Verb

an|streben

Translation

to strive for, to aim for, to aspire to

Sie strebt eine höhere Position an.

She is aiming for a higher position.

Wir streben eine friedliche Lösung an.

We are striving for a peaceful solution.

Er strebt danach, ein besserer Mensch zu werden.

He strives to become a better person.

((sth.)) to strive for (sth.) The student is striving for a good degree.

((danach)), zu+Inf to strive to do (sth.) He strives to be the best.

erstreben (to strive to attain), zielen auf (to aim at), sich bemühen um (to make an effort for)

From an- (towards) + streben (to strive). Literally 'to strive towards' something.

Imagine 'striving' 'on' (an) towards a goal. The 'an' prefix directs the striving.