Treiben

treiben is a German verb with several related meanings centered on moving something by force, wind, or currents, and it is also used in figurative senses to describe urging or promoting activity. The noun das Treiben denotes activity or bustle in a place, such as the busy proceedings of a marketplace or street.

In its core senses, treiben can be used transitively or intransitively. Transitively, it means to drive or propel something forward, usually by an engine or natural force. Example: Der Motor treibt das Auto an. This sense is common in technical or mechanical contexts.

Intransitively, treiben describes drift or being carried along by external forces. Example: Das Boot treibt auf dem See; Der Wind treibt die Wolken über den Himmel. Here the movement is caused by the wind or water rather than a direct agent.

Metaphorically, treiben can mean to push forward, accelerate, or propel development, prices, or behavior. Example: Die Inflation treibt die Preise in die Höhe; Die Firma treibt die Entwicklung neuer Technologien voran. In compound usage, vorantreiben is common, as in Wir treiben die Entwicklung voran (we are advancing the development).

Grammar and usage notes: treiben is a strong verb. Present tense forms: ich treibe, du treibst, er treibt. Präteritum: ich trieb, du triebst, er trieb. Partizip II: getrieben. The verb combines with prefixes in compounds such as vorantreiben, where the prefix can be separated in main clauses: Wir treiben die Entwicklung voran.

Etymology: treiben derives from Old High German trīban and is cognate with the English word drive, reflecting the shared core meaning of pushing or propelling.