der  Atomausstieg

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Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈaːtoːmˌʔaʊsˌʃtiːk/

💡 What does 'der Atomausstieg' mean?

Der Atomausstieg (literally: the atom exit) refers to the politically decided or socially demanded process of phasing out the use of nuclear energy for electricity generation, either gradually or completely. It's about 'exiting' or 'getting out of' nuclear power.

This typically involves:

• Decommissioning nuclear power plants.
• Refraining from building new facilities.
• Promoting alternative energy sources.

It's a complex political, economic, and societal issue that is often intensely debated. ☢️➡️🌳

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Check: 'Der Atomausstieg' under the microscope

The word 'Atomausstieg' is a masculine noun. The article is der.

It's a compound noun formed from 'das Atom' (the atom) and 'der Ausstieg' (the exit, withdrawal, phase-out). The gender is determined by the second part, 'Ausstieg', which is masculine.

Declension (Singular):

Declension (Plural):

The plural 'die Atomausstiege' is rarely used but grammatically possible, e.g., when talking about different national phase-out plans.

Example Sentences:

1. Der Atomausstieg wurde in Deutschland gesetzlich festgelegt.
   (The nuclear phase-out was legally established in Germany.)
2. Die Kosten des Atomausstiegs sind erheblich.
   (The costs of the nuclear phase-out are significant.)
3. Viele Menschen demonstrierten für den Atomausstieg.
   (Many people demonstrated for the nuclear phase-out.)
4. Die Regierung verteidigt den beschlossenen Atomausstieg.
   (The government defends the decided nuclear phase-out.)

🗣️ Context & Co: When to use Atomausstieg?

The term Atomausstieg is mainly used in political, social, and media discussions about energy policy and environmental protection.

• Political Debates: Discussions about laws, timelines, and economic consequences of the phase-out.
• Environmental Movement: Demands for a rapid and complete phase-out for safety and environmental reasons.
• Media Coverage: Reports on the progress of decommissioning, costs, and the development of renewable energies as replacements.
• Economic Analyses: Studies on the impact on energy prices, security of supply, and jobs.

Compared to 'Kernenergieausstieg' (nuclear energy phase-out), 'Atomausstieg' is often more concise and more commonly used in everyday language and headlines.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Here are a couple of aids to help remember 'der Atomausstieg':

For the article 'der': Think of der Ausstieg (the exit). The last part of a compound noun determines the gender. Or imagine: Der (the) strong decision needed for the 'Ausstieg' (exit) from Atom power. 'Der' often goes with strong actions or concepts.

For the meaning: Atom + Ausstieg = You are 'stepping out' (aussteigen) of using 'atoms' (Atom) for energy. Like getting off a train. 🚂💨

↔️ Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Caution: Don't confuse it with terms like 'Energiewende' (energy transition), which is broader and describes the transformation of the entire energy system (including phasing out coal, expanding renewables), of which the 'Atomausstieg' can be one part.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt ein Atomkern den anderen: "Du siehst so gespalten aus?"

Sagt der andere: "Ja, ich überlege ernsthaft auszusteigen!"

Translation:

One atomic nucleus asks the other: "You look so split?" (pun on 'gespalten' meaning 'split'/'divided' and 'nuclear fission')

The other says: "Yes, I'm seriously thinking about phasing out/exiting!" (pun on 'aussteigen' meaning 'to get out'/'to phase out')

📜 Poem about the Nuclear Phase-Out

Der Reaktor, einst stolz und stark,
verliert nun seinen Energiepark.
Der Atomausstieg, laut beschlossen,
hat neue Wege uns erschlossen.

Kein Spaltungszauber, keine Gefahr,
die Zukunft soll erneuerbar.
Ein Schritt getan, mit viel Bedacht,
für eine Welt in grüner Pracht.

Translation:

The reactor, once proud and strong,
now loses its energy park along.
The nuclear phase-out, loudly decreed,
has opened new paths for us indeed.

No fission magic, no danger near,
the future shall be renewable, clear.
A step was taken, with careful thought,
for a world in green splendor wrought.

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich bin ein Plan, oft heiß debattiert,
der alte Kraftwerke pensioniert.
Ich schließe Türen, die einst offen standen,
um Energie aus neuen Quellen zu empfangen.
Man braucht den Mut, mich durchzuziehen.

Was bin ich?

Translation:

I am a plan, often hotly debated,
that sees old power plants retired, fated.
I close doors that once stood open wide,
to receive energy from new sources as a guide.
One needs *the* courage (masculine hint: 'den Mut') to see me through.

What am I?

Solution: Der Atomausstieg (The nuclear phase-out)

✨ Other Information

Word Composition:

The word 'Atomausstieg' is a compound noun (Kompositum) made of:

• Das Atom: (The Atom) - Here referring to atomic or nuclear energy.
• Der Ausstieg: (The Exit / Withdrawal / Phase-out) - Meaning the act of leaving or ending an activity or state.

Context Germany: Germany has implemented a legally mandated nuclear phase-out (Atomausstieg), which was completed in April 2023 with the shutdown of the last three nuclear power plants. This makes the term particularly relevant in the German-speaking world.