Deutsch · A2 · vocabulary · 4 minutes
Hobbies and free time
Choose spielen, machen, or a specific activity verb.
Understand the choice
German does not require one general verb for hobbies. Use Fußball spielen, Yoga machen, Gitarre spielen, wandern, schwimmen, tanzen, and einem Verein beitreten as established patterns.
Core rule: Use an activity’s own verb where available; instruments can be direct objects after spielen.
Notice it in context
In meiner Freizeit wandere ich und spiele in einer Band Gitarre.
In my free time I hike and play guitar in a band.
In meiner Freizeit is fronted; wandere remains second; Gitarre is the object of spiele.
Meine Mannschaft trainiert zweimal pro Woche im Verein.
My team trains twice a week at the club.
Mannschaft and Verein place the sports routine.
Am Sonntag zeichnen wir am See und schwimmen.
On Sunday we draw by the lake and swim.
Zeichnen and schwimmen are coordinated activity verbs.
What to remember
- Der Verein is an organized club or association, not merely a casual group.
- Mannschaft is a sports team; Team is common in work and sports.
Common trap: Do not add tun after activity verbs. Ich wandere already means I hike.