Mitzuwirken

Mitzuwirken is a German verb meaning to participate or contribute actively to a process, project, or decision. It emphasizes involvement and influence, rather than mere passive presence. The related noun Mitwirkung refers to the act or manner of participating and can denote the contribution of individuals or groups in formal or organizational contexts.

In usage, mitwirken governs a dative object when indicating what one participates in, for example: an einem Projekt mitwirken, bei der Umsetzung mitwirken. The phrase can describe voluntary or structured involvement in work, policy making, committees, or public consultation. The infinitive with zu is mitzuwirken, as in: Es ist wichtig, bei der Neugestaltung mitzuwirken. The noun Mitwirkung is common in administrative or legal language, e.g., die Mitwirkung der Bürger oder der Parteien.

Etymologically, mitwirken is formed from mit- (with) and wirken (to affect, to contribute). The term is closely related to mitarbeiten, but mitwirken stresses influence on outcomes and decision processes rather than routine labor or execution tasks. In many contexts it signals constructive engagement, dialogue, and shared responsibility.

See also: Mitwirkung, Mitbestimmung, Beteiligung. In German-speaking regions, mitwirken is used in government, corporate governance, civil society, and public administration to describe active, meaningful participation and collaborative problem-solving.