das  Kohlekraftwerk

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈkoːləkʁaftvɛʁk/

🏭 What exactly is a Kohlekraftwerk?

A Kohlekraftwerk (article: das) is a technical facility where electrical energy is generated by burning coal (usually Steinkohle - hard coal or Braunkohle - lignite). It belongs to the group of thermal power plants (Wärmekraftwerke).

The process typically involves:

• Burning coal to generate heat.
• Heating water in a boiler to produce steam.
• Driving a turbine with the steam.
• Converting the turbine's mechanical energy into electrical energy using a generator.

There is only one article, das, for Kohlekraftwerk because it is a neuter noun (derived from das Kraftwerk - the power plant). There are no pitfalls 🚨 or common mistakes regarding the article.

📐 Grammar: Declining 'das Kohlekraftwerk'

The noun "Kohlekraftwerk" is neuter (sächlich) and is declined as follows:

Example Sentences

1. Das Kohlekraftwerk steht am Rande der Stadt. (The coal power plant is on the outskirts of the city.)
2. Die Leistung des Kohlekraftwerks wurde gedrosselt. (The output of the coal power plant was reduced.)
3. Die Anwohner beschwerten sich über den Lärm aus dem Kohlekraftwerk. (The residents complained about the noise from the coal power plant.)
4. Man sieht das Kohlekraftwerk schon von Weitem. (You can see the coal power plant from afar.)
5. Viele alte Kohlekraftwerke werden stillgelegt. (Many old coal power plants are being decommissioned.)
6. Die Diskussion um die Zukunft der Kohlekraftwerke ist intensiv. (The discussion about the future of coal power plants is intense.)
7. In den Kohlekraftwerken wird Strom für Millionen Haushalte erzeugt. (Electricity for millions of households is generated in the coal power plants.)
8. Die Regierung plant, die Kohlekraftwerke schrittweise abzuschalten. (The government plans to phase out the coal power plants gradually.)

🗣️ How to use 'Kohlekraftwerk'?

The term Kohlekraftwerk is mainly used in technical, economic, and environmental policy contexts.

• Technology & Energy: To describe the specific type of power plant that uses coal to generate electricity. Example: Die Effizienz moderner Kohlekraftwerke ist höher als die alter Anlagen. (The efficiency of modern coal power plants is higher than that of old facilities.)
• Environment & Politics: In connection with discussions about CO2 emissions, climate change, air pollution, and the phasing out of coal energy (Kohleausstieg). Example: Der Betrieb von Kohlekraftwerken trägt maßgeblich zum Treibhauseffekt bei. (The operation of coal power plants significantly contributes to the greenhouse effect.)
• Economy: When discussing energy prices, security of supply, or jobs in the coal industry. Example: Die Stilllegung von Kohlekraftwerken hat Auswirkungen auf die regionale Wirtschaft. (The decommissioning of coal power plants has impacts on the regional economy.)

In everyday language, it's less common unless specifically discussing energy sources or environmental issues. Sometimes, people might just say "Kraftwerk" (power plant) if the context is clear, but "Kohlekraftwerk" specifies the energy source.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic (das): Think of das Werk (the plant, the works). A Kraftwerk is a type of 'Werk', and 'Werk' is neuter. Therefore: das (Kraft-)Werk → das Kohlekraftwerk.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine a huge pile of black Kohle (coal) being burned with great Kraft (power/force) in a large Werk (plant/factory) to produce electricity. Kohle + Kraft + Werk = Kohlekraftwerk.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but different terms: Heizkraftwerk (cogeneration plant - produces heat and power), Bergwerk (mine - where coal is extracted, not burned for power).

😄 A Little Joke

Warum gehen Kohlekraftwerke nie zur Therapie?
Weil sie denken, sie können ihren ganzen Dampf selbst ablassen! 💨

English: Why do coal power plants never go to therapy?
Because they think they can let off all their steam themselves!

📜 Poem about the Kohlekraftwerk

Aus dunkler Erde, tief geholt,
Die Kohle, schwarz wie Pech und alt.
Im Kessel faucht's, die Glut erhellt,
Das Kohlekraftwerk, Strom für die Welt.

Der Schlot ragt hoch, ein grauer Turm,
Trotz Wind und Regen, Sturm um Sturm.
Es liefert Kraft, bei Tag und Nacht,
Hat Wohlstand und auch Sorge gebracht.

From dark earth, fetched from deep below,
The coal, as black as pitch and old.
In the boiler it hisses, the embers glow,
The coal power plant, electricity for the world unfolds.

The chimney rises, a tower grey,
Despite wind and rain, storm after storm holds sway.
It provides power, by day and night,
Brought prosperity, but also environmental plight.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich schlucke schwarzes Gestein,
Und mache daraus hellen Schein.
Mein Atem steigt zum Himmel auf,
Man diskutiert mein Lebenslauf.
Mit viel Dampf treib' ich Turbinen,
Um Lampen und auch Züge zu bedienen.

Was bin ich?
Auflösung: Das Kohlekraftwerk

I swallow black rock so deep,
And turn it into light to keep.
My breath ascends towards the sky,
My life's course makes debaters sigh.
With lots of steam, I drive turbines fast,
To power lamps and trains that last.

What am I?
Solution: The coal power plant (das Kohlekraftwerk)

🌐 Further Information

Word Composition

The word "Kohlekraftwerk" is a compound noun, composed of:

• Die Kohle: The coal (fuel).
• Die Kraft: The power/force (refers to the generated energy/electricity).
• Das Werk: The plant/factory/works.

The article "das" is determined by the last component, "Werk".

Context and Discussion

Kohlekraftwerke (coal power plants) are a central topic in debates about the energy transition (Energiewende) and climate protection (Klimaschutz). While they were long an important pillar of energy supply, they are increasingly viewed critically due to their high CO2 emissions and environmental impact, leading to phase-outs (Kohleausstieg) in many countries.