01
betreiben
to operate
To run and keep a business, facility, website, or organization going.
example
Meine Tante betreibt ein kleines Hotel an der Küste.
My aunt operates a small hotel on the coast.
betreiben
to operate / pursue
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Betreiben' (to operate / pursue) is an inseparable verb with the prefix 'be-'. The base verb is 'treiben' (to drive something forward). So 'betreiben' means to actively 'drive forward' an activity or business and keep it going.
EXAMPLE
Sie betreibt den Blog schon seit fünf Jahren mit viel Leidenschaft.
She has been running the blog with a lot of passion for five years.
Use with the accusative
'Betreiben' (to operate / pursue) is a transitive verb and almost always requires an accusative object. The question is always: whom or what does someone operate/pursue?
EXAMPLE
Welche Art von Geschäft betreiben Sie?
What kind of business do you operate?
Context clue
You can recognize the exact meaning of 'betreiben' (to operate / pursue) from the object: Is it a business ('ein Café betreiben' — to run a café), a hobby ('Sport betreiben' — to do sports), or an abstract goal ('Aufwand betreiben' — to make an effort)?
EXAMPLE
Er betreibt ein kleines Kino in der Innenstadt.
He operates a small movie theater in the city center.
Typical collocations
In the business sense, 'betreiben' (to operate) is often combined with places or organizations: 'ein Restaurant betreiben' (to run a restaurant), 'ein Hotel betreiben' (to run a hotel), 'eine Webseite betreiben' (to operate a website), or 'eine Firma betreiben' (to run a company).
EXAMPLE
Die Familie betreibt seit Generationen einen erfolgreichen Bauernhof.
The family has operated a successful farm for generations.
Pursuing activities
When talking about leisure activities or science, 'betreiben' (to pursue) is used for serious and regular activities. Typical phrases are: 'Sport betreiben' (to do sports), 'ein Hobby betreiben' (to pursue a hobby), or 'Forschung betreiben' (to conduct research).
EXAMPLE
Welchen Sport betreibst du in deiner Freizeit?
What sport do you do in your free time?
Compare with
betreiben vs machen
to do / make
'machen' and 'betreiben' can both express that someone carries out an activity. However, 'machen' is very general and fits many everyday situations. 'betreiben' sounds more specific and often somewhat more formal. It is used when someone does something regularly, for example a sport, or when someone actively keeps a business, website, or project running. As a simple guide: in everyday life, people often say 'machen'; for regular, organized, or serious activity, 'betreiben' is often a better fit.
betreiben
Meine Nachbarin betreibt seit zwei Jahren einen kleinen Online-Shop.
My neighbor has been running a small online shop for two years.
machen
Nach der Arbeit mache ich noch schnell die Hausaufgaben mit meinem Sohn.
After work, I quickly do homework with my son.
In real life
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