So mache ich das immer.

I always do it that way.

Breakdown of So mache ich das immer.

• ich: I
• immer: always
• machen: to do
• das: it

Questions & Answers about So mache ich das immer.

What does so mean here?

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.

Why is mache before ich?

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.

Is So mache ich das immer the same as Ich mache das immer so?

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.

What does mean here?