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
streben
to reach / extend
To move, point, or lean in a certain direction. Often used for architectural or natural forms.
EXAMPLE
Die gotischen Säulen streben elegant zur Decke.
The Gothic columns reach elegantly toward the ceiling.
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 kämpfen
to fight
Kämpfen and streben can both express a strong effort to achieve a goal. Kämpfen sounds more determined and often puts obstacles or resistance in the foreground, while streben is more strongly directed toward an intended goal or ideal. Use kämpfen for active effort, and streben for goal-oriented ambition.
streben
Sie strebt trotz vieler Hindernisse nach einem Studienplatz an einer guten Universität.
Despite many obstacles, she is striving for a place at a good university.
kämpfen
Sie kämpft trotz vieler Hindernisse um ihren Studienplatz.
Despite many obstacles, she is fighting for a place at university.
In real life
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