betätigen
Translation
to operate, to activate, to press, to engage in
Examples
Bitte betätigen Sie den roten Knopf.
Please press the red button.
Er betätigt sich als Künstler.
He is active as an artist.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to operate sth. He operates the switch.
to be active ((as sth.)) to be active as sth. She is active as a volunteer.
Similar Words
Synonyms: to press, to activate, to pursue; Antonyms: to refrain from
Etymology
From the prefix `be-` (makes verbs transitive) + `tätig` (active). Literally 'to make active'.
Memory Tips
If you know `tätig` means 'active', the `be-` prefix helps you remember it means to apply that activity to an object, i.e., 'to operate' it.