01
mitmachen
to join in
To take part in a shared activity, game, or campaign; to participate.
example
Wenn wir aufräumen, müssen alle mitmachen.
When we tidy up, everyone has to join in.
mitmachen
to join in / put up with
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Mitmachen' (to join in / to put up with) is a separable verb. The prefix 'mit-' goes at the end in a main clause, while in a subordinate clause it remains attached to the verb. In the infinitive, 'zu' goes between 'mit' and 'machen'.
EXAMPLE
Bei diesem Projekt mache ich gerne mit.
I'm happy to join in with this project.
Word structure
The verb is made up of the prefix 'mit-' and the verb 'machen' (to make/do). The prefix 'mit-' means 'together with others', which logically explains the basic meaning 'to participate'.
EXAMPLE
Alle Kinder im Park machen beim Fangen-Spielen mit.
All the children in the park join in the game of tag.
Use with 'bei'
If you want to say which activity you are taking part in, you use the preposition 'bei' followed by the dative.
EXAMPLE
Willst du bei unserem Spiel mitmachen?
Do you want to join in our game?
Context clue
The colloquial meaning 'etwas ertragen' (to endure something) always refers to something negative and needs an accusative object. The main meaning 'teilnehmen' (to participate) refers to an activity and can also stand without an object.
EXAMPLE
Diesen ganzen Stress mache ich nicht länger mit!
I'm not putting up with all this stress any longer!
Compare with
mitmachen vs erleben
to experience
'erleben' and 'mitmachen' can both mean that you are present for something. However, 'mitmachen' is used especially when you actively take part in a shared activity, for example a game, course, or project. 'erleben' is broader and emphasizes the personal experience, even if you are not actively doing anything. So you can experience a thunderstorm, but you cannot really 'mitmachen' a thunderstorm. Learners confuse the words when they only think of 'being there'. As a guide: 'mitmachen' fits active participation, while 'erleben' fits an experience.
mitmachen
Mein Kollege macht heute beim Erste-Hilfe-Kurs mit.
My colleague is joining in the first-aid course today.
erleben
Auf der Klassenfahrt haben die Schüler einen starken Sturm erlebt.
On the class trip, the students experienced a strong storm.
In real life
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