dazugeben
to add
To add something to an already existing amount or mixture. The term is frequently used in cooking instructions.
EXAMPLE
Zuerst die Zwiebeln anbraten und dann den Knoblauch dazugeben.
First sauté the onions and then add the garlic.
dazugeben
to add
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
etwas dazugeben
to contribute
To make one's own contribution, for example by contributing money to a collection or adding an opinion to a discussion.
EXAMPLE
Jeder hat zehn Euro für das Geschenk dazugegeben.
Everyone contributed ten euros for the gift.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Dazugeben' (to add) is a separable verb. The prefix 'dazu-' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses, the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Gib jetzt das Mehl dazu.
Add the flour now.
Context: recipes
You will find this verb especially often in cooking instructions and recipes. There it describes the step of adding another ingredient to a mixture.
EXAMPLE
Braten Sie die Zwiebeln an und geben Sie dann die Paprika dazu.
Sauté the onions and then add the bell peppers.
Figurative meaning
Besides the literal meaning in cooking, you can also 'dazugeben' (contribute/add) something to a shared cause, for example money for a gift or an opinion in a discussion.
EXAMPLE
Für die Party hat jeder etwas Geld für die Getränke dazugegeben.
For the party, everyone contributed some money for the drinks.
Fixed expression
The colloquial idiom 'seinen Senf dazugeben' (to put in one's two cents) means to express one's opinion without being asked. It often has a slightly negative or ironic connotation.
EXAMPLE
Egal was wir besprechen, er muss immer seinen Senf dazugeben.
No matter what we discuss, he always has to put in his two cents.
Compare with
dazugeben vs beitragen
to contribute
Beitragen and dazuzugeben can both be used when someone contributes their own part to something shared. Beitragen focuses more on the goal or result achieved, while dazuzugeben focuses on the specific amount of money or idea added. Choose the word according to this perspective.
dazugeben
Sie wollte ihre Meinung zu der Diskussion noch dazugeben.
She wanted to add her opinion to the discussion.
beitragen
Ihre Meinung konnte dazu beitragen, dass die Diskussion zu einer guten Lösung führte.
Her opinion could help lead the discussion to a good solution.
In real life
Loading video examples...