Beizutragen

Beizutragen is a German verb form meaning to contribute or to add to a common effort, project, discussion, or outcome. It is derived from treten/tragen with the prefix bei- and is used with the preposition zu to express contributing to something, as in zu etwas beitragen.

In standard usage, beizutragen appears in two main forms. The finite verb tragen appears in expressions like er trägt bei and er trug bei. The infinitive with zu is used after verbs of intention or effort: Wir versuchen, zu einer Lösung beizutragen. The phrase beizutragen denotes actively adding value or support to a collective goal.

Etymology and structure: zugleich bedeutung as a combination of the prefix bei- and tragen (to carry), indicating an addition to what already exists. The accompanying prepositional phrase zu plus a noun indicates the target of the contribution: zu einer Lösung, zu einem Projekt, zu einer Debatte, etc.

Usage notes: Beizutragen emphasizes the act of adding value or support within a group effort. It is common in formal and neutral contexts, including policy, academic writing, and journalism. The expression is often contrasted with BeitraĐag leisten (to make a contribution), though both convey similar ideas. Related verbs include mitwirken (to participate) and mittragen (to carry along or contribute).

Examples:

- Jeder Kommentar kann dazu beitragen, die Debatte zu beleben.

- Wir hoffen, mit unserer Arbeit zu einer besseren Lösung beizutragen.

See also: Beitrag, Beitrag leisten, mitwirken, mitbeitragen.