nachmachen

Nachmachen is a German verb meaning to imitate, copy, or reproduce something. It can refer to a harmless imitation of a style or technique, or to forging or falsifying, especially when dealing with documents, goods, or works protected by copyright. As a noun, das Nachmachen denotes the act of imitation or copying.

Etymology and usage: The prefix nach- combined with machen indicates following or reproducing something already seen. Nachmachen is a separable verb in many tenses: ich mache das nach, er macht es nach. The past participle is nachgemacht. In compound constructions it can also appear with other objects, such as nachmachen von Mustern oder Vorbildern.

Scope and distinctions: In everyday language, Nachmachen often refers to copying or mimicking something observed. In legal or ethical contexts, it can imply unauthorized reproduction, which may violate copyright, trademark, or patent laws. Legitimate copying may occur with permission or within exceptions, sometimes described as Kopieren rather than Nachmachen. Illicit Nachmachen can lead to charges such as Fälschung or Betrug when it involves forged documents or deceptive acts.

Related terms: Nachahmung is a closely related noun that emphasizes imitation more generally, often in artistic or stylistic contexts. Kopie refers to a copy or reproduction without judgment about legality. Fälschung denotes counterfeit or forged items, typically with legal wrongdoing.

Grammar notes: As a verb, nachmachen forms separable prefixes in the present tense (ich mache das nach) and uses the auxiliary haben in perfect tenses (ich habe das nachgemacht). As a noun, das Nachmachen is used in phrases like das Nachmachen von Vorbildern.

See also: Nachahmung, Kopie, Fälschung, Plagiat.