angetriebener

Angetriebener is a German adjective formed from the past participle of the verb antreiben (to drive, propel, spur). In technical and mechanical contexts it describes a component or system that is driven or powered by a drive mechanism. The term is typically used attributively, appearing before a noun and declined according to gender, number, and case.

Etymology and form: The base is the prefix-verb antreiben, with the past participle angetrieben. When used as an adjective in front of a noun, it takes the endings of a normal attributive adjective: angetriebener (masculine singular nominative), angetriebene (feminine singular nominative or plural), angetriebenes (neuter singular nominative), and angetriebene (plural). For example: ein angetriebener Motor, eine angetriebene Maschine, ein angetriebenes System, angetriebene Motoren.

Usage and nuance: Angetriebener emphasizes that the subject is activated, powered, or propelled by a drive system rather than being passive. It is common in engineering, automotive, and robotics writing to specify that a part is supplied with rotational or linear drive. Metaphorically, it can also be used more loosely to mean something motivated or propelled by external forces, though in formal writing the mechanical sense is primary.

Relation to related terms: The predicative form, used with a verb such as wird angetrieben, is angetrieben in attributive position; the root verb is antreiben, related nouns include Antrieb (drive, propulsion) and angetrieben (driven) in other grammatical constructions.

See also: German participles and adjective declension; terms for drive and propulsion in engineering.