The purpose with this studie is to create understanding for how teachers can work to motivate students. The result is based on qualitative interviews with five comprehensiveschoolteachers. The result together with for this subject relevant litterature creates the base for the diskussion. The litterature together with the result describes that the work to motivate students is complex. There are no simple answers how to do. One important understanding is that all students has different prerequisites and that all individuals has basic needs to fulfil before the motivation to be active in school appears. The conclusion of this studie is that a teacher, to motivate students has to create a good relation with the students. Point out the capability of the students, have an encouraging attitude, and work to build up students confidence. Keywords: comprehensive school, motivation, needs, self-confidence