drive
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drive
The strong desire or impulse to be active, take action, and get things done.
Nach dem Urlaub war sie voller Tatendrang und startete sofort neue Projekte.
After the vacation, she was full of drive and immediately started new projects.
'Tatendrang' is a compound noun made from 'die Tat' (deed; plural: Taten) and 'der Drang' (urge/drive). It literally means an 'urge to do deeds,' that is, the strong desire to become active.
Ihr Tatendrang war so groß, dass sie sofort mit der Gartenarbeit begann.
Her drive was so great that she immediately began gardening.
This noun is often used in fixed expressions. Typical ones are 'voller Tatendrang sein' (to be full of drive), 'Tatendrang haben' (to have drive), or 'Tatendrang verspüren' (to feel a drive to do something).
Am Montagmorgen sind viele Mitarbeiter voller Tatendrang.
On Monday mornings, many employees are full of drive.
'Tatendrang' (drive) is an abstract noun and is used almost exclusively in the singular. A plural form practically does not exist in everyday usage.
Sein Tatendrang schien grenzenlos zu sein.
His drive seemed to be limitless.
vigor
Both words refer to energy and motivation for active behavior. „Der Tatendrang“ particularly emphasizes a strong desire to do something immediately. „Der Elan“ describes more the energy and enthusiasm with which someone begins or carries out an activity. When the focus is on the impulse to take action, „Tatendrang“ is more appropriate.
Nach der langen Pause verspürte sie großen Tatendrang und wollte sofort loslegen.
After the long break, she felt highly motivated and wanted to get started immediately.
Mit viel Elan begann sie die schwierige Aufgabe.
She began the difficult task with a great deal of energy.
