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 participate / contribute
Both words work when someone is involved in a shared decision. Mitwirken only requires an active contribution to the process. Mitbestimmen additionally means that the person has influence over the outcome or has a say in the matter. Choose mitbestimmen when this decision-making power is meant.
Die Beschäftigten bestimmten bei der Entscheidung über den neuen Plan mit.
The employees had a say in the decision about the new plan.
Die Beschäftigten wirkten an der Diskussion über den neuen Plan mit.
The employees contributed to the discussion about the new plan.
