betrieben
powered
Driven or kept running by a particular energy source or mechanism.
EXAMPLE
Die alte Mühle wird heute elektrisch betrieben.
The old mill is powered electrically today.
betrieben
powered / operated
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Meanings
betrieben
operated
Managed, run, or maintained by a person, group, or organization.
EXAMPLE
Das kleine, von einer Familie betriebene Hotel ist sehr gemütlich.
The small, family-operated hotel is very cozy.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Betrieben' (powered/operated) is the past participle of the verb 'betreiben' (to operate/run). It is very often used like an adjective to describe a noun more precisely.
EXAMPLE
Die mit Wasserkraft betriebene Anlage ist sehr umweltfreundlich.
The facility powered by hydropower is very environmentally friendly.
Context clue
The preposition reveals the meaning: 'betrieben mit' (powered by/with) describes the energy source, while 'betrieben von' (operated by) names the person or organization that runs something.
EXAMPLE
Die Heizung wird mit Gas betrieben.
The heating system is powered by gas.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'angetrieben' (powered), the word is often combined with energy sources. Common forms are: 'elektrisch betrieben' (electrically powered), 'solar betrieben' (solar-powered), 'mit Gas betrieben' (powered by gas), or 'mit Atomkraft betrieben' (powered by nuclear energy).
EXAMPLE
Immer mehr Fahrzeuge werden rein elektrisch betrieben.
More and more vehicles are powered purely electrically.
Typical collocations
When it is about running a business or organization, typical combinations are: 'staatlich betrieben' (state-operated), 'privat betrieben' (privately operated), or 'von einer Familie betrieben' (family-operated).
EXAMPLE
Der Nationalpark wird staatlich betrieben und geschützt.
The national park is state-operated and protected.
Compare with
betrieben vs unterhalten
to converse / entertain / maintain
Both words can refer to a facility that an organization looks after on an ongoing basis. Unterhalten emphasizes maintenance or funding, while betrieben refers to day-to-day management and organization. When the focus is on care and upkeep, unterhalten is appropriate; when the focus is on ongoing operation, betrieben is more appropriate.
betrieben
Das Jugendzentrum wird von der Stadt betrieben und täglich organisiert.
The youth center is operated by the city and organized on a daily basis.
unterhalten
Die Stadt unterhält das Jugendzentrum und bezahlt notwendige Reparaturen.
The city maintains the youth center and pays for necessary repairs.
In real life
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