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
sich betätigen
to be active
To be active in a particular area or engage in an activity, often in a professional, athletic, or artistic context.
EXAMPLE
Sie betätigt sich seit vielen Jahren ehrenamtlich im Tierschutz.
She has been active as a volunteer in animal protection for many years.
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 drücken
to press / hug
With a button or switch, both drücken and betätigen can be appropriate. Drücken focuses on the physical movement with the finger or hand. Betätigen emphasizes using the control and thereby triggering its function.
betätigen
Der Techniker betätigt den roten Knopf, um die Maschine zu stoppen.
The technician operates the red button to stop the machine.
drücken
Der Techniker drückt den roten Knopf mit dem Finger.
The technician presses the red button with his finger.
In real life
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