incentive
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incentive
An external or internal drive that motivates someone to achieve a certain performance or reach a goal; an incentive or stimulus.
Das Lob des Trainers war ein großer Ansporn für die gesamte Mannschaft.
The coach's praise was a great incentive for the whole team.
'Ansporn' (incentive) is derived from the verb 'anspornen' (to spur on) and is related to 'der Sporn' (the spur). A spur is a metal spike on a rider's boot used to drive a horse forward. This image of 'Antreiben' (driving/spurring on) helps you understand the meaning of motivation.
Die Aussicht auf eine Gehaltserhöhung war für ihn ein starker Ansporn.
The prospect of a pay raise was a strong incentive for him.
Common verbs with 'Ansporn' (incentive) are 'sein' (to be), 'geben' (to give), or 'dienen als' (to serve as). You can also describe the incentive with adjectives like 'groß' (great), 'stark' (strong), 'zusätzlich' (additional), or 'besonders' (special/particular).
Der Erfolg des letzten Projekts sollte uns als Ansporn für die Zukunft dienen.
The success of the last project should serve as an incentive for us in the future.
To express who is being motivated, you typically use the preposition 'für' (for) followed by the accusative. The motivation itself is often the subject of the sentence.
Die Unterstützung der Fans war ein wichtiger Ansporn für die Spieler.
The fans' support was an important incentive for the players.
motivation
'die Motivation' and 'der Ansporn' both have to do with drive. 'Motivation' is the general inner reason or energy with which someone works toward a goal. 'Ansporn' is something that especially awakens or strengthens this energy. That can be praise, competition, a goal, or even a personal wish. 'Ansporn' often fits well when it is about performance, for example in studying, sports, or work. 'Motivation' is broader and more neutral.
Das Lob der Chefin ist für das Team ein großer Ansporn.
The boss's praise is a great incentive for the team.
Bei der Bewerbung hat mir meine Mutter neue Motivation gegeben.
During the application process, my mother gave me new motivation.