So mache ich das immer.

Here so means like this, that way, or in this manner.

In So mache ich das immer, so refers to the way something is done. It points to the method, not to degree. So the sentence means something like That’s how I always do it or I always do it this way.

Because German main clauses normally follow the verb-second rule.

The first position in this sentence is taken by so. Once so is placed first, the conjugated verb must come second:

So + mache + ich + ...

So even though ich is the subject, it comes after the verb here.

Compare:

Ich mache das immer so.
Subject first, verb second.

So mache ich das immer.
Another element first, verb still second.

Yes, the basic meaning is the same, but the emphasis is different.

Ich mache das immer so is the more neutral word order. It simply states: I always do it this way.

So mache ich das immer puts extra focus on so. It highlights the method: This is how I always do it.

So the fronted so gives the sentence a slightly more marked or emphatic feel.

Das here means it or that, depending on context.

It refers to whatever action, task, or procedure is being talked about. In German, das is often used where English would naturally use it.

So in this sentence, das is the thing being done: I always do it this way.

Immer means always, and its position here is very natural in German.

In So mache ich das immer, immer comes late in the sentence because the sentence is organized around the emphasized so at the beginning, then the verb, subject, object, and finally the adverb.

German word order with adverbs is flexible, but not completely free. This version sounds very normal.

A very common alternative is:

Ich mache das immer so.

There, immer comes before so. Both are correct, but the focus changes.

You can use that as a learning aid, but not as real English.

A word-for-word breakdown is:

So = this way / like this
mache = do / make
ich = I
das = that / it
immer = always

But natural English would be:

That’s how I always do it.
or
I always do it this way.

So the literal structure helps you understand the German grammar, but it should not be copied directly into English.

Here machen means do.

German machen can correspond to both make and do in English, depending on context. In this sentence, it means performing an action, so English uses do:

I always do it this way.

Not: I always make it this way — unless the context is specifically about producing or creating something.

Yes. In this sentence, so is an adverb of manner.

It describes how the action is done: So mache ich das = I do it like this / that way

So it is not a conjunction here, and it is not the filler word you sometimes hear in spoken German. It specifically describes the manner of the action.

Usually immer does mean always, but depending on context it can sometimes feel like every time or consistently.

In So mache ich das immer, it often suggests a habit: This is the way I always do it
or
This is how I do it every time

So the exact English wording may vary a little, but the core idea is regular repetition.

Yes, absolutely.

So mache ich das immer is a completely natural sentence. A native speaker might use it when explaining a routine, giving instructions, or defending their usual method.

For example, if someone asks why you are doing something in a particular way, you could reply:

So mache ich das immer.

Meaning: That’s how I always do it.