German word

Antrieb

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈanˌtʁiːp/

Meaning

  • masculine nounmotivation

Example

Ich habe keinen Antrieb, heute zu lernen.

I have no motivation to study today.

Illustration for Antrieb (motivation)

More examples

Ein starker innerer Antrieb motiviert dich, täglich zu üben.

A strong inner drive motivates you to practice every day.

Core concept

An unseen push turns intention into sustained action, or power into mechanical movement.

Common phrases

  • keinen Antrieb haben

    have no motivation

  • innerer Antrieb

    inner drive

  • Antrieb verlieren

    lose motivation

Similar words

Motivation: A reason or sense of purpose that inspires action.
Trieb: An instinctive, hard-to-resist urge or desire.
Wille: The strength of will to accomplish something.
Interesse: A continuing interest that keeps attention focused on something.

Definition in German

Gefühl oder Energie, die nötig ist, um eine Tätigkeit zu beginnen oder fortzusetzen.

Word origin

The noun Antrieb belongs to the native Germanic family of treiben, a verb related to English drive, and preserves the idea of driving something onward.

Usage tips

  • German commonly uses Antrieb in the phrase keinen Antrieb haben for lacking the energy or inclination to act, while a specific reason is often ein Motiv or ein Beweggrund.

Other meanings

  • motivenoun
  • driving forcenoun

Opposites

  • Antriebslosigkeitlack of motivationnoun
  • Trägheitinertianoun

Related words

  • antreibendriveverb
  • antriebsarmunmotivatedadjective
  • Antriebsquellesource of motivationnoun

Word lists with this word