German for Collaborative Projects: Dividing Tasks and Coordinating Work
Learn to divide tasks and coordinate a small project in German using phrases like 'Ich mache die Recherche, du schreibst.'
By PookieFriends & plans · Yapr Learn
When you work with someone on a shared goal—a presentation, a report, a video—you need to say who does what. German uses the present tense for near-future plans: 'Ich mache die Recherche' means 'I'll do the research.' The verb usually comes second, and the person doing the action can be stressed at the start: 'Die Recherche mache ich.' This lesson gives you phrases to divide tasks, agree on a deadline, and check progress. You will also learn to use 'du' with a peer and 'Sie' in formal contexts. No prior grammar beyond basic present tense is needed.
By the end, you can…
- divide tasks with a partner using 'Ich mache ...' and 'Du machst ...'.
- agree on a deadline and ask about progress in German.
- use 'wir' to suggest a joint step and confirm who does what.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Ich mache die Recherche, du schreibst.
I'll do the research, you write.
ikh MAKH-uh dee reh-SHAIR-shuh, doo shrypst
Use with a peer (du). Stress 'ich' and 'du' to make the division clear.
Wer macht was?
Who does what?
vair makht vas
A direct way to start dividing tasks. Works in informal and neutral contexts.
Ich übernehme den Text, du die Grafiken.
I'll take the text, you the graphics.
ikh oo-ber-NEH-muh den tekst, doo dee GRAH-fik-en
Use 'übernehmen' for taking on a task. The second clause can omit the verb: 'du die Grafiken.'
Bis wann brauchst du das?
By when do you need it?
bis van browkhst doo das
Asks for a deadline. 'Bis wann' literally 'until when'.
Lass uns das später besprechen.
Let's discuss that later.
las uns das SHPET-er buh-SHPREH-khen
Use 'Lass uns' to suggest a joint action. Informal; with 'Sie' say 'Lassen Sie uns ...'.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To divide tasks, use the present tense: 'Ich mache die Recherche.' The verb 'mache' is in second position. You can also put the task first for emphasis: 'Die Recherche mache ich.' To ask who does what, use 'Wer macht was?' For a joint suggestion, use 'Lass uns' + infinitive: 'Lass uns die Aufgaben teilen.' Note that German does not use a future tense here; context makes the plan clear.
When to use it
Use these phrases when planning a project with one other person. With a friend or classmate, use 'du': 'Du schreibst den Text.' With a colleague you address formally, use 'Sie': 'Schreiben Sie den Text?' To confirm a division, repeat it back: 'Also, ich mache die Recherche und du schreibst.' For deadlines, 'Bis wann?' is neutral; 'Bis Freitag' means 'by Friday.' If you need to change a plan, say 'Ich kann doch nicht' and offer an alternative.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Wir müssen bis Freitag eine Präsentation machen. Wer macht was?
We have to make a presentation by Friday. Who does what?veer MUES-en bis FRY-takh EYE-nuh preh-zen-tah-TSYOHN MAH-khen. vair makht vasIch mache die Recherche, du schreibst den Text. Einverstanden?
I'll do the research, you write the text. Agreed?ikh MAKH-uh dee reh-SHAIR-shuh, doo shrypst den tekst. EYN-fer-shtan-denJa, gut. Bis wann brauchst du meine Recherche?
Yes, good. By when do you need my research?yah, goot. bis van browkhst doo MY-nuh reh-SHAIR-shuhBis Mittwoch. Dann kann ich am Donnerstag den Text fertig machen.
By Wednesday. Then I can finish the text on Thursday.bis MIT-vokh. dan kan ikh am DON-ers-takh den tekst FER-tikh MAH-khenA little context goes a long way
In German-speaking workplaces and schools, directness about tasks and deadlines is common and not considered rude. 'Wer macht was?' is a normal planning question. However, with someone you address as 'Sie'—a supervisor, a new colleague, an older person—use 'Wer macht was?' only if you are leading the project; otherwise soften with 'Wie wollen wir die Aufgaben verteilen?' Regional variation is minor here, but in Austria and Switzerland 'Jänner' replaces 'Januar', and 'bis' for deadlines is standard everywhere.
One thing to watch for
Using 'Ich werde die Recherche machen' for a simple plan, thinking you need a future tense.
Try this instead: German usually uses the present tense for near-future plans: 'Ich mache die Recherche.' 'Werden' + infinitive is for predictions or promises, not routine coordination. Say 'Ich mache die Recherche, du schreibst' rather than 'Ich werde die Recherche machen, du wirst schreiben.'
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you say 'I'll take the graphics, you the text' to a peer?
Show a sample answer
Ich übernehme die Grafiken, du den Text.
'Übernehmen' means to take on a task. The second clause can drop the verb: 'du den Text.' You could also say 'Ich mache die Grafiken, du machst den Text'—both are correct.
2Ask a colleague you address with 'Sie' for a deadline.
Show a sample answer
Bis wann brauchen Sie das?
This uses the formal 'Sie' and the verb 'brauchen' in second position. With a peer you would say 'Bis wann brauchst du das?'
3Suggest dividing the tasks together using 'Lass uns'.
Show a sample answer
Lass uns die Aufgaben teilen.
'Lass uns' + infinitive is the informal way to suggest a joint action. With 'Sie' say 'Lassen Sie uns die Aufgaben teilen.'
To divide tasks in German, use the present tense: 'Ich mache die Recherche, du schreibst.' Ask 'Wer macht was?' and 'Bis wann?' to coordinate. Use 'du' with peers, 'Sie' in formal contexts.
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