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streben nach
to strive for
To make a great effort, with ambition, to achieve a goal or ideal.
example
Viele Menschen streben nach Glück und Anerkennung.
Many people strive for happiness and recognition.
streben
to strive
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Register and style
The verb 'streben' (to strive) is somewhat elevated and is often used in written language or formal contexts. It sounds more ambitious and goal-oriented than everyday verbs.
EXAMPLE
Der junge Künstler strebt nach Perfektion in seinen Werken.
The young artist strives for perfection in his works.
Fixed preposition
When referring to achieving a goal, 'streben' is always used with the preposition 'nach' and the dative. You strive for something.
EXAMPLE
Er hat sein ganzes Leben lang nach Reichtum gestrebt.
He strove for wealth his whole life.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'sich bemühen' (to make an effort), 'streben nach' is often combined with abstract goals. Typical examples are: 'nach Erfolg streben' (to strive for success), 'nach Macht streben' (to strive for power), or 'nach Freiheit streben' (to strive for freedom).
EXAMPLE
Die politische Bewegung strebt nach sozialer Gerechtigkeit.
The political movement strives for social justice.
Context clue
You can recognize the architectural or physical meaning by the fact that the verb is usually used without the preposition 'nach'. It describes movement or orientation in a direction.
EXAMPLE
Die Äste des Baumes streben alle zum Licht.
The branches of the tree all reach toward the light.
Compare with
streben vs verfolgen
to follow / pursue
'verfolgen' and 'streben nach' can both mean that someone wants to achieve a goal. 'verfolgen' fits well when it is about a concrete plan or a clear intention that you carry forward step by step. 'streben nach' sounds more like ambition, an ideal, or a strong desire, for example for success, freedom, or recognition. Learners may confuse the words because both express a goal. In practical terms: you 'verfolgen' a plan, and you 'streben nach' an ideal.
streben
Viele Menschen streben nach einem sicheren Leben und guter Arbeit.
Many people strive for a secure life and good work.
verfolgen
Im neuen Projekt verfolgen wir das Ziel, weniger Energie zu verbrauchen.
In the new project, we are pursuing the goal of using less energy.
In real life
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