01
betätigen
to operate
To operate a switch, lever, button, or device in order to trigger a function.
example
Im Notfall müssen Sie den roten Knopf betätigen.
In an emergency, you must operate the red button.
betätigen
to operate / be active
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The verb 'betätigen' is derived from the adjective 'tätig' (active). The prefix 'be-' and the ending '-igen' turn the adjective into a verb meaning 'to make active' or 'to be active'.
EXAMPLE
Durch das Betätigen des Schalters wird das Licht eingeschaltet.
Operating the switch turns on the light.
Reflexive vs. non-reflexive
The meaning changes depending on whether the verb is reflexive or not. 'Etwas betätigen' means to operate a device. 'Sich betätigen' means to be active in a particular area.
EXAMPLE
Er betätigte den Alarmknopf.
He operated the alarm button.
Typical objects
In the meaning 'to operate', 'betätigen' is almost always used with technical devices. Typical objects are: a switch, a lever, a brake, or a button.
EXAMPLE
Der Pilot betätigte mehrere Hebel im Cockpit.
The pilot operated several levers in the cockpit.
Typical combinations
The reflexive form 'sich betätigen' is often combined with adverbs that describe the area of activity, e.g. 'sich sportlich', 'künstlerisch', 'politisch', or 'ehrenamtlich betätigen' (to be active in sports, artistically, politically, or as a volunteer).
EXAMPLE
Mein Großvater betätigt sich auch im hohen Alter noch sportlich.
My grandfather is still active in sports even at an advanced age.
Compare with
betätigen vs arbeiten
to work
'arbeiten' and 'sich betätigen' can both mean that someone is active and engages in an activity. 'arbeiten' is much more general and fits jobs, tasks, projects, and many normal activities. 'sich betätigen' sounds somewhat more formal and is more suitable when someone is active in a particular area, for example in sports, art, or politics. Learners may confuse the words because both express activity. But 'betätigen' without 'sich' often means to operate a button, switch, or lever, and then it is not a synonym of 'arbeiten'.
betätigen
Seit seiner Rente betätigt sich Herr Schneider viel im Gartenverein.
Since retiring, Mr. Schneider has been very active in the gardening club.
arbeiten
Im Kurs arbeiten wir heute an einer neuen Aufgabe.
In the course, we are working on a new task today.
In real life
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