to participate
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to participate in
To be involved in something or take part in it; to have a share in an experience, a feeling, or a possession.
Durch seine Erzählungen ließ er uns an seiner spannenden Reise teilhaben.
Through his stories, he let us participate in his exciting journey.
The verb is made up of 'Teil' (part) and 'haben' (to have). So the literal meaning is 'to have a part', which describes the concept of participating or being involved very well.
Er wollte an der Entscheidung teilhaben.
He wanted to participate in the decision.
'Teilhaben' is a separable verb. In a main clause in the present or simple past tense, the prefix 'teil' moves to the end of the sentence. In the perfect tense and in the infinitive with 'zu', it stays together.
Er hat an dem Erfolg seiner Kollegen teil.
He shares in his colleagues' success.
This verb is always used with the preposition 'an' and the dative. You have a share 'an etwas' (in something).
Wir möchten Sie an unserem Glück teilhaben lassen.
We would like to let you share in our happiness.
A very common and useful construction is 'jemanden an etwas teilhaben lassen' (to let someone share in something). This means that you allow another person to experience an event or feeling with you.
Mit seinen Fotos lässt er uns an seiner Weltreise teilhaben.
With his photos, he lets us share in his trip around the world.
to participate / involve
Beteiligen emphasizes active participation in a shared task or activity. Teilhaben focuses more strongly on sharing in an experience, feeling, or common result; one’s own contribution is not always the main focus. Use beteiligen for actively joining in and teilhaben for sharing in something.
Die Jugendlichen konnten an der Freude über das gelungene Fest teilhaben.
The young people were able to share in the joy of the successful festival.
Die Jugendlichen beteiligten sich aktiv an der Planung des Festes.
The young people actively participated in planning the festival.
