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motive in German

motive in German is Motiv, Beweggrund — motive means a reason that drives someone to act, especially in a suspicious or criminal context.

motive in German

Motiv
noun
(law) Something which causes someone to want to commit a crime; a reason for criminal behaviour. [from 18th c.]
Beweggrund
noun
(law) Something which causes someone to want to commit a crime; a reason for criminal behaviour. [from 18th c.]

What does "motive" mean?

  1. noun A reason that drives someone to act, especially in a suspicious or criminal context.
    "Police still haven't established a motive for the break-in."
  2. adj Causing or producing movement.
    "Steam was once the motive force behind most factory machinery."
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motive in a sentence

  • Police still haven't established a motive for the break-in.
  • Her motive for helping was pure kindness, nothing more.
  • Steam was once the motive force behind most factory machinery.

Similar words in German

Common German translations

Frequently asked questions

What is "motive" in German?

"motive" in German is Motiv, Beweggrund. motive means: A reason that drives someone to act, especially in a suspicious or criminal context.

How do you use "motive" in a sentence?

Example: "Police still haven't established a motive for the break-in." In German, "motive" is Motiv, Beweggrund.

Are there other ways to say "motive" in German?

Yes — German has 2 translations listed for "motive": Motiv, Beweggrund.

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Translations from WikDict, CC BY-SA · example sentences from Tatoeba, CC BY 2.0 FR.