fuel
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fuel
A combustible substance used in motors or engines to generate propulsive energy. Examples include gasoline, diesel, kerosene, or rocket fuel.
Das Flugzeug musste zwischenlanden, um Treibstoff zu tanken.
The airplane had to make a stopover to refuel.
fuel
In a figurative sense, something that drives and motivates a development, an action, or a process.
Ihr unbändiger Ehrgeiz war der Treibstoff für ihren Erfolg.
Her boundless ambition was the fuel for her success.
'Treibstoff' is made up of the verb 'treiben' (in the sense of to drive or propel) and the noun 'Stoff' (material, substance). So it is literally a substance that drives something.
Ohne Treibstoff kann der Motor nicht arbeiten.
Without fuel, the engine cannot work.
In its literal meaning, 'Treibstoff' is often used with verbs like 'tanken' (to refuel), 'verbrauchen' (to consume), or 'ausgehen' (to run out).
Vor der langen Fahrt müssen wir unbedingt noch Treibstoff tanken.
Before the long drive, we absolutely still need to refuel.
You can recognize the figurative meaning when 'Treibstoff' is combined with abstract concepts like 'Erfolg' (success), 'Motivation' (motivation), 'Wirtschaft' (economy), or 'Kreativität' (creativity).
Anerkennung ist der beste Treibstoff für die Motivation der Mitarbeiter.
Recognition is the best fuel for employees' motivation.
fuel / booze
Treibstoff and Sprit can both refer to the fuel of a car. Treibstoff is the standard term and is also suitable in factual contexts. Sprit is colloquial and is especially common in casual conversations about gasoline or diesel.
Laut Anzeige reicht der Treibstoff noch für hundert Kilometer.
According to the display, there is still enough fuel for another hundred kilometers.
Keine Sorge, der Sprit reicht noch für hundert Kilometer.
Don't worry, there's still enough fuel for another hundred kilometers.
