dabei gewesen
Translation
to have been there, to have been present, to have been part of it
Examples
Ich bin leider nicht dabei gewesen.
Unfortunately, I wasn't there.
Er ist bei der Konferenz dabei gewesen.
He was present at the conference.
Grammar Patterns
((at sth.)) to have been present ((at sth.)) He has been present at the party.
Similar Words
Synonyms: anwesend gewesen, teilgenommen haben; Antonyms: abwesend gewesen
Etymology
From 'dabei' (there, with it) + 'gewesen' (been, past participle of 'sein'). Literally 'there-with been'.
Memory Tips
This is the past perfect form of 'dabei sein' (to be there). Think of it as the completed action of 'having been there'.