to contribute
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to contribute to
To do one's part toward a shared goal, result, or whole; to make a contribution.
Jeder Einzelne kann etwas zum Schutz der Umwelt beitragen.
Every individual can contribute something to protecting the environment.
'Beitragen' (to contribute) is a separable verb. The prefix 'bei-' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Jeder Mitarbeiter trägt etwas zum Erfolg bei.
Every employee contributes something to success.
The verb 'beitragen' (to contribute) is always used with the preposition 'zu', which requires the dative. The structure is: etwas zu etwas (Dativ) beitragen (to contribute something to something).
Regelmäßige Bewegung trägt zur Gesundheit bei.
Regular exercise contributes to health.
Common combinations describe contributing to a positive goal, for example 'zum Erfolg beitragen' (to contribute to success), 'zur Verbesserung beitragen' (to contribute to improvement), or 'einen Beitrag leisten' (to make a contribution).
Ihre Spende trägt zur Erhaltung des alten Gebäudes bei.
Your donation contributes to the preservation of the old building.
to promote / extract
Fördern refers to targeted support intended to advance a desired development. Beitragen zu, by contrast, only describes something producing part of the result. A measure can therefore deliberately promote something and thereby contribute to a larger goal.
Die neuen Radwege tragen zu einem sichereren Verkehr in der Stadt bei.
The new bike paths are contributing to safer traffic in the city.
Die Stadt fördert den Radverkehr gezielt durch den Bau neuer Radwege.
The city is deliberately promoting cycling by building new bike paths.
