German Conversation · Level 7
88 words
German word
Motivation
Pronunciation
IPA/motivaˈtsi̯oːn/
Meaning
- feminine nounmotivation
Example
Die Schüler haben heute keine Motivation.
The students have no motivation today.
More examples
Durch kleines Lob ließ sich die Motivation der Teilnehmer schnell steigern.
The participants' motivation could be increased quickly with a little praise.
Core concept
A person's inner fuel for starting a task and keeping at it.
Common phrases
die Motivation stärken
strengthen motivation
die Motivation steigern
increase motivation
Similar words
Lust: A short-lived inclination to do something immediately.
Motiv: The purpose or reason that explains an action or choice.
Antrieb: A motivating force that prompts action and keeps it going.
Interesse: A desire to know more about or engage with a particular subject.
Definition in German
Motivation bezeichnet die innere Bereitschaft oder das Gefühl, eine Handlung beginnen oder fortsetzen zu wollen.
Word origin
Motivation developed as a learned formation related to German Motiv, from Latin motivus and ultimately the verb movere, 'to move'.
Usage tips
- German often uses the adjective motiviert with sein, as in 'Sie ist motiviert', while Motivation haben is also idiomatic.
Other meanings
- drivenoun
Opposites
- Resignationresignationnoun
- Antriebslosigkeitlack of motivationnoun
Related words
- Motivatormotivatornoun
- Motivationssteigerungincrease in motivationnoun