هذه الصفحة بلغتك

English

فارسی

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 verb 13 دقيقة للقراءة

betreiben

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح betreiben في 30 ثانية

الشرح betreiben in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word betreiben might seem a bit advanced, but you can understand it in its simplest form: 'to run a shop' or 'to have a business'. Imagine you are walking through a German city. You see a small bakery (Bäckerei). The person who owns it and works there every day is 'betreiben'-ing the bakery. At this level, you can think of it as a more professional way to say 'haben' (to have) or 'machen' (to do) when talking about a job or a shop.

For example, if you want to say 'My father has a café', you could say 'Mein Vater hat ein Café'. But if you want to sound a little more like a native speaker, you could say 'Mein Vater betreibt ein Café'. It shows that your father is the person who makes the café work every day. You can also use it for simple sports. If you go jogging every morning, you can say 'Ich betreibe Sport'. This sounds very good and organized!

Remember that 'betreiben' is one word. You don't split it. Even in a sentence like 'Ich betreibe ein Geschäft', the 'be-' stays with the 'treiben'. This makes it easier than many other German verbs that split apart. At A1, focus on these two main uses: running a small business and doing a regular sport. It is a great 'level-up' word that makes your basic German sound much more professional and clear. Just remember: [Person] + [betreibt] + [the thing].

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the A2 level, you are starting to talk more about your daily life, your hobbies, and your family's history. This is where betreiben becomes very useful. You already know 'machen' for hobbies, but 'betreiben' is used for things that you do regularly and with some effort. If you are part of a club or if you train for a marathon, you are 'betreiben'-ing that sport. It shows commitment. For example: 'Sie betreibt seit drei Jahren Leichtathletik' (She has been doing athletics for three years).

You will also see this word when reading about companies or small businesses in your textbook. Many German families 'betreiben' a 'Familienunternehmen' (family business). This is a very common topic in A2 German. You might read a sentence like: 'Die Familie betreibt ein kleines Hotel in den Bergen.' Here, 'betreiben' means they do everything—they clean the rooms, they cook the food, and they welcome the guests. It covers all the actions needed to keep the hotel open.

Another important thing for A2 learners is the past tense. You might want to say what someone did in the past. The past form is 'hat betrieben'. For example: 'Mein Großvater hat einen Bauernhof betrieben' (My grandfather ran a farm). Notice there is no 'ge-' in 'betrieben'. This is a special rule for verbs starting with 'be-'. Learning this now will help you avoid common mistakes later. So, at A2, use 'betreiben' for serious hobbies and for family businesses, and remember the 'hat betrieben' form for the past.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

As a B1 learner, you are expected to handle professional situations and discuss more abstract topics. betreiben is a key verb for this. In a work context, you don't just 'do' things; you 'operate' systems or 'run' projects. If you work in IT, you might 'einen Server betreiben' (operate a server). If you work in marketing, you might 'Marktforschung betreiben' (conduct market research). This word shows that you understand the professional nature of these activities.

A very important B1-level expression is 'Aufwand betreiben'. This means 'to put in effort' or 'to go to trouble'. In a meeting, you might say: 'Wir müssen für dieses Projekt viel Aufwand betreiben.' (We need to put a lot of effort into this project). It sounds much more professional than saying 'Wir müssen viel arbeiten'. It specifically refers to the resources—time, money, and energy—that you are investing in a goal. You will also hear this in the negative: 'Das ist zu viel Aufwand, das lohnt sich nicht' (That's too much effort, it's not worth it).

You should also be aware of the passive voice with 'betreiben', which is very common in B1 reading texts. For example: 'Die Webseite wird von einem kleinen Team betrieben' (The website is operated by a small team). Here, the focus is on the website, not the people. Understanding how 'betreiben' works in the passive will help you understand technical descriptions and business reports. At this level, try to replace 'machen' with 'betreiben' whenever you are talking about professional processes, research, or systematic effort.

At the B2 level, the nuances of betreiben become more important, especially in the context of 'Nomen-Verb-Verbindungen' (noun-verb combinations) and idiomatic usage. You are now moving beyond just 'running a business' and into 'pursuing an agenda' or 'engaging in complex activities'. One common B2 context is politics. You will hear about 'Politik betreiben' or 'Lobbyismus betreiben'. These aren't just 'doing' politics; they are about the systematic pursuit of political goals.

Another sophisticated use is 'Ursachenforschung betreiben' (to conduct root cause analysis). When a problem occurs in a company, they don't just look for the mistake; they 'betreiben Ursachenforschung'. This implies a deep, methodical investigation. Similarly, in social sciences, people 'Feldforschung betreiben' (conduct field research). The verb 'betreiben' emphasizes the scientific and structured nature of the work. You should also be comfortable with the noun form, 'der Betrieb', which means 'the business' or 'the operation'.

Watch out for the difference between 'betreiben' and 'treiben'. While you 'Sport treiben' (common idiom), you 'betreiben' a specific sport as a 'Leistungssport' (competitive sport). B2 is the level where you should start using 'betreiben' to express intensity. For example, 'Raubbau betreiben' (to overexploit) is a common phrase in environmental discussions. It describes a systematic, often harmful, use of resources. Using such expressions in your writing or speaking exams will significantly boost your score because it shows a command of 'gehobene Sprache' (elevated language).

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

For C1 learners, betreiben is a tool for precision in academic and high-level professional discourse. You should be able to use it to describe the functioning of complex systems and the execution of abstract strategies. In technical or environmental contexts, 'betreiben' is the standard verb for the operation of infrastructure. For example, 'eine Anlage mit regenerativen Energien betreiben' (to operate a plant with renewable energies). The focus here is on the technical and economic sustainability of the operation.

In the realm of rhetoric and media, you might encounter 'Hetze betreiben' (to engage in hate speech/incitement) or 'Propaganda betreiben'. These are heavy, serious terms. Here, 'betreiben' suggests a deliberate, organized effort to spread a certain message. It is not just an accidental comment; it is a 'Betrieb'—a systematic operation. Understanding this connotation is vital for analyzing German news articles or political speeches. You are looking at the 'machinery' behind the words.

Furthermore, C1 speakers use 'betreiben' in legal and administrative contexts. 'Ein Mahnverfahren betreiben' means to pursue a formal dunning process for unpaid debts. Here, the verb has a very specific legal meaning: to actively keep the legal process moving forward. You might also see 'Kult betreiben' in a metaphorical sense, such as 'einen Personenkult betreiben' (to maintain a cult of personality). In all these C1 examples, 'betreiben' signifies a high degree of intentionality and organizational structure. Your goal at this level is to use the word to describe not just actions, but the systems and strategies behind them.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the C2 level, you master the most subtle and literary applications of betreiben. It can be used to describe philosophical or existential pursuits. For instance, 'Metaphysik betreiben' or 'Philosophie betreiben' means more than just studying these subjects; it means actively engaging in the process of philosophical inquiry as a life-long vocation. The verb here captures the 'vita activa'—the active life of the mind and the systematic application of thought to the world.

You will also find 'betreiben' in highly specialized technical literature, such as in computer science regarding 'Betriebssysteme' (operating systems). While the noun is more common, the verb describes the underlying logic of how a system manages resources. In historical or sociological texts, you might read about how a certain class 'ihre Geschäfte betreibt', which implies a specific, perhaps culturally ingrained, way of managing affairs and social capital. The word takes on a layer of 'habitus'—a way of being and acting in the world.

In C2 writing, you can use 'betreiben' to create sophisticated metaphors. For example, 'Gedächtnispflege betreiben' (to cultivate memory) suggests that remembering is not a passive act but a managed, active process. Or 'Schönheitskult betreiben' to criticize societal obsessions. The power of 'betreiben' at this level lies in its ability to transform any noun into a complex, managed activity. It allows you to discuss the 'mechanics' of almost any human endeavor, from the most mundane technical task to the highest forms of intellectual and artistic creation, with absolute precision and stylistic flair.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح

betreiben في 30 ثانية

To run, manage, or operate a business or technical system.
To engage in a sport, hobby, or professional activity regularly.
Used for abstract efforts like 'Aufwand betreiben' (to put in effort).
An inseparable verb that is more formal than the simple 'machen'.

The German verb betreiben is a versatile and essential word that every intermediate learner must master. At its core, it describes the act of keeping something in motion, managing a process, or maintaining a functional state. Unlike the simple verb 'machen' (to do), betreiben implies a level of professionality, continuity, and organized effort. When you use this word, you are usually talking about something that requires ongoing attention and resources.

Business and Commerce: In the world of business, 'betreiben' is the standard term for running or operating an establishment. Whether it is a small café, a large industrial plant, or an online shop, if you are the one responsible for its daily functions, you are 'betreiben'-ing it. For example, 'ein Geschäft betreiben' means to run a business.
Activities and Hobbies: While 'machen' is common for hobbies, 'betreiben' elevates the activity. If you say you 'Sport betreiben,' it sounds more serious and regular than just 'Sport machen.' It suggests a dedicated practice or a lifestyle choice rather than a one-off event. It is also used for specific professional activities like 'Forschung betreiben' (to conduct research).
Technical Operation: This verb is also used for the operation of machines, facilities, or systems. An engineer might talk about 'eine Anlage betreiben' (operating a plant). It focuses on the technical maintenance and the continuous running of the hardware or software systems.

Meine Großeltern betreiben seit vierzig Jahren einen kleinen Bauernhof in Bayern.

Translation: My grandparents have been running a small farm in Bavaria for forty years.

The word is inseparable. The prefix 'be-' changes the base verb 'treiben' (to drive or push) into a transitive verb that focuses on the object being managed. This linguistic nuance is crucial: while 'treiben' might suggest a more chaotic or forceful movement, 'betreiben' suggests a directed, purposeful, and structured management. You will often hear this in political or social contexts as well, such as 'Politik betreiben' (to engage in politics) or 'Lobbyismus betreiben' (to engage in lobbying). In these cases, it describes the systematic pursuit of an agenda.

Um diese Software zu betreiben, benötigen Sie mindestens 16 GB Arbeitsspeicher.

Translation: To operate this software, you need at least 16 GB of RAM.

Furthermore, 'betreiben' is frequently paired with abstract nouns to indicate the amount of effort or resources invested. A very common expression is 'einen hohen Aufwand betreiben,' which means to go to great lengths or put in a lot of effort to achieve something. This is a high-frequency collocation in both academic and business German. If a company is trying to rebrand, they might 'einen enormen Marketing-Aufwand betreiben.' This highlights the deliberate nature of the action.

Environmental Contexts: In ecological discussions, you might encounter 'Raubbau betreiben,' which refers to the overexploitation of natural resources. Here, the verb takes on a negative connotation of systematic destruction or depletion, showing that the 'operation' is being done irresponsibly.

Die Firma wurde kritisiert, weil sie in den Regenwäldern Raubbau betreibt.

Translation: The company was criticized because it is overexploiting the rainforests.

In summary, 'betreiben' is your go-to verb for anything that involves management, professional engagement, technical operation, or systematic effort. It bridges the gap between simple actions and complex organizational processes. From running a bakery to conducting high-level scientific research, 'betreiben' captures the essence of active, purposeful management.

Constructing sentences with betreiben requires an understanding of its grammatical properties. It is a transitive verb, meaning it always takes a direct object in the accusative case (Akkusativ-Objekt). Because it has the inseparable prefix 'be-', the stress always falls on the second syllable: be-TREI-ben. This prefix also means that the past participle does not use 'ge-'; instead of 'gebetrieben', the form is simply 'betrieben'.

Sentence Structure with Businesses: When talking about businesses, the structure is: [Subject] + [conjugated betreiben] + [Accusative Object (the business)]. For example: 'Er betreibt eine Galerie.' (He runs a gallery). If you want to add a location, use 'in' + Dative: 'Er betreibt eine Galerie in Berlin.'
Using Modal Verbs: When paired with modal verbs like 'wollen', 'müssen', or 'können', 'betreiben' moves to the end of the sentence in its infinitive form. 'Wir wollen ein nachhaltiges Unternehmen betreiben.' (We want to run a sustainable company).

Es ist schwierig, heutzutage eine Buchhandlung gewinnbringend zu betreiben.

Translation: It is difficult to run a bookstore profitably nowadays.

In the past tense, 'betreiben' is a strong verb. The simple past (Präteritum) is 'betrieb', and the present perfect (Perfekt) uses the auxiliary 'haben' with the participle 'betrieben'. For instance: 'Sie hat jahrelang Leistungssport betrieben.' (She engaged in competitive sports for years). Note how 'Leistungssport' remains in the accusative. This pattern holds true for all types of activities, from 'Ursachenforschung' (root cause analysis) to 'Ahnenforschung' (genealogy).

Die Regierung betrieb eine Politik der harten Hand.

Translation: The government pursued a policy of a firm hand (iron fist).

One of the most sophisticated ways to use 'betreiben' is in the passive voice, particularly when discussing technical operations. 'Das Kraftwerk wird mit Solarenergie betrieben.' (The power plant is operated with solar energy). Here, the focus is on the method of operation. The preposition 'mit' (with) is used to indicate the power source or the means by which the operation is sustained. This is extremely common in technical documentation and news reports about energy and infrastructure.

Abstract Concepts: When 'betreiben' is used with abstract concepts like 'Aufwand' (effort) or 'Kult' (cult/obsession), it often takes an adjective. 'Sie betreiben einen wahren Kult um ihre Marke.' (They maintain a true cult around their brand). This structure emphasizes the intensity of the activity.

Welchen Aufwand müssen wir betreiben, um das Ziel zu erreichen?

Translation: What level of effort do we need to exert to reach the goal?

In everyday conversation, you might use 'betreiben' to ask about someone's professional or academic focus. 'Was für eine Art von Forschung betreiben Sie?' (What kind of research are you conducting?). This is more formal and specific than 'Was machen Sie?', showing respect for the complexity of the person's work. By using 'betreiben', you acknowledge that their work is an ongoing, structured process.

You will encounter betreiben in a variety of professional and formal settings. It is a staple of the German linguistic landscape, particularly in contexts where management, science, or technology are discussed. If you watch the German news (like Tagesschau) or read business newspapers (like Handelsblatt), this word will appear frequently.

In the Business World: When CEOs or company spokespeople give interviews, they use 'betreiben' to describe their company's operations. You might hear: 'Wir betreiben weltweit über 500 Filialen.' (We operate over 500 branches worldwide). It conveys a sense of scale and institutional control that 'haben' (to have) or 'führen' (to lead) doesn't quite capture.
In Academic and Scientific Circles: Universities and research institutes are places where 'Forschung betrieben wird' (research is being conducted). Professors will talk about 'Grundlagenforschung betreiben' (conducting basic research) or 'Feldforschung betreiben' (conducting field research). It is the standard verb for the systematic execution of scientific inquiry.

Das Institut betreibt intensive Studien zum Klimawandel.

Translation: The institute is conducting intensive studies on climate change.

In the sports world, commentators use 'betreiben' when discussing an athlete's career or the nature of a sport. Instead of just saying someone plays football, they might say: 'Er betreibt diesen Sport seit seinem fünften Lebensjahr.' (He has been practicing this sport since his fifth year). This phrasing emphasizes the dedication and the long-term commitment of the athlete. It is also common in the context of 'Leistungssport' (competitive/high-performance sport).

Kritiker werfen der Partei vor, reine Symbolpolitik zu betreiben.

Translation: Critics accuse the party of engaging in purely symbolic politics.

In technical and industrial environments, 'betreiben' is used to describe how systems are powered. You will see signs or read manuals stating: 'Diese Maschine darf nur mit Schutzkleidung betrieben werden.' (This machine may only be operated with protective clothing). Or in the context of green energy: 'Das Netz wird zu 100 % mit Ökostrom betrieben.' (The grid is operated 100% with green electricity). It is the functional verb for the 'on' state of infrastructure.

In Everyday Professional Life: In office settings, you might hear colleagues talk about 'Aufwand betreiben' when discussing project management. 'Wir sollten nicht zu viel Aufwand für dieses kleine Problem betreiben.' (We shouldn't put too much effort into this small problem). It is a very common way to discuss resource allocation.

Wir müssen Ursachenforschung betreiben, um den Fehler zu finden.

Translation: We need to conduct root cause analysis to find the error.

Lastly, in legal and administrative German, 'betreiben' is used for official procedures. For example, 'ein Verfahren betreiben' means to pursue or carry out a legal proceeding. If you are dealing with German bureaucracy, you might see this in official letters or documents regarding applications or court cases. It implies the active advancement of a legal matter.

While betreiben is a useful word, it is easy to confuse with other similar-looking or similar-sounding German verbs. Understanding these distinctions will prevent you from making common errors that might sound strange to native speakers.

Confusing 'betreiben' with 'treiben': This is the most frequent mistake. 'Treiben' usually means to drift, to float, or to drive something (like cattle). It is also used in the idiom 'Sport treiben' (to do sport). While 'Sport betreiben' is also correct and more formal, you cannot use 'betreiben' for drifting in water. You cannot 'betreiben' on a river; you 'treiben' on it. 'Betreiben' always requires an active, managing subject and a structured object.
Confusing 'betreiben' with 'bearbeiten': 'Bearbeiten' means to edit, process, or work on something specific (like a document or a piece of wood). 'Betreiben' is about the operation of the whole system or business. You 'bearbeiten' an email, but you 'betreiben' the email server. If you say you 'betreiben' a document, it sounds like you are running it like a business, which is incorrect.

Ich betreibe meine Hausaufgaben.
Ich mache meine Hausaufgaben oder ich bearbeite meine Aufgaben.

Correction: You 'do' or 'work on' homework; you don't 'operate' it.

Another mistake involves the past participle. Because 'betreiben' is an inseparable verb, the past participle is 'betrieben', not 'gebetrieben'. Many learners instinctively add the 'ge-' prefix because they are used to verbs like 'gekauft' or 'gemacht'. Remember: verbs starting with 'be-', 'ent-', 'er-', 'ver-', and 'zer-' never take 'ge-' in the past participle.

Er hat das Geschäft gebetrieben.
Er hat das Geschäft betrieben.

Correction: No 'ge-' for inseparable prefixes.

A subtle mistake occurs with the word 'führen'. While 'ein Geschäft führen' and 'ein Geschäft betreiben' are often interchangeable, 'führen' focuses more on the leadership and decision-making aspect, while 'betreiben' focuses on the operational and functional aspect. If you are the manager making decisions, you 'führen'. If you are the owner making sure the doors are open and the lights are on, you 'betreiben'. Using 'betreiben' for leading a team of people is usually incorrect; you 'leiten' or 'führen' a team.

Overusing 'betreiben': Because 'betreiben' sounds sophisticated, some learners use it for everything. However, using it for simple daily tasks like 'Abwasch betreiben' (operating the dishes) sounds very ironic or overly dramatic. Stick to 'machen' for mundane chores unless you are joking about the 'complexity' of your housework.

Ich betreibe heute den Einkauf.
Ich erledige heute den Einkauf.

Correction: 'Erledigen' is better for errands and chores.

Lastly, be careful with the word 'Aufwand'. You 'betreiben' an effort, but you don't 'betreiben' a goal. You 'verfolgen' (pursue) or 'erreichen' (reach) a goal. Mixing these up is a common B1/B2 level error. 'Wir betreiben viel Aufwand, um unser Ziel zu erreichen' is perfect. 'Wir betreiben unser Ziel' is incorrect.

To truly master betreiben, you need to know its synonyms and how they differ in nuance. German is a language of precision, and choosing the right word for 'running' or 'doing' can change the entire tone of your sentence.

betreiben vs. führen: 'Führen' (to lead/guide) is often used for businesses ('ein Unternehmen führen'). The difference is focus: 'betreiben' is about the existence and operation of the entity, while 'führen' is about the leadership and management style. You 'betreiben' a shop to keep it open; you 'führen' a shop to make it successful through leadership.
betreiben vs. ausüben: 'Ausüben' (to exercise/practice) is used for professions or influence. You 'einen Beruf ausüben' (practice a profession). While you can 'Sport betreiben', you 'einen Beruf ausüben'. 'Ausüben' suggests the application of a skill or authority, whereas 'betreiben' suggests the management of an activity.
betreiben vs. machen: 'Machen' is the general-purpose 'do/make'. It is informal and broad. If you 'machen' a business, it sounds like a temporary or casual project. If you 'betreiben' it, it sounds like a legitimate, registered operation. Use 'machen' for tasks and 'betreiben' for systems.

Sie leitet die Abteilung, aber er betreibt die IT-Infrastruktur.

Comparison: 'Leiten' for people/departments, 'betreiben' for technical systems.

In technical contexts, 'bedienen' is a close relative. 'Bedienen' means to operate a specific machine by hand (like a console or a crane). 'Betreiben' means to be the one responsible for the machine being in use. You 'bedienen' the buttons, but the company 'betreibt' the machine. If you are a user, you 'bedienen' the software; if you are the host, you 'betreiben' the server.

Wir unterhalten mehrere Zweigstellen in Übersee.

Alternative: 'Unterhalten' (to maintain/keep up) is often used for branches or facilities.

Another interesting alternative is 'bewirtschaften'. This is specifically used for land, forests, or restaurants. 'Einen Gasthof bewirtschaften' means to run an inn, but with a focus on the economic and agricultural management of the resources. 'Betreiben' is more general; 'bewirtschaften' is specifically for 'Wirtschaft' (economy/hospitality/agriculture).

betreiben vs. verfolgen: When talking about goals or interests, 'verfolgen' is the better choice. 'Ein Ziel verfolgen' (to pursue a goal). Use 'betreiben' for the activity you do to reach the goal, and 'verfolgen' for the goal itself. For example: 'Ich betreibe viel Recherche, um meine Ziele zu verfolgen.'

Er praktiziert Yoga, aber er betreibt es nicht als Geschäft.

Comparison: 'Praktizieren' for spiritual/physical practice, 'betreiben' for the business side.

Finally, in the context of research, 'durchführen' is a very common alternative. 'Eine Studie durchführen' (to conduct a study). 'Durchführen' focuses on the execution of a specific project from start to finish. 'Forschung betreiben' is broader and describes the ongoing state of being a researcher. You 'betreiben' research over your whole career, but you 'führen' a specific experiment 'durch'.

How Formal Is It?

حقيقة ممتعة

In Old German, the word was often used for driving cattle onto a field, which later evolved into 'managing' or 'running' a field or business.

دليل النطق

UK /bəˈtʁaɪ̯bn̩/

US /bəˈtʁaɪ̯bən/

Stress is on the second syllable: be-TREI-ben.

يتقافى مع

schreiben bleiben treiben reiben meiden leiden scheiden neiden

أخطاء شائعة

Stressing the first syllable (BE-treiben) is incorrect.
Pronouncing the 'ei' as 'ee' (betrieben - which is the past participle).
Splitting the verb (ich treibe be) - it is inseparable.
Over-enunciating the 'e' in '-en' at the end.
Confusing the 'b' with a 'p' sound.

مستوى الصعوبة

القراءة 3/5

Common in news and business texts; requires understanding of prefixes.

الكتابة 4/5

Tricky because it's inseparable and strong (betreiben-betrieb-betrieben).

التحدث 3/5

Easy to use once you remember it replaces 'machen' for professional topics.

الاستماع 2/5

Clear pronunciation, usually easy to pick out in context.

ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك

المتطلبات الأساسية

machen treiben führen das Geschäft der Sport

تعلّم لاحقاً

ausüben bewirtschaften durchführen der Betrieb die Leitung

متقدم

die Wertschöpfungskette die Betriebswirtschaftslehre der Lobbyismus die Ursachenforschung

قواعد يجب معرفتها

Inseparable Prefixes

be-treiben: The 'be-' never separates from the verb.

Strong Verbs (Ablaut)

ei -> ie: betreiben (present), betrieb (past), betrieben (participle).

No 'ge-' in Participle

Because it has an inseparable prefix, the participle is 'betrieben', not 'gebetrieben'.

Transitive Verbs

Requires an accusative object: 'Ich betreibe *ein Geschäft*'.

Passive Voice

Process passive: 'Das Hotel wird betrieben.' State passive: 'Das Hotel ist betrieben (rarely used, usually 'geöffnet').'

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

أمثلة حسب المستوى

Mein Bruder betreibt ein kleines Café.

My brother runs a small café.

Direct object 'ein kleines Café' is in the accusative.

Betreibst du Sport?

Do you do sports?

Question form with 'betreiben'.

Sie betreiben ein Geschäft in der Stadt.

They run a shop in the city.

Plural subject 'sie' with 'betreiben'.

Ich betreibe jeden Tag Yoga.

I do yoga every day.

Using 'betreiben' for a regular activity.

Mein Vater betreibt ein Restaurant.

My father runs a restaurant.

Third person singular 'betreibt'.

Wir betreiben eine kleine Farm.

We run a small farm.

First person plural 'wir'.

Betreibt ihr ein Hobby?

Do you (plural) have a hobby?

Informal plural 'ihr'.

Das Kind betreibt keinen Sport.

The child does not do any sport.

Negation with 'keinen'.

Die Familie hat jahrelang ein Hotel betrieben.

The family ran a hotel for years.

Present perfect: 'hat betrieben'.

Er betreibt Leichtathletik im Verein.

He does athletics in a club.

Use of 'im Verein' to show organized activity.

Wir wollen ein nachhaltiges Unternehmen betreiben.

We want to run a sustainable business.

Modal verb 'wollen' + infinitive at the end.

Betreiben Sie dieses Geschäft allein?

Do you run this business alone?

Formal 'Sie' address.

Meine Tante betrieb früher eine Bäckerei.

My aunt used to run a bakery.

Simple past: 'betrieb'.

Sie betreiben viel Sport in ihrer Freizeit.

They do a lot of sport in their free time.

Accusative 'viel Sport'.

Kann man hier Wintersport betreiben?

Can one do winter sports here?

Modal verb 'kann' + 'betreiben'.

Ich habe früher viel Ahnenforschung betrieben.

I used to do a lot of genealogy.

Present perfect with an abstract noun.

Die Firma betreibt intensive Marktforschung.

The company is conducting intensive market research.

Professional context: 'Marktforschung'.

Wir müssen einen hohen Aufwand betreiben, um das Ziel zu erreichen.

We must put in a lot of effort to reach the goal.

Collocation: 'Aufwand betreiben'.

Das Kraftwerk wird mit Kohle betrieben.

The power plant is operated with coal.

Passive voice: 'wird betrieben'.

Welche Art von Forschung betreiben Sie an der Universität?

What kind of research are you conducting at the university?

Formal question about professional activity.

Es ist teuer, eine eigene Webseite zu betreiben.

It is expensive to run your own website.

Infinitive with 'zu'.

Sie betreibt ihren Blog sehr professionell.

She runs her blog very professionally.

Adverb 'professionell' modifying the action.

Der Flughafen wird nachts nicht betrieben.

The airport is not operated at night.

Passive voice negation.

Wir haben viel Ursachenforschung betrieben, um den Fehler zu finden.

We conducted a lot of root cause analysis to find the error.

Compound noun 'Ursachenforschung'.

Die Opposition wirft der Regierung vor, Klientelpolitik zu betreiben.

The opposition accuses the government of practicing clientelism.

Political context: 'Klientelpolitik'.

Wer Raubbau an der Natur betreibt, schadet uns allen.

Whoever overexploits nature harms us all.

Idiom: 'Raubbau betreiben'.

Das Unternehmen betreibt weltweit über 200 Filialen.

The company operates over 200 branches worldwide.

Business scale and reach.

Man sollte nicht zu viel Personenkult um den Chef betreiben.

One should not maintain too much of a cult of personality around the boss.

Abstract noun 'Personenkult'.

Die Anlage wurde jahrelang unsachgemäß betrieben.

The facility was operated improperly for years.

Passive voice with an adverb.

Wir betreiben diesen Aufwand nur für unsere besten Kunden.

We only go to this much trouble for our best customers.

Nuance of 'effort' as a service.

Sie betreibt Lobbyismus für die Automobilindustrie.

She engages in lobbying for the automotive industry.

Professional activity: 'Lobbyismus'.

Das System wird über einen externen Server betrieben.

The system is operated via an external server.

Technical operation.

Die Studie wurde mit großer Sorgfalt betrieben.

The study was conducted with great care.

Passive voice with 'mit großer Sorgfalt'.

Es ist wichtig, aktive Imagepflege zu betreiben.

It is important to engage in active image cultivation.

Compound noun 'Imagepflege'.

Die Regierung betrieb eine Politik der Deeskalation.

The government pursued a policy of de-escalation.

Präteritum 'betrieb'.

Manche Medien betreiben bewusste Desinformation.

Some media outlets engage in deliberate disinformation.

Serious social context.

Das Verfahren wurde von den Anwälten zügig betrieben.

The proceedings were pursued swiftly by the lawyers.

Legal context: 'Verfahren betreiben'.

Wir betreiben hier Grundlagenforschung auf höchstem Niveau.

We are conducting basic research here at the highest level.

Academic context.

Die Firma betreibt eine aggressive Expansionsstrategie.

The company is pursuing an aggressive expansion strategy.

Strategic business context.

Er hat den Sport bis zur Perfektion betrieben.

He practiced the sport to the point of perfection.

Emphasis on intensity and quality.

In seinem Spätwerk betrieb der Autor eine Form der Selbstmythologisierung.

In his late work, the author engaged in a form of self-mythologization.

Literary/Philosophical context.

Die Frage ist, ob wir hier Wissenschaft oder Ideologie betreiben.

The question is whether we are practicing science or ideology here.

Existential/Critical inquiry.

Das gesamte System wird durch komplexe Algorithmen betrieben.

The entire system is operated by complex algorithms.

High-level technical abstraction.

Sie betrieb die Ahnenforschung mit einer fast schon obsessiven Akribie.

She pursued genealogy with an almost obsessive meticulousness.

Detailed character description.

Man darf nicht den Fehler machen, reine Symbolpolitik zu betreiben.

One must not make the mistake of engaging in purely symbolic politics.

Sophisticated political critique.

Der Staat betrieb eine gezielte Ansiedlungspolitik.

The state pursued a targeted settlement policy.

Historical/Sociological context.

Es wird ein enormer Kult um die historische Wahrheit betrieben.

An enormous cult is maintained around historical truth.

Abstract metaphorical usage.

Die Anlage wird unter extremen Bedingungen betrieben.

The facility is operated under extreme conditions.

Technical/Environmental context.

المرادفات

führen leiten ausüben bewirtschaften unterhalten durchführen nachgehen managen

الأضداد

einstellen vernachlässigen schließen unterlassen

تلازمات شائعة

ein Geschäft betreiben

Aufwand betreiben

Sport betreiben

Forschung betreiben

Politik betreiben

Marktforschung betreiben

Raubbau betreiben

Ursachenforschung betreiben

Lobbyismus betreiben

eine Anlage betreiben

العبارات الشائعة

einen hohen Aufwand betreiben

— To put in a lot of effort or resources.

Sie betreiben einen hohen Aufwand für die Hochzeit.

Leistungssport betreiben

— To do competitive or professional sports.

Er hat früher Leistungssport betrieben.

Symbolpolitik betreiben

— To engage in politics that is more about appearance than substance.

Kritiker sagen, die Regierung betreibe nur Symbolpolitik.

Ahnenforschung betreiben

— To research one's family history.

Meine Oma betreibt leidenschaftlich Ahnenforschung.

aktive Imagepflege betreiben

— To actively work on improving one's reputation.

Der Star betreibt nach dem Skandal aktive Imagepflege.

einen Kult betreiben

— To be excessively obsessed with something or someone.

Um diese Band wird ein wahrer Kult betrieben.

Klientelpolitik betreiben

— To pursue policies that only benefit a specific group of supporters.

Man wirft ihm vor, reine Klientelpolitik zu betreiben.

Schabernack betreiben

— To play pranks or engage in mischief (dated/playful).

Die Kinder betreiben mal wieder Schabernack.

Missbrauch betreiben

— To abuse or misuse something systematically.

Sie betreiben Missbrauch mit den Firmengeldern.

Ursachenforschung betreiben

— To look deeply into why something went wrong.

Wir müssen Ursachenforschung betreiben, anstatt uns zu beschweren.

يُخلط عادةً مع

betreiben vs treiben

Treiben is for drifting/floating or general 'doing' in specific idioms. Betreiben is for managing/operating.

betreiben vs bearbeiten

Bearbeiten is to work on a specific task/file. Betreiben is to run the whole system.

betreiben vs übertreiben

Übertreiben means to exaggerate. It shares the same root but a different prefix.

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

"Raubbau betreiben"

— To overexploit resources (natural or personal) to the point of exhaustion.

Du betreibst Raubbau an deiner Gesundheit.

neutral

"Einen hohen Aufwand betreiben"

— To spare no expense or effort.

Für das Fest wurde ein enormer Aufwand betrieben.

neutral

"Schindluder betreiben"

— To treat something or someone badly or with contempt.

Mit dem Gesetz wird Schindluder betrieben.

informal/dated

"Getreue Nachfolge betreiben"

— To follow in someone's footsteps faithfully.

Er betrieb die Nachfolge seines Vaters sehr gewissenhaft.

formal

"Augenwischerei betreiben"

— To try to deceive someone by making things look better than they are.

Das ist doch alles nur Augenwischerei, was die Firma da betreibt.

informal

"Mumpitz betreiben"

— To engage in nonsense or foolishness.

Hör auf, diesen Mumpitz zu betreiben!

informal/colloquial

"Viel Federlesens betreiben"

— To make a great fuss about something (usually 'ohne viel Federlesens').

Er betrieb kein großes Federlesens und fing einfach an.

literary

"Kult um etwas betreiben"

— To worship or obsess over something.

Heutzutage wird ein Kult um die Selbstoptimierung betrieben.

neutral

"Geheimniskrämerei betreiben"

— To be unnecessarily secretive.

Warum betreibt ihr so eine Geheimniskrämerei um das Projekt?

informal

"Effekthascherei betreiben"

— To do something just to get attention or create a sensation.

Der Regisseur betreibt in seinem neuen Film reine Effekthascherei.

neutral/critical

سهل الخلط

betreiben vs treiben

Same root verb.

Treiben is often used for physical movement (driving cattle, drifting in water) or in 'Sport treiben'. Betreiben is more professional and implies management.

Das Holz treibt auf dem Wasser. vs. Er betreibt ein Sägewerk.

betreiben vs führen

Both mean 'to run' a business.

Führen focuses on leadership and guiding people. Betreiben focuses on the technical and operational functioning of the business.

Sie führt das Team. vs. Sie betreibt den Laden.

betreiben vs bedienen

Both involve machines.

Bedienen is the physical act of using a machine (pressing buttons). Betreiben is the responsibility for the machine's operation.

Ich bediene den Kran. vs. Die Firma betreibt den Kran.

betreiben vs ausüben

Both involve activities/professions.

Ausüben is for practicing a profession or authority. Betreiben is for managing an activity or business.

Sie übt ihren Beruf aus. vs. Sie betreibt eine Praxis.

betreiben vs erledigen

Both involve doing something.

Erledigen is for finishing a task or errand. Betreiben is for an ongoing process.

Ich erledige den Einkauf. vs. Ich betreibe einen Supermarkt.

أنماط الجُمل

Ich betreibe [Sport].

Ich betreibe Yoga.

Er/Sie betreibt [ein Geschäft].

Sie betreibt eine Bäckerei.

Wir müssen [Aufwand] betreiben.

Wir müssen viel Aufwand betreiben.

[Etwas] wird mit [Energie] betrieben.

Das Auto wird mit Strom betrieben.

[Subjekt] betreibt [abstrakte Tätigkeit].

Die Firma betreibt intensive Marktforschung.

Es wird [Nomen] betrieben.

Es wird viel Ursachenforschung betrieben.

Das Verfahren wird [Adverb] betrieben.

Das Verfahren wird zügig betrieben.

[Subjekt] betreibt eine Politik der [Genitiv].

Der Staat betrieb eine Politik der Annäherung.

عائلة الكلمة

الأسماء

der Betrieb business, company, operation

der Betreiber operator (person or company)

die Betriebsart mode of operation

die Betriebszeit operating time

die Betriebsleitung management

الأفعال

treiben to drive, float, drift

antreiben to power, motivate, drive forward

übertreiben to exaggerate

austreiben to expel, drive out

vertreiben to sell, distribute, drive away

الصفات

betrieblich operational, related to the business

betriebsbereit ready for operation

betriebsam busy, industrious

مرتبط

die Bewirtschaftung

die Führung

die Leitung

das Management

die Ausübung

سجّل مجاناً لرؤية جميع الأمثلة

كيفية الاستخدام

frequency

High, especially in professional and news contexts.

أخطاء شائعة

Ich treibe ein Geschäft be. → Ich betreibe ein Geschäft.
The verb is inseparable. The prefix 'be-' never moves to the end.
Er hat viel Sport gebetrieben. → Er hat viel Sport betrieben.
Inseparable verbs do not take the 'ge-' prefix in the past participle.
Ich betreibe meine Hausaufgaben. → Ich mache meine Hausaufgaben.
'Betreiben' is for systems and professional activities, not for simple tasks.
Die Maschine betreibt mit Strom. → Die Maschine wird mit Strom betrieben.
Machines are operated (passive), they don't operate themselves (active) in this context.
Wir betreiben unser Ziel. → Wir verfolgen unser Ziel.
You 'pursue' (verfolgen) a goal; you 'operate/run' (betreiben) the activity to get there.

نصائح

Inseparable Prefix

Always remember that 'be-' is inseparable. This means the stress is on 'trei' and there is no 'ge-' in the past participle. This applies to all 'be-' verbs.

Level Up

Replace 'machen' with 'betreiben' when talking about your job, your serious hobbies, or your research to immediately sound more advanced (B2/C1 level).

Aufwand betreiben

This is one of the most useful phrases in business German. Use it to talk about resources and effort: 'Wir betreiben einen großen Aufwand'.

Business vs. Leadership

Use 'betreiben' for the operational side (keeping it running) and 'führen' for the leadership side (making decisions).

Power Sources

When saying what something is powered by, use 'betrieben mit' + Dative. 'Betrieben mit Solarenergie'.

Academic Tone

In essays, use 'Forschung betreiben' instead of 'forschen' to sound more formal and to emphasize the systematic nature of the work.

Pronunciation

Focus on the 'ei' sound. It should be a clear 'ai' like in 'sky'. Don't let it slip into an 'ee' sound.

Negative Contexts

Be aware that 'betreiben' can be used negatively with words like 'Raubbau', 'Hetze', or 'Schindluder'. Context is key!

The 'Operator' Link

Think of 'betreiben' as 'to operate'. An 'Operator' is a 'Betreiber'. This link helps remember the meaning.

Passive Voice

In reading exams, 'wird betrieben' often refers to infrastructure or websites. Look for the 'mit' to see how it's powered.

احفظها

وسيلة تذكّر

Think of a 'Be-Trieb-en' as a 'Business-Treiben'. You are 'driving' (treiben) your 'business' (be- prefix focuses it).

ربط بصري

Imagine a person in a suit (professional) holding the steering wheel of a small shop (operating/running).

Word Web

Business Sport Forschung Maschine Aufwand Politik Laden Server

تحدٍّ

Try to write three sentences about a business you would like to run using 'betreiben' in the present, past, and with a modal verb.

أصل الكلمة

Derived from the Middle High German 'betrīben' and Old High German 'bitrīban'.

المعنى الأصلي: The base verb 'treiben' means 'to drive' or 'to push'. The prefix 'be-' creates a transitive relationship, focusing the action on an object.

Germanic (Indo-European).

السياق الثقافي

Be careful with 'Propaganda betreiben' or 'Hetze betreiben', as these are very strong accusations in German political discourse.

In English, we use 'run', 'operate', or 'conduct'. 'Betreiben' covers all three depending on the context.

The term 'Betriebssystem' (Operating System) in computing. The phrase 'Raubbau betreiben' is a common headline in German environmental activism. Max Weber's sociological texts often discuss how different groups 'ihre Geschäfte betreiben'.

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

Business

ein Unternehmen betreiben
eine Filiale betreiben
Online-Handel betreiben
ein Gewerbe betreiben

Sports

Leistungssport betreiben
Breitensport betreiben
regelmäßig Sport betreiben
eine Sportart betreiben

Science

Grundlagenforschung betreiben
Feldforschung betreiben
Wissenschaft betreiben
Studien betreiben

Technology

einen Server betreiben
eine Anlage betreiben
mit Strom betrieben werden
eine Webseite betreiben

Politics

Politik betreiben
Lobbyismus betreiben
Wahlkampf betreiben
Symbolpolitik betreiben

بدايات محادثة

"Welche Art von Sport betreiben Sie in Ihrer Freizeit am liebsten?"

"Haben Sie jemals davon geträumt, ein eigenes kleines Café zu betreiben?"

"Welchen Aufwand betreiben Sie normalerweise, um eine neue Sprache zu lernen?"

"Wird in Ihrem Land viel Forschung im Bereich der grünen Energie betrieben?"

"Finden Sie es schwierig, eine Webseite oder einen Blog zu betreiben?"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

Beschreiben Sie ein Unternehmen, das Sie gerne betreiben würden. Was wären Ihre Ziele?

Welchen Sport betreiben Sie? Warum ist diese Aktivität wichtig für Ihren Alltag?

Denken Sie an ein großes Projekt. Welchen Aufwand mussten Sie betreiben, um es abzuschließen?

Was halten Sie von Politikern, die reine Symbolpolitik betreiben? Erklären Sie Ihre Meinung.

Recherchieren Sie ein technisches Gerät. Wie wird es betrieben und welche Ressourcen werden benötigt?

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

Both are correct, but 'Sport betreiben' is more formal and suggests a more serious, regular commitment. Native speakers use 'Sport machen' in daily conversation and 'Sport betreiben' in more official or professional contexts.

No, that sounds very strange. For homework, use 'machen' or 'erledigen'. 'Betreiben' is for larger systems, businesses, or professional activities, not for simple school tasks.

'Betreiben' means to operate or run something. 'Antreiben' means to provide the physical power or motivation to make something move. For example, a motor 'treibt' a machine 'an', while a person 'betreibt' the machine.

No, 'betreiben' is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'be-' always stays with the root. You say 'Ich betreibe', not 'Ich treibe be'.

You use 'betreiben'. For example: 'Ich betreibe einen Blog' or 'Er betreibt eine eigene Webseite'. This is the standard professional term.

It is an idiom meaning to overexploit something, like natural resources or even your own health. It suggests using something up until it's gone without thinking about the future.

Yes, it is used for the operation of facilities or systems. For example: 'Die Anlage wird mit Gas betrieben' (The plant is operated with gas).

The past participle is 'betrieben'. There is no 'ge-' because it is an inseparable verb. Example: 'Er hat das Geschäft zehn Jahre lang betrieben.'

Yes, 'betreiben' is a transitive verb and requires a direct object in the accusative case. 'Ich betreibe den (Akk) Aufwand.'

Yes, it is very common in phrases like 'Politik betreiben' or 'Lobbyismus betreiben', meaning to engage in or pursue political activities systematically.

سجّل مجاناً للنصائح والملاحظات