betreiben

operate

verb buh-TRY-ben Common

Also means

pursue

Usage Note

betreiben means to run or operate a business, machine, or facility, and also to pursue an activity such as Sport betreiben ('to do sport'). It is a strong verb: betrieb, betrieben. The related noun Betrieb means 'company' or 'operation'.

Examples

"Sie betreiben ein kleines Hotel."

Natural Translation

They run a small hotel.

Literal Translation

They operate a small hotel.

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