01
die Macke
flaw / dent
A small bit of damage, a scratch, or a dent on an object.
example
Das neue Fahrrad hat leider schon eine Macke im Lack.
Unfortunately, the new bicycle already has a flaw in the paint.
die Macke
flaw / quirk
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Meanings
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Usage tips
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The word 'Macke' is used mainly in colloquial language in all its meanings. It sounds informal and is used more often in everyday speech than in formal texts.
EXAMPLE
Sei vorsichtig mit der Vase, sie hat schon eine kleine Macke.
Be careful with the vase; it already has a small flaw.
Context clue
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'Macke' from the context. If the word refers to an object, it means damage. If people are talking about a person, it refers to a strange habit or to the idea that the person is crazy.
EXAMPLE
Mein Handy hat eine Macke im Display.
My phone has a flaw in the display.
Typical collocations
When damage is meant, the position of the 'Macke' (flaw/dent) is often given with the preposition 'in' or 'an' plus dative. Typical phrases are 'eine Macke im Lack' (a flaw in the paint) or 'eine Macke am Tisch' (a dent/flaw on the table).
EXAMPLE
Der neue Schrank hat leider schon eine Macke an der Seite.
Unfortunately, the new cabinet already has a flaw on the side.
Typical usage
When talking about quirky characteristics, the plural 'Macken' (quirks) is often used. A very common expression is 'Jeder hat seine Macken' (Everyone has their quirks).
EXAMPLE
Er hat ein paar seltsame Macken, aber er ist ein guter Freund.
He has a few strange quirks, but he's a good friend.
Fixed expression
The meaning 'to be crazy' is used almost exclusively in the fixed expression 'eine Macke haben' (to be nuts / to have a screw loose). It often appears in a rhetorical question.
EXAMPLE
Du willst bei dem Gewitter schwimmen gehen? Hast du eine Macke?
You want to go swimming in the thunderstorm? Are you nuts?
Compare with
Macke vs Fehler
mistake / error
'der Fehler' and 'die Macke' can both refer to a defect or a weakness. 'Fehler' is the neutral word and fits many situations, for example at work, in technology, or with decisions. 'Macke' is colloquial. With things, it often means a small bit of damage, for example a dent or a scratch. With people, it more often means a strange habit or personal quirk. Learners may confuse the words because both express something negative. But 'Macke' sounds much more informal and does not fit well for serious or official mistakes.
Macke
Tim hat die Macke, vor jeder Reise dreimal seine Tasche zu kontrollieren.
Tim has the quirk of checking his bag three times before every trip.
Fehler
Gestern habe ich im Büro einen Fehler in der E-Mail übersehen.
Yesterday at the office, I overlooked a mistake in the email.
In real life
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