🔄🙅‍♂️

How to Say ‘We don't usually do that.’ in German

Normalerweise machen wir das nicht.

nor-MAH-ler-vy-zeh MAH-khen veer dahs nicht

[nor-MAH-ler-vy-zeh MAH-khen veer dahs nicht]

🇩🇪 In Germany: Often a sign that an exception is coming, usually followed by aber "but". Show appreciation, because staff are bending a rule for you.

Phrase Breakdown

Normalerweise

[nor-MAH-ler-vy-zeh]

normally

Usually, under normal circumstances.

Example

Normalerweise fahre ich mit dem Rad.

Normally I go by bike.

machen wir das nicht.

MAH-khen veer dahs nicht

we don't do that.

The verb comes second, so the subject 'wir' follows it.

Example

Sonntags machen wir das nicht.

We don't do that on Sundays.

Words in this phrase

machen

[MAH-khen]

do / make

Verb 'machen' means 'to do' or 'to make'.

Example

Was machen wir zuerst beim Aufbau?

What do we do first during setup?

wir

[veer]

Pronoun for a group including the speaker.

Example

Wir arbeiten gern zusammen.

We like working together.

das

[dahs]

that

Used to indicate something known or assumed.

Example

Wir wissen, dass er kommt.

We know that he's coming.

nicht

[nicht]

not

Used to negate a sentence.

Example

Dieses Angebot gibt's nicht mehr.

This offer no longer exists.

Guides for German learners

Duolingo vs Pimsleur: Tapping on a Screen or Talking Out Loud?Duolingo vs Pimsleur: five minutes of tapping versus thirty minutes of speaking. What each is good at, what each costs, and which to pick for your goal.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Berlin bureaucracy requires real German. This app got me from zero to handling my Anmeldung appointment in three weeks. My coworkers couldn’t believe it.”

Emma L., 27, UX Researcher

“Relocated to Munich with my family. The everyday scenarios — grocery shopping, doctor visits, school meetings — are exactly what we needed to settle in.”

Marcus J., 40, Engineer

“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”

Alex M., 42, Software Engineer