German word

streben

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʃtʁeːbən/

Meaning

  • verbstrive

Example

Er strebt nach Freiheit.

He is striving for freedom.

Illustration for streben (strive)

More examples

Viele junge Unternehmer streben nach Erfolg.

Many young entrepreneurs strive for success.

Core concept

A person keeps moving toward a chosen summit, with the goal directing the effort.

Common phrases

  • nach Erfolg streben

    strive for success

  • nach Anerkennung streben

    strive for recognition

Similar words

anstreben: Aim for a particular result and seek to attain it.
sich bemühen: Make a serious effort that requires time and energy.
versuchen: Attempt to achieve something through a short trial or effort.
wollen: Want something with strong desire or determination.

Definition in German

Ein bestimmtes Ziel mit andauernder Energie verfolgen.

Word origin

Streben is an inherited Germanic verb, attested as Old High German strebēn and Middle High German strēben, with older senses of striving toward something.

Usage tips

  • With a noun, streben nach takes the dative, as in 'nach Freiheit streben'; the separable verb anstreben takes a direct object.

Other meanings

  • endeavorverb
  • pursueverb
  • aspireverb

Opposites

Related words

  • das Strebenstrivingnoun
  • Bestrebungendeavornoun
  • bestrebtintent onadjective

Word lists with this word