to have a say
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to have a say
To take part in a decision-making process and influence the result; to have a right to be consulted.
Die Studierenden fordern, bei der Gestaltung des neuen Lehrplans mitbestimmen zu dürfen.
The students are demanding to be allowed to have a say in the design of the new curriculum.
'Mitbestimmen' (to have a say) is a separable verb. The prefix 'mit-' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
In unserem Team bestimmen alle Mitarbeiter mit.
In our team, all employees have a say.
The verb consists of the prefix 'mit-' and the verb 'bestimmen' (to decide/determine). The prefix 'mit-' expresses that you do something together with others. 'Mitbestimmen' (to have a say) therefore means to take part in a decision.
Die Angestellten wollen über ihre Arbeitszeiten mitbestimmen.
The employees want to have a say over their working hours.
To say what someone has a say in, the preposition 'bei' with the dative is often used. The pattern is: bei etwas (Dativ) mitbestimmen.
Die Eltern möchten bei der Auswahl der Schulbücher mitbestimmen.
The parents would like to have a say in the selection of schoolbooks.
to decide
'entscheiden' and 'mitbestimmen' both belong to situations in which a result is determined. 'entscheiden' means that someone makes the choice or makes the final decision. 'mitbestimmen' means that someone is involved and has influence, but does not necessarily decide alone. The words can be confused because a person who has a say is also involved in a decision. The difference is: whoever 'entscheidet' has the decision-making power; whoever 'mitbestimmt' has a say.
Im Kurs dürfen die Teilnehmer mitbestimmen, welche Themen sie wiederholen.
In the course, the participants are allowed to have a say in which topics they review.
Der Fahrer hat entschieden, vor dem Termin noch eine Pause zu machen.
The driver decided to take another break before the appointment.