der  Elektromotor

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɛlɛktʁoˈmoːtoːɐ̯/

⚡ What exactly is an Elektromotor?

An Elektromotor is an electromechanical machine that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy (usually rotation). It utilizes the force effects of electromagnetism.

Essentially, it's the core component of many modern devices and vehicles, from household appliances and tools to electric cars.

There is only one article for this word: der Elektromotor (the electric motor).

Article rules for der, die, and das

📝 Grammar: How is der Elektromotor declined?

The word "Elektromotor" is a masculine noun. Here are the declension tables:

Singular

Plural

Example Sentences

1. Der Elektromotor in diesem Auto ist sehr leise. (Nominative Singular: The electric motor in this car is very quiet.)
2. Die Leistung des Elektromotors ist beeindruckend. (Genitive Singular: The performance of the electric motor is impressive.)
3. Ich gebe dem Elektromotor neuen Strom. (Dative Singular: I am giving the electric motor new power.)
4. Wir reparieren den Elektromotor. (Accusative Singular: We are repairing the electric motor.)
5. Die Elektromotoren werden in dieser Fabrik hergestellt. (Nominative Plural: The electric motors are manufactured in this factory.)
6. Die Entwicklung neuer Elektromotoren schreitet schnell voran. (Genitive Plural: The development of new electric motors is progressing rapidly. - Often rephrased with 'von')
7. Mit modernen Elektromotoren kann man Energie sparen. (Dative Plural: With modern electric motors, one can save energy.)
8. Das Unternehmen verkauft die Elektromotoren weltweit. (Accusative Plural: The company sells the electric motors worldwide.)

🔧 When and how to use "Elektromotor"?

The term Elektromotor is primarily used in technical and everyday contexts when referring to machines that use electricity to generate motion.

• Technology & Engineering: Here, the term is precisely defined and used to describe specific components (e.g., in Fahrzeugen (vehicles), Robotern (robots), Industrieanlagen (industrial plants)).
• Everyday Life: People talk about Elektromotoren in household appliances (Mixer, Staubsauger - vacuum cleaner), tools (Bohrmaschinen - drills), or toys.
• Environment & Mobility: In the context of Elektromobilität (e-mobility), the Elektromotor is central and often contrasted with the Verbrennungsmotor (combustion engine).

Abbreviation: The abbreviation "E-Motor" is often used.

Risk of confusion is low as the word is very specific. However, it shouldn't be confused with a Generator, which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy (the reverse function).

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

Similar but different terms:

• Transformator: Changes voltages but does not generate mechanical motion.
• Relais: An electrical switch, not continuous motion generation.

😄 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Elektromotor beim Wettrennen gewonnen?
Weil er einen guten Draht zum Ziel hatte! 😉

(Why did the electric motor win the race? Because it had a good 'wire' (connection/line) to the finish line! - 'Einen guten Draht zu jemandem haben' is a German idiom meaning 'to have a good connection/relationship with someone'.)

✒️ Poem about the Elektromotor

Kein Rauch, kein Lärm, so fein,
zieht der Strom geschwind hinein.
Spule, Magnet im Tanz,
gibt der Welle vollen Glanz.
Der Elektromotor, stark und schlicht,
verrichtet seine Arbeit, hält dicht.
Dreht die Räder, schnell und sacht,
hat die Zukunft angefacht.

(No smoke, no noise, so fine,
the current swiftly flows inside.
Coil, magnet in a dance,
gives the shaft its full advance.
The electric motor, strong and plain,
does its work, remains sane.
Turns the wheels, quick and light,
has ignited the future's light.)

❓ Little Riddle

Ich brauche Strom, doch keinen Sprit,
und bringe viele Dinge mit
in Schwung, ob groß, ob klein,
in Autos fahr' ich leis' und fein.
Was bin ich wohl, sag's mir geschwind,
das durch die Kabel Kraft gewinnt?

(I need electricity, but no fuel,
and set many things in motion, as a rule,
whether big or small,
in cars I drive quietly and smoothly for all.
What am I, tell me fast,
that gains power through cables passed?)

Solution: Der Elektromotor (The electric motor)

💡 Other Information

Word Composition

The word "Elektromotor" is a compound noun (Kompositum), composed of:

• Elektro-: Refers to electricity, derived from the Greek word ēlektron (amber, where electricity was first observed).
• Motor: From the Latin motor (“mover”).

So, literally an “electricity mover”.

Trivia

The efficiency (Wirkungsgrad) of electric motors is often significantly higher than that of combustion engines. Modern electric motors can convert over 90% of electrical energy into mechanical energy, while combustion engines often only achieve efficiencies of 20-45%.