01
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
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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
'der Motor' and 'der Antrieb' can both have to do with making something move. In technical contexts, the Motor is usually the concrete machine, for example in a car. The Antrieb is more the whole system or the way movement is generated, for example 'Elektroantrieb' (electric drive system). Figuratively, 'Motor' can be a person or thing that drives a project forward. 'Antrieb' then means more the inner motivation of a person. The words can be confused because both involve driving something. Ask yourself: If it is about a concrete machine, 'Motor' often fits. If it is about the system or the motivation, 'Antrieb' often fits.
Antrieb
Der neue Antrieb des Fahrrads funktioniert fast ohne Geräusch.
The bicycle's new drive system works almost silently.
Motor
Nach der langen Fahrt war der Motor des Autos sehr heiß.
After the long drive, the car's engine was very hot.
In real life
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