treiben/ˈtʁaɪ̯bn̩/to drive; to pursue; to float
treiben is a German verb that means to drive, to pursue, or to float. It is pronounced /ˈtʁaɪ̯bn̩/. In conjugation, the simple past is "trieb" and the past participle is "getrieben".
Definitions
1.to drive, to propel (something/someone)(cause to move)
a.to move something forward or onward (transitive)
Der Wind treibt die Wolken über den Himmel.—The wind drives the clouds across the sky.
2.to pursue or engage in an activity (especially regularly or excessively)(carry out an activity)
a.to practice or engage in (a sport, trade, or activity)
Er treibt jeden Tag Sport, um fit zu bleiben.—He does sports every day to stay fit.
b.to do, to carry on (often used with 'Unfug', 'Schabernack', etc., for mischief/antics)
Die Kinder treiben wieder ihren Unfug.—The children are up to their mischief again.
3.to float, to drift (intransitive)(move without control)
a.to move on water or in the air (without control)
Das Boot trieb langsam den Fluss hinunter.—The boat drifted slowly down the river.
Conjugation
| Infinitive | treiben |
|---|---|
| Present (ich) | treibe |
| Present (du) | treibst |
| Present (er/sie/es) | treibt |
| Preterite (ich) | trieb |
| Participle II | getrieben |
| Konjunktiv II (ich) | triebe |
| Imperative (singular) | treib |
| Imperative (plural) | treibt |
| Auxiliary | haben |
Frequently asked questions
- What does "treiben" mean in English?
- "treiben" means to drive, to pursue, or to float. It is a German verb.
- How do you pronounce "treiben"?
- "treiben" is pronounced /ˈtʁaɪ̯bn̩/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet.
- What is the past participle of "treiben"?
- The past participle (Partizip II) of "treiben" is "getrieben", used with the auxiliary "haben".
- What is the simple past of "treiben"?
- In the simple past (Präteritum), "treiben" becomes "trieb" in the first person singular.
- What part of speech is "treiben"?
- "treiben" is a verb in German.
