verb
to drive
B1
A strong, irregular verb meaning 'to drive', 'to propel' or 'to practice' (e.g., Sport treiben = to do sport). Uses auxiliary haben for perfect (hat getrieben). Not separable; non‑reflexive in this entry. Stem vowel changes: Präsens ei -> Präteritum trieb, Partizip getrieben. Wide semantic range.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.EXAMPLES
Er trieb den Ball ins Tor.
He drove the ball into the goal.
Die Strömung treibt das Boot aufs offene Meer.
The current is driving the boat out to sea.
Am Nachmittag trieben die Jugendlichen Sport, damit sie für den Wettkampf fit blieben.
In the afternoon the youngsters did sports so that they remained fit for the competition.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.DETAILS_LABEL
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.MNEMONICS
Picture wind 'driving' leaves across water, pushing a boat along.
Rhymes with English 'drive' in the sense of pushing (treiben/driving force).
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.NOTES
treiben has several senses (to drive, to propel, to cause, to float). Context determines meaning.