das Motiv
Translation
motive, reason, theme, subject
Examples
Aus welchen Motiven hat er das getan?
For what motives did he do that?
Das Motiv des Bildes ist eine Landschaft.
The theme of the picture is a landscape.
Der Detektiv sucht nach dem Motiv für den Mord.
The detective is looking for the motive for the murder.
Grammar Patterns
das Motiv ((für+4)) the motive for sth. The detective is looking for the motive for the murder.
Similar Words
Grund (reason), Anlass (occasion), Thema (theme)
Etymology
From Latin 'motivus' (moving), meaning 'that which moves one to act'.
Memory Tips
It's a direct cognate of the English word 'motive'. Think of a detective asking for the 'motive' for a crime.