right to have a say
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right to have a say
The right to express one's opinion in a decision or matter and to be involved in the decision-making process. It does not necessarily mean that one can make the decision alone, but that one's voice must be heard.
Die Studierenden forderten mehr Mitspracherecht bei der Gestaltung der neuen Studienordnung.
The students demanded more right to have a say in the design of the new study regulations.
The word is made up of three parts: 'mit' (with), 'Sprache' (language/speech), and 'Recht' (right). It literally describes the right to 'mitreden' (have a say) or 'mitsprechen' (speak along), that is, to contribute one's opinion.
In vielen Unternehmen haben die Mitarbeiter ein gesetzliches Mitspracherecht.
In many companies, employees have a legal right to have a say.
If you want to specify the area in which someone has a 'Mitspracherecht' (right to have a say), use the preposition 'bei' followed by the dative.
Die Anwohner wollen ein Mitspracherecht bei der Planung des neuen Bauprojekts.
The local residents want a right to have a say in the planning of the new construction project.
Common verbs used with 'Mitspracherecht' (right to have a say) are 'haben' (to have), 'fordern' (to demand), 'bekommen' (to get), or to 'einräumen' (grant) someone a right to have a say.
Der Betriebsrat fordert mehr Mitspracherecht für die Angestellten.
The works council is demanding more right to have a say for the employees.
to join in / have a say
'mitreden' and 'das Mitspracherecht' both have to do with someone being allowed to express their opinion or be heard in a decision. 'mitreden' is a verb and describes the action: someone takes part in a conversation or influences a decision. 'Mitspracherecht' is a noun and means the right to do that. Learners may confuse the words because they sound similar and are used when talking about decisions. In practical terms, you can say: someone who has 'Mitspracherecht' is allowed or expected to 'mitreden'. But you can also 'mitreden' in a conversation without having an official right to do so.
Die Mitarbeiter fordern mehr Mitspracherecht bei den Arbeitszeiten.
The employees are demanding more say in their working hours.
Beim Elternabend möchte Mehmet mitreden, weil es um die neue Schulregel geht.
At the parents' evening, Mehmet wants to have a say because it is about the new school rule.