schaffen
to manage
To successfully handle or complete a task or challenge. In this meaning, the verb is conjugated weakly (schaffte, geschafft).
EXAMPLE
Ich hoffe, ich schaffe die Prüfung morgen.
I hope I manage the exam tomorrow.
schaffen
to manage / create
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Meanings
schaffen
to create
To produce, create, or bring something new into being. In this meaning, the verb is often conjugated strongly (schuf, geschaffen).
EXAMPLE
Der Architekt hat ein beeindruckendes Gebäude geschaffen.
The architect created an impressive building.
schaffen
to get
To bring or transport someone or something to a specific place.
EXAMPLE
Der Verletzte wurde sofort ins Krankenhaus geschafft.
The injured person was taken to the hospital immediately.
jemandem zu schaffen machen
to trouble someone
To cause a person problems, worries, or difficulties.
EXAMPLE
Die andauernde Hitze macht den älteren Leuten sehr zu schaffen.
The ongoing heat is really troubling the elderly people.
schaffen
to work
(Mainly southern German, Swiss, Austrian) To work, especially physically.
EXAMPLE
Mein Großvater hat sein Leben lang hart geschafft.
My grandfather worked hard his whole life.
Usage tips
Strong or weak?
Careful, this verb has two past-tense forms! For 'erfolgreich bewältigen' (to successfully manage; meaning m01), it is weak: schaffte, hat geschafft. For 'etwas Neues erschaffen' (to create something new; meaning m02), it is strong: schuf, hat geschaffen.
EXAMPLE
Er hat die Prüfung mit Bravour geschafft.
He passed the exam with flying colors.
Sentence structure with "es"
In the meaning 'etwas bewältigen' (to manage something), 'schaffen' is very often used with the pronoun 'es'. The phrase 'Ich schaffe das!' (I can do it!) is a very typical expression of motivation.
EXAMPLE
Keine Sorge, wir schaffen das schon zusammen!
Don't worry, we'll manage it together!
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'kreieren' (to create), 'schaffen' is often used with abstract nouns. Typical combinations are 'Arbeitsplätze schaffen' (to create jobs), 'Ordnung schaffen' (to create order), 'Klarheit schaffen' (to provide clarity), or 'Platz schaffen' (to make room).
EXAMPLE
Die neue Fabrik soll 500 Arbeitsplätze schaffen.
The new factory is supposed to create 500 jobs.
Colloquial use
When 'schaffen' is used for 'transportieren' (to transport), it often has a slightly colloquial tone. It implies that the transport involves some hurry or effort.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du die alten Zeitungen bitte in den Keller schaffen?
Could you please take the old newspapers down to the basement?
Dative construction
The fixed expression 'jemandem zu schaffen machen' (to trouble someone / to give someone a hard time) requires the dative. The person having problems is in the dative, while the cause of the problems is the subject of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Der Lärm von der Baustelle macht mir zu schaffen.
The noise from the construction site is troubling me.
Regional meaning
In southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, 'schaffen' is a common word for 'arbeiten' (to work). In other parts of Germany, you would use 'arbeiten' in most contexts.
EXAMPLE
Was schaffst du denn beruflich?
What do you do for work?
Compare with
könnenmachenbringenbestehenerreichenWerkleistenkriegenherstellenerledigengelingenpackenerschaffenbewältigenmeisternhinbekommenLebenswerkschöpfenvollbringenhervorbringenhinkriegenGesamtwerk
schaffen vs können
to be able to
“Können” and “schaffen” can both refer to completing a task by a deadline. “Können” asks about ability or possibility, while “schaffen” emphasizes that the task will actually be completed under the specific circumstances. For a deadline, “schaffen” is therefore often more precise.
schaffen
Schaffst du es, den Bericht bis morgen fertig zu schreiben?
Can you manage to finish writing the report by tomorrow?
können
Kannst du den Bericht bis morgen fertig schreiben?
Can you finish writing the report by tomorrow?
In real life
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