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Since air flow over the rotor blades is irregular due to gusts, turbulence and inclined flow, wind turbines are subject to highly dynamic loads. The design of the drive train significantly influences how loads affect individual components. Wind turbine control and regulation also have an impact on strain. A targeted, comprehensive investigation of the operational behaviour and loads on drive train components is, thus, highly significant for prototype validation. This presentation focuses on loads affecting the gearbox. The introduction consists of an overview of various drive train designs and the measuring points used in AZT (Allianz Zentrum für Technik) investigations. Selected measurement results, which illustrate the behaviour of drive trains under high dynamic loads, will be demonstrated. For more than 20 years, AZT has been investigating damage in the field of wind energy. The insights gained by the measurements have contributed significantly to the understanding of damage mechanisms. For example, measuring the relative axial and radial movements between rotor shaft and gearbox has shown highly dynamic displacements of the rotor shaft, which affect the load distribution between gears as well as the tooth contact. Correlations to results of damage investigations will be given.