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German Phrase

Das zeigt, dass du bei der Unterhaltung mitmachst.

/das tsaɪ̯çt das duː baɪ̯ deːɐ̯ ʊntɐˈhaltʊŋ mɪtmaxst/
Meaning"That shows that you participate in the conversation."
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Meaning

This phrase is used to acknowledge someone's active involvement in a discussion. It highlights that their contributions demonstrate engagement and interest, rather than just passively listening. It's a positive affirmation of their participation.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you want to commend someone for actively contributing to a discussion or group activity. It's suitable in informal to semi-formal settings, for instance, when encouraging a shy person to speak up, or when appreciating someone's input in a meeting or social gathering.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Daszeigt,dassdubeiderUnterhaltungmitmachst.

1

Das zeigt...

'Das zeigt' means 'That shows' or 'This shows'. It's a common way to introduce an observation or conclusion.

2

dass-clause

'Dass' introduces a subordinate clause, meaning the conjugated verb ('mitmachst') moves to the very end of this clause. This is a crucial rule for German sentence structure.

3

mitmachen

'Mitmachen' is a separable verb meaning 'to participate' or 'to join in'. In a main clause, 'mit' would separate from 'machen' (e.g., 'Du machst mit'), but in a 'dass' clause, it stays together at the end.

4

bei der Unterhaltung

The preposition 'bei' (at, with, during) is used here with the dative case ('der Unterhaltung') to indicate participation in an activity or event.

🗨In Conversation

A

Ich finde es toll, wie du immer neue Ideen einbringst.

I think it's great how you always bring in new ideas.

Danke! Das zeigt, dass du bei der Unterhaltung mitmachst.

Thanks! That shows that you participate in the conversation.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Das zeigt, dass du mitmachst bei der Unterhaltung.

    In a 'dass' clause, the conjugated verb ('mitmachst') goes to the very end of the clause.

  • Das zeigt, dass du in der Unterhaltung mitmachst.

    The verb 'mitmachen' (to participate) typically uses the preposition 'bei' when referring to an event or activity like a conversation ('bei der Unterhaltung').

↔Alternatives

  • Das zeigt dein Engagement.

    That shows your engagement.

  • Du bist aktiv dabei.

    You are actively involved.

  • Das zeigt, dass du interessiert bist.

    That shows that you are interested.

de

Cultural Tip

In German-speaking cultures, active participation in discussions, especially in academic or professional settings, is often highly valued. This phrase can be a polite way to acknowledge someone's contribution, fostering a sense of inclusion. While directness is common, positive reinforcement like this helps build rapport.