Maak

Maak is a term that occurs in Dutch and Afrikaans as a verb meaning "to make" or "to do." It also appears as a surname in Dutch-speaking regions and may be encountered in names or fixed expressions. The word is part of the Germanic language family and has cognate forms in related languages, reflecting shared roots for the concept of making or doing.

In Dutch, maak is the present-tense form of maken for the first-person singular (ik maak) and also serves as the imperative form (Maak!) used to issue commands or requests. The infinitive is maken, the past tense is maakte, and the past participle is gemaakt. Dutch uses numerous fixed phrases built with maak, such as Maak kennis met (to become acquainted with), Maak het af (finish it), and Maak gereed (prepare/ready).

In Afrikaans, maak functions similarly as the infinitive and is widely used in everyday speech. Present tense forms include ek maak (I make). Common expressions include Maak plan (Make a plan) and Maak gereed (Get ready). The close relationship between Dutch and Afrikaans means many phrases and grammatical patterns are parallel across the two languages.

As a surname, Maak is found among individuals in Dutch-speaking communities. Notable bearers may be reported in biographical or genealogical sources, though specific examples are not listed here.

Because Maak primarily operates as a verb form in Dutch and Afrikaans, it appears most often in ordinary conversation, instruction, and idiomatic expressions. In other contexts, it may appear as part of names or titles, though such uses are less common and highly context-dependent.