das Motiv
motive
The reason, cause, or occasion for a person's action.
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei ist sich über das Motiv des Täters noch im Unklaren.
The police are still unclear about the perpetrator's motive.
das Motiv
motive / motif
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Meanings
das Motiv
motif
A recurring design element, theme, or idea in a work of art, literature, or music.
EXAMPLE
Das Motiv der unerfüllten Liebe zieht sich durch den gesamten Roman.
The motif of unfulfilled love runs through the entire novel.
das Motiv
subject
The object, person, or scene that is depicted in a photo, painting, or another visual representation.
EXAMPLE
Die alte Burgruine ist ein sehr beliebtes Fotomotiv für Touristen.
The old castle ruin is a very popular photo subject for tourists.
Usage tips
Word family
'Das Motiv' is closely related to the verb 'motivieren' (to motivate). This connection helps you understand the meaning 'Beweggrund' (motive): A 'Motiv' is what moves or motivates a person to take an action.
EXAMPLE
Seine guten Noten motivieren ihn, weiter zu lernen.
His good grades motivate him to keep studying.
False friend
The German word 'Motiv' is broader than the English 'motive'. It does not only mean 'Beweggrund' (motive), but also 'wiederkehrendes Thema' (motif) and 'Bildgegenstand' (subject).
EXAMPLE
Das Schloss Neuschwanstein ist ein weltberühmtes Motiv für Fotografen.
Neuschwanstein Castle is a world-famous subject for photographers.
Context clues
The meaning depends strongly on the topic. In a crime story, it is about the reason for the crime. In art analysis, it is about a recurring theme. In photography or painting, it is about what is being depicted.
EXAMPLE
Das Motiv der Rache ist in vielen Filmen zentral.
The motif of revenge is central in many films.
Typical collocations
As 'Beweggrund' (motive), 'Motiv' often appears with the preposition 'für' ('das Motiv für etwas' — the motive for something) or in the phrase 'aus ... Motiven handeln' (to act for ... reasons/motives).
EXAMPLE
Er handelte aus rein persönlichen Motiven.
He acted for purely personal motives.
Typical collocations
As 'Bildgegenstand' (subject of an image), 'Motiv' is often used as part of a compound such as 'Fotomotiv' (photo subject) or 'Postkartenmotiv' (postcard scene). You can also say 'ein Motiv suchen' (to look for a subject), 'ein Motiv finden' (to find a subject), or 'ein Motiv auswählen' (to choose a subject).
EXAMPLE
Der Sonnenuntergang am Meer ist ein klassisches Postkartenmotiv.
The sunset by the sea is a classic postcard scene.
Compare with
GrundThemaZweckAnlassMotivationMelodieHauptgrundPhraseBeweggrundTropeRiffHintergedankeLeitmotivSujet
Motiv vs Grund
reason / ground
Der Grund can refer to any cause or justification for an action, including a practical circumstance. Das Motiv, on the other hand, emphasizes a person's inner drive. Motiv is therefore more precise for personal wishes or goals, while Grund fits general circumstances.
Motiv
Ihr Motiv für die Mitarbeit war der Wunsch, anderen Menschen zu helfen.
Her motive for volunteering was the desire to help other people.
Grund
Ein praktischer Grund für ihre Mitarbeit war die Nähe zum Wohnort.
A practical reason for her volunteering was the proximity to her home.
In real life
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