der Antrieb
drive
The inner force, motivation, or impulse that moves a person to take action.
EXAMPLE
Sein starker Wille war der Antrieb für seinen sportlichen Erfolg.
His strong will was the drive behind his athletic success.
der Antrieb
drive
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Meanings
der Antrieb
drive system
The technical device or system that sets a machine or vehicle in motion and supplies it with energy.
EXAMPLE
Dieses Auto hat einen elektrischen Antrieb.
This car has an electric drive system.
Usage tips
Word family
'Der Antrieb' (drive) is the noun related to the verb 'antreiben' (to drive / to propel). The verb describes the action of setting something in motion, and the noun is the force or technology that does this.
EXAMPLE
Ein starker Motor treibt das Schiff an; der Antrieb ist sehr leistungsfähig.
A powerful engine drives the ship; the drive system is very powerful.
Context clue
The meaning can easily be inferred from the context. If people are talking about psychology, motivation, or personal goals, the inner force is meant. If it is about technology, vehicles, or machines, the technical system is meant.
EXAMPLE
Ihr fehlt oft der Antrieb, morgens aufzustehen.
She often lacks the drive to get up in the morning.
Typical collocations
In connection with motivation, typical phrases are 'aus eigenem Antrieb handeln' (to act of one's own accord), 'einen starken Antrieb haben' (to have a strong drive), or 'der innere Antrieb' (the inner drive).
EXAMPLE
Er hat aus eigenem Antrieb begonnen, Deutsch zu lernen.
He started learning German of his own accord.
Typical collocations
In the technical sense, 'Antrieb' (drive system) is often combined with adjectives such as 'elektrisch' (electric), 'hybrid' (hybrid), or 'konventionell' (conventional). The combination with 'Allrad-' ('Allrad-Antrieb', all-wheel drive) is also very common.
EXAMPLE
Mein nächstes Auto soll einen Hybrid-Antrieb haben.
My next car should have a hybrid drive system.
Compare with
Antrieb vs Motor
engine / motor
Both words can refer to the technical system that moves a machine or vehicle. The Motor is the machine that converts energy into motion; the Antrieb encompasses the technical device or the system as a whole. Use Motor for an individual component and Antrieb for the overall system.
Antrieb
Der elektrische Antrieb des Fahrzeugs umfasst mehrere technische Teile.
The vehicle's electric drive system includes several technical components.
Motor
Der Elektromotor wandelt die Energie in Bewegung um und treibt das Fahrzeug an.
The electric motor converts energy into motion and drives the vehicle.
In real life
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