der  Stecker

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʃtɛkɐ/

🔌 What exactly is a Stecker?

Der Stecker (plural: die Stecker) is a component used to create a detachable electrical or sometimes mechanical connection. Most commonly, the term refers to the part of a cable that is plugged into a Steckdose (socket/outlet) or a Buchse (jack/socket) to supply power to a device or transmit signals.

There are many different types of plugs (Stecker), depending on the intended use and the country, e.g.:

• Netzstecker: For power supply (e.g., Schukostecker, Eurostecker).
• Signalstecker: For audio, video, or data transmission (e.g., Klinkenstecker - jack plug, USB-Stecker - USB plug, HDMI-Stecker - HDMI plug).

Figuratively, "Stecker" can also refer to a person who acts as an intermediary or establishes contacts (rarely used).

⚠️ The term is almost exclusively used for the "male" part of the connection; the counterpart is the Buchse (female socket/jack) or Steckdose (wall socket/outlet).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar: Der Stecker in Detail

The word "Stecker" is a masculine noun. Its article is der.

Example Sentences

1. Der Stecker passt nicht in diese Steckdose.
   (The plug doesn't fit into this socket.)
2. Ziehst du bitte den Stecker des Fernsehers aus der Wand?
   (Could you please pull the TV's plug out of the wall?)
3. Ich brauche einen Adapter, weil mein Ladegerät einen anderen Stecker hat.
   (I need an adapter because my charger has a different plug.)
4. Die Kontakte des Steckers sind verbogen.
   (The contacts of the plug are bent.)

💡 How to Use der Stecker

"Der Stecker" is primarily used in everyday life in the context of electricity and technology.

• Power connection: The most common use. People talk about plugging in (reinstecken/einstecken) or unplugging (herausziehen) the plug. Example: "Vergiss nicht, den Stecker vom Toaster zu ziehen!" (Don't forget to pull the plug of the toaster!)
• Data/Signal transmission: USB plugs (USB-Stecker), headphone plugs (Klinkenstecker), network plugs (Netzwerkstecker, RJ45). Example: "Der USB-Stecker ist locker." (The USB plug is loose.)
• Fixed expressions:
  • Den Stecker ziehen: Literally 'to pull the plug', meaning to end something, often abruptly; to withdraw support (also figuratively). Example: "Dem Projekt wurde der Stecker gezogen." (The plug was pulled on the project / The project was cancelled.)
  • Den Stecker reinstecken/einstecken: To start something or connect.

Compared to Kabel (cable), Stecker only refers to the end piece, not the entire cord. The Steckdose (socket/outlet) or Buchse (jack/socket) is the counterpart into which the plug is inserted.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic (der): Think that der Stecker does something active: it sticks or plugs in. Many tools and active parts in German are masculine (der Hammer - the hammer, der Bohrer - the drill, der Stecker - the plug).

Meaning Mnemonic: The word "Stecker" comes from the verb "stecken" (to stick, to put, to plug in). A Stecker is something you stick or plug in somewhere.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Similar but Different Words

• Schalter: (Switch) Used to interrupt or close an electrical circuit, not for connecting/disconnecting cables.
• Adapter: Used to adapt between different plug types or standards.
• Kabel: (Cable) Refers to the entire cord, including insulation and wires, not just the plug at the end.

😂 A Little Joke

German: Warum hat der Elektriker immer einen Stift dabei?
Damit er den Spannungsabfall aufzeichnen kann!

English: Why does the electrician always carry a pen?
So he can draw the voltage drop!

(Okay, not directly about the 'Stecker', but about electricity! 😄)

📜 Poem about the Stecker

German:
Ein kleiner Stecker, oft aus Plastik, fest,
bringt Strom und Saft, hält Technik aus dem Nest.
Er passt genau, mit Stiften, blank und klar,
in eine Dose, wunderbar.
Zieh ihn heraus, dann ist die Ruh',
steck ihn hinein, das Leben kommt im Nu.

English Translation:
A little plug, often plastic, firm and blessed,
brings power and juice, keeps tech out of its nest.
It fits just right, with pins both bright and clear,
into a socket, banishing all fear.
Pull it out, then silence holds sway,
plug it back in, life comes without delay.

❓ Little Riddle

German:
Ich habe Zähne, doch kann nicht beißen.
Ich bringe Licht, doch hab kein eigenes Leuchten.
Man steckt mich rein, man zieht mich raus.
Was bin ich wohl, in deinem Haus?

English:
I have prongs/teeth, but cannot bite.
I bring the light, but have no glow of my own.
You plug me in, you pull me out.
What am I, found throughout your house?

Lösung / Answer: Der Stecker (The plug)

🧩 Further Information

Word Composition

The word "Stecker" is derived from the verb stecken (to stick, to put, to plug in). It describes the object by its function of being inserted.

Typical Compounds

"Stecker" is often part of compound words (Komposita):

• Netzstecker (Mains plug)
• USB-Stecker (USB plug)
• Klinkenstecker (Jack plug)
• Steckerleiste (Power strip - although this is more a collection of sockets)
• Steckernetzteil (Plug-in power supply / Wall wart)