01
antreiben
to motivate
To motivate, push, or spur someone on to do something or to work faster.
example
Der Trainer treibt die Mannschaft an, ihr Bestes zu geben.
The coach motivates the team to give their best.
antreiben
to drive / motivate
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Antreiben' (to drive/motivate) is a separable verb. The prefix 'an-' comes at the end in a main clause; in subordinate clauses and in the infinitive, it is attached to the verb. In the 'zu' construction, 'zu' comes between the prefix and the verb.
EXAMPLE
Der Motor treibt das Rad an.
The motor drives the wheel.
Word structure
The verb consists of the prefix 'an-' and the base verb 'treiben' (to drive). 'Treiben' means to set something in motion or to push/drive something. The prefix 'an-' strengthens the idea of initiating something or pushing it in a certain direction.
EXAMPLE
Was treibt dich an, jeden Morgen so früh aufzustehen?
What drives you to get up so early every morning?
Choice of auxiliary verb
The perfect tense is formed with 'haben' (to have) when it is about motivating people or operating machines. When something is washed up onto a coast, you use the auxiliary verb 'sein' (to be).
EXAMPLE
Der Kapitän hat das Team die ganze Zeit angetrieben.
The captain pushed the team on the whole time.
Sentence structure with 'zu'
When you want to express what someone is motivated or driven to do, an infinitive construction with 'zu' (to) often follows. The pattern is: jemanden (accusative) antreiben, etwas zu tun (to drive/motivate someone to do something).
EXAMPLE
Die Konkurrenz treibt uns an, unsere Produkte ständig zu verbessern.
The competition motivates us to constantly improve our products.
Technical context
In this meaning, 'antreiben' (to drive) is almost always used in a technical context. Typical subjects are engines or energy sources; typical objects are vehicles or machines. It is often used in the passive.
EXAMPLE
Das Auto wird von einem Elektromotor angetrieben.
The car is driven by an electric motor.
Context: forces of nature
This meaning describes a passive process. The subject is an inanimate object that is moved by water or wind. The acting force (e.g., the current) is often not mentioned.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Sturm sind viele Algen am Ufer angetrieben.
After the storm, a lot of seaweed washed ashore.
Compare with
antreiben vs bewegen
to move
'bewegen' and 'antreiben' can both have to do with movement or motivation. 'bewegen' is more general: something or someone changes position, or someone is moved to take an action. 'antreiben' is stronger and more active. With people, it means to push or spur someone on. With machines, it means that energy sets a device or vehicle in motion. The words can be confused because both trigger a change or activity. 'bewegen' fits the movement itself; 'antreiben' fits the force or pressure behind it.
antreiben
Der Trainer treibt das Team vor dem wichtigen Spiel noch einmal an.
The coach gives the team another push before the important game.
bewegen
Nach der Operation soll Paul seinen Arm vorsichtig bewegen.
After the operation, Paul should move his arm carefully.
In real life
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