buoyancy / boost
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buoyancy
The physical force that acts upward on an immersed body in a liquid or gas and makes it seem lighter.
Dank des Auftriebs im Salzwasser kann man sich mühelos treiben lassen.
Thanks to the buoyancy in salt water, you can float effortlessly.
'Auftrieb' (buoyancy/boost) is a noun derived from the verb 'auftreiben' (to drive upward), which means 'to make something move upward.' This basic idea of 'coming upward' explains both the physical force and the motivating impulse.
Ein Heißluftballon steigt durch den Auftrieb der warmen Luft.
A hot-air balloon rises because of the buoyancy of the warm air.
You can easily distinguish the meanings from context. In texts about physics, swimming, or flying, the physical force is meant. In contexts such as business, politics, sports, or psychology, it refers to the positive, motivating impulse.
Der Auftrieb eines Schiffes hängt von seiner Form ab.
The buoyancy of a ship depends on its shape.
In the figurative meaning, 'Auftrieb' (boost) is often used with certain verbs. Typical phrases are 'Auftrieb geben' (to give a boost), 'Auftrieb bekommen' (to get a boost), 'Auftrieb erhalten' (to receive a boost), or 'für Auftrieb sorgen' (to create momentum).
Die positive Rückmeldung der Kunden gab dem jungen Unternehmen Auftrieb.
The positive feedback from customers gave the young company a boost.
drive
'der Antrieb' and 'der Auftrieb' can both refer to a force or a positive impulse. Still, 'Antrieb' more often means the force that sets something in motion: internally in a person, or technically in a machine. 'Auftrieb' literally means an upward force, for example in water or in the air. Figuratively, it means a positive boost, such as more courage or success. Learners can easily confuse the words because they sound similar and both have to do with energy. Memory tip: 'Antrieb' moves something forward; 'Auftrieb' lifts something or gives it new momentum.
Der Sieg im ersten Spiel gibt der Mannschaft neuen Auftrieb.
The victory in the first game gives the team a new boost.
Nach der Pause fehlt mir der Antrieb, weiter an der Bewerbung zu schreiben.
After the break, I lack the drive to keep working on the application.