Meaning
To engage in physical exercise or athletic activities.
Cultural Background
Sports clubs (Vereine) are central to social life. 'Sport treiben' often implies membership in one. Similar to Germany, but 'Sport betreiben' is also very common in formal writing. Very health-conscious; 'Sport treiben' is used frequently in school and work contexts.
Keep it simple
If you are unsure, 'Sport machen' is always safe in casual conversation.
No article
Never say 'Ich treibe einen Sport'. Always just 'Sport'.
Meaning
To engage in physical exercise or athletic activities.
Keep it simple
If you are unsure, 'Sport machen' is always safe in casual conversation.
No article
Never say 'Ich treibe einen Sport'. Always just 'Sport'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct verb.
Ich ___ jeden Tag Sport.
The standard collocation is 'Sport treiben'.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the best option.
For specific sports like soccer, use 'spielen'.
Match the verb to the noun.
Sport ___
Sport treiben is the fixed collocation.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Treibst du Sport? B: Ja, ___.
Matching the verb from the question is standard.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch ___ jeden Tag Sport.
The standard collocation is 'Sport treiben'.
Choose the best option.
For specific sports like soccer, use 'spielen'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Sport treiben is the fixed collocation.
A: Treibst du Sport? B: Ja, ___.
Matching the verb from the question is standard.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsNo, use 'Ich spiele Fußball'. 'Treiben' is for general exercise.
It is standard and neutral. It is perfect for most situations.
Ich habe Sport getrieben.
Yes, 'Ich treibe Sport' can include yoga, though 'Ich mache Yoga' is more common.
It comes from the verb 'to drive', implying the pursuit of an activity.
Yes, it is standard German used across all DACH countries.
Related Phrases
Sport machen
synonymTo do sports
Leistungssport
specialized formCompetitive sports
Sportverein
builds onSports club
