Mitklatschen

Mitklatschen is a German verb meaning to clap along with others, typically in an audience during a performance, speech, or public event. The action involves joining the clapping to maintain rhythm, show agreement, or demonstrate solidarity. It can be voluntary or prompted by organizers or speakers who invite the audience to mitklatschen.

Etymology and form: The word is formed from mit- (with) and klatschen (to clap). It is a separable-prefix verb; in present tense the prefix moves to the end of the clause. For example: ich klatsche mit, du klatscht mit, er klatscht mit, wir klatschen mit, ihr klickt mit, sie klatschen mit. The past participle is mitgeklatscht.

Usage notes: In neutral contexts, mitklatschen simply describes joining in the applause. In media or political discourse, it can carry a subtle connotation of performative or coerced support if the clapping is perceived as insincere or orchestrated. Nevertheless, it is widely used in everyday language to refer to audience participation during events.

Examples: Das Publikum klatscht begeistert mit. Die Moderatorin bittet die Zuschauer, mitzuklatschen. Nach der Rede klatschten viele mit, um Zustimmung zu zeigen, auch wenn sie anderer Meinung waren.

See also: Applause, Beifall, Publikum.