beisteuern
to contribute
To make a contribution to a shared cause, whether in the form of money, ideas, work, or other resources.
EXAMPLE
Jeder Gast hat etwas zum Buffet beigesteuert.
Every guest contributed something to the buffet.
beisteuern
to contribute
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Meanings
beisteuern
to contribute
To add a comment, a piece of information, or an anecdote to a conversation.
EXAMPLE
Zu diesem Thema konnte er eine interessante persönliche Erfahrung beisteuern.
He was able to contribute an interesting personal experience on this topic.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Beisteuern' (to contribute) is a separable verb. The prefix 'bei-' comes at the end in a main clause, while it remains attached to the verb in a subordinate clause.
EXAMPLE
Jeder steuert etwas zum Gelingen des Projekts bei.
Everyone contributes something to the success of the project.
Sentence structure with 'zu'
The preposition 'zu' (+ dative) is often used to indicate what the contribution is being made toward. The pattern is: etwas (accusative) zu etwas (dative) beisteuern.
EXAMPLE
Er steuerte einen wichtigen Gedanken zur Diskussion bei.
He contributed an important thought to the discussion.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the object: if it is something material like 'Geld' (money) or 'Essen' (food), the first meaning is meant. If it is something communicative like 'eine Idee' (an idea) or 'eine Geschichte' (a story), the second meaning is meant.
EXAMPLE
Meine Eltern steuern einen Teil zur Miete bei.
My parents contribute part of the rent.
Typical contributions
In the material sense, money, food, or another concrete contribution is often made to a shared cause. Typical phrases are: 'Geld beisteuern' (to contribute money), 'einen Betrag beisteuern' (to contribute an amount), or 'einen Salat zum Fest beisteuern' (to contribute a salad to the party).
EXAMPLE
Die Firma steuerte eine großzügige Spende für den guten Zweck bei.
The company contributed a generous donation to the good cause.
Compare with
beisteuern vs spenden
to donate
„Spenden“ describes a voluntary gift for a good cause. „Beisteuern“ shows that the gift is one's own contribution to a joint project. In a relief campaign, „beisteuern“ is therefore appropriate when several people are contributing money, work, or other resources together.
beisteuern
Lea steuert 100 Euro zur gemeinsamen Hilfsaktion bei.
Lea contributes 100 euros to the joint relief campaign.
spenden
Lea spendet 100 Euro für die Hilfsaktion.
Lea donates 100 euros to the relief campaign.
In real life
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