01
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
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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 leisten
to perform / afford
'leisten' and 'beisteuern' can both express that someone does or gives something for a cause. 'leisten' is broader: you can perform work, provide help, offer resistance, or achieve something special. The focus is often on the fact that something is accomplished or requires effort. 'beisteuern' means that someone contributes something to a shared effort, for example money, ideas, work, or information. So the focus is on one's share in something collective. The words can be confused in sentences like 'einen Beitrag leisten' (to make a contribution) and 'etwas beisteuern' (to contribute something). 'Einen Beitrag leisten' sounds more general; 'beisteuern' says more clearly that something is added to a larger whole.
beisteuern
Für das Schulfest steuert meine Schwester einen Kuchen und zwei Plakate bei.
For the school festival, my sister is contributing a cake and two posters.
leisten
Die Helfer leisten nach dem Sturm wichtige Arbeit im Dorf.
After the storm, the helpers are doing important work in the village.
In real life
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