Bestrebt

Bestrebt is a German adjective and the past participle form of the verb bestreben. The verb means to strive for, to endeavor or to be intent on achieving something. Bestreben is built with the prefix be- added to streben (to strive), giving a sense of directed or purposeful effort. The past participle used as an adjective is bestrebt.

Usage and meaning

Bestrebt denotes a strong, ongoing desire or commitment to reach a goal. In common usage, it is most often used predicatively with the auxiliary sein: er ist bestrebt, etw. zu erreichen or die Regierung ist bestrebt, die Kosten zu senken. The construction bestrebt sein, followed by an infinitive, is also typical: bestrebt sein, etwas zu tun. The term suggests deliberate, sustained effort rather than mere interest or casual preference.

Nuance and comparison

Bestrebt lies in the semantic space between ambitious and dedicated. It emphasizes purposeful striving rather than spontaneity. It is frequently found in formal, political, or business contexts. Synonyms or near-equivalents include zielstrebig (goal-oriented) and ehrgeizig (ambitious), though these differ slightly in nuance and usage.

Related forms and etymology

The word stems from streben (to strive) with the prefix be-, creating a verb that conveys directed effort. The adjective form bestrebt then expresses the quality of being intent on a particular aim. The present participle form is often used descriptively as bestrebend in some contexts, but bestrebt as an adjective remains the standard form.

See also

Streben, bestreben, zielstrebig, ehrgeizig, engage (Engagement in German corpora).