German Conversation · Level 158
30 words
German word
antreiben
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈanˌtraɪ̯bn̩/
Meaning
- verbdrive
Example
Sein Ehrgeiz treibt ihn an, besser zu werden.
His ambition drives him to improve.
More examples
Die Regierung will den Ausbau der Infrastruktur antreiben.
The government wants to drive the expansion of infrastructure.
Core concept
A force pushes a person or machine into motion and keeps it moving.
Common phrases
jemanden antreiben
drive someone
ein Projekt antreiben
drive a project
Similar words
motivieren: Bringing out someone's inner motivation and desire to take action.
anspornen: Stimulating effort or competitive spirit so that someone tries harder.
drängen: Putting someone under strong pressure or urging them to hurry.
vorantreiben: Actively advancing a plan or task toward completion.
Definition in German
etwas oder jemanden in Tätigkeit oder Bewegung versetzen; oft mit dem Sinn von Druck oder Motivation.
Word origin
The verb combines the separable prefix an- with inherited Germanic treiben, which is related to English drive, forming the sense of driving something into action.
Usage tips
- In a finite main clause, the prefix separates: Sein Ehrgeiz treibt ihn an; the infinitive remains antreiben.