01
anstreben
to strive for
To make a serious effort to achieve a certain goal, state, or position.
example
Das Unternehmen strebt die Marktführerschaft in seiner Branche an.
The company is striving for market leadership in its industry.
anstreben
to strive for
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Meanings
Usage tips
Inseparable verb
Although the prefix 'an-' is often separable, 'anstreben' (to strive for) is an inseparable verb. The stress is on the stem 'streb-' (anSTRÉBEN), and the prefix remains attached to the verb in all conjugated forms and sentence types.
EXAMPLE
Er strebt eine höhere Position in der Firma an.
He is striving for a higher position in the company.
Register
'Anstreben' (to strive for) is a formal word that you find especially in written language, official speeches, or professional contexts. It expresses a serious and goal-oriented effort.
EXAMPLE
Wir streben eine langfristige Partnerschaft mit unseren Kunden an.
We are striving for a long-term partnership with our customers.
Sentence structure
The verb 'anstreben' (to strive for) always needs an accusative object that describes the goal. This goal can be a noun or an infinitive clause with 'zu' (to).
EXAMPLE
Die Sportlerin strebt den Weltrekord an.
The athlete is striving for the world record.
Typical collocations
You typically strive for abstract goals. Common combinations are 'eine Karriere anstreben' (to pursue a career), 'eine Lösung anstreben' (to seek a solution), 'eine Verbesserung anstreben' (to strive for an improvement), or 'ein Gleichgewicht anstreben' (to strive for a balance).
EXAMPLE
Viele junge Menschen streben nach dem Studium eine internationale Karriere an.
Many young people pursue an international career after their studies.
Compare with
anstreben vs erreichen
to reach
'erreichen' and 'anstreben' both have to do with a goal. The important difference is the timing: 'anstreben' describes having a goal and wanting to work toward it. 'erreichen' describes that the goal has actually been achieved. Learners may confuse the words because both often appear with words like 'Ziel' (goal), 'Erfolg' (success), or 'Position' (position). As a simple guide: you 'strebt ein Ziel an' while you are still working toward it; you 'erreicht' it once you have succeeded.
anstreben
Jan strebt eine bessere Note in der Prüfung an.
Jan is aiming for a better grade on the exam.
erreichen
Nach vielen Wochen Training hat Lena ihr Ziel endlich erreicht.
After many weeks of training, Lena finally achieved her goal.
In real life
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