an article?
Alles is a pronoun meaning “everything,” so it doesn’t take an article. Here it’s the direct object of klären, so it’s in the accusative: alles (same form as nominative).
What nuance does klären have compared to besprechen or lösen?
  • klären: clarify, clear up ambiguities, settle questions
  • besprechen: discuss (talk through, not necessarily reach a conclusion)
  • lösen: solve (find a solution to a problem) In your sentence, klären suggests the aim is to resolve or make things clear.
Is the sentence suitable for a business context, or is it too casual?

It’s fine in many contexts, but for a more formal tone, prefer:

  • Wir vereinbaren morgen einen Termin, um alles zu klären.
  • Polite request: Könnten wir morgen einen Termin vereinbaren, um alles zu klären?
Can I move the purpose clause to the front?

Yes:

  • Um alles zu klären, machen wir morgen einen Termin aus. This puts emphasis on the purpose.
Where would zu go if the infinitive had a separable prefix?

With separable verbs, zu slips between the prefix and the stem:

  • um die Tür aufzumachen
  • um alles aufzuklären (note: aufklären can mean “to clear up” but also “to inform/educate,” so choose verbs carefully)
How do I place pronouns with separable verbs like ausmachen?

Pronoun objects usually come before the separated prefix:

  • Wir machen ihn morgen aus. (ihn = den Termin) Object pronouns come before adverbs and the particle at the end.
Do I need to say who the appointment is with?

Only if it’s not obvious. Add a mit-phrase (dative):

  • Wir machen morgen mit ihm/ihr der Firma X einen Termin aus, um … More formal: Wir vereinbaren morgen mit der Firma X einen Termin, um …
Any pronunciation tip?
Stress the prefix in separable verbs: AUSmachen. In um alles zu klären, um and zu are unstressed; the main stress falls on klä- in klären.
Is it okay to say Wir klären morgen alles instead?
Grammatically yes, but it changes the meaning. That sentence says you’ll do the clarifying tomorrow—no mention of arranging an appointment. The original explicitly says you’ll set up a meeting with the purpose of clarifying everything.

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