to inspire
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to inspire
To inspire or motivate someone, or give them new drive and momentum. It describes a positive emotional or creative impulse.
Das Lob des Professors beflügelte die Studentin, ihre Forschung mit noch mehr Eifer fortzusetzen.
The professor's praise inspired the student to continue her research with even greater enthusiasm.
The word 'beflügeln' (to inspire) is a beautiful metaphor. It derives from 'der Flügel' (the wing) and literally means to give someone wings. So it describes a state in which you feel light and motivated, as if you could fly.
Dein Zuspruch hat mich wirklich beflügelt.
Your encouragement really inspired me.
'Beflügeln' (to inspire) is an inseparable verb because it begins with 'be-'. The prefix stays firmly attached to the verb in all sentence forms and is not placed at the end of the sentence.
Der Erfolg beflügelte das gesamte Team.
The success inspired the entire team.
This verb is often used with abstract nouns. Typical combinations are 'die Fantasie beflügeln' (to inspire the imagination), 'die Kreativität beflügeln' (to inspire creativity), or 'den Ehrgeiz beflügeln' (to spur ambition).
Die Reise nach Japan beflügelte seine Fantasie für neue Geschichten.
The trip to Japan inspired his imagination for new stories.
'Beflügeln' (to inspire) belongs to an elevated, rather poetic style of language. You find it more often in written language, in speeches, or when you want to express strong, positive emotions.
Die Musik beflügelte ihre Seele.
The music inspired her soul.
to motivate
Motivieren and beflügeln both give someone drive. Motivieren is the general term for encouraging someone through reasons or incentives; beflügeln describes, figuratively, a positive emotional or creative boost. Motivieren is suitable for practical incentives, while beflügeln is used for new energy or inspiration.
Das begeisterte Lob beflügelt die Autorin und bringt sie auf neue Ideen für ihren Roman.
The enthusiastic praise inspires the author and gives her new ideas for her novel.
Das Lob motiviert die Autorin, weiter an ihrem Roman zu arbeiten.
The praise motivates the author to continue working on her novel.
