der
Stromausfall
💡 What exactly is a 'Stromausfall'?
A Stromausfall (der Stromausfall, plural: die Stromausfälle) refers to the interruption of the electricity supply in a specific area. In English, this is commonly called a power outage, power failure, or blackout. When it happens, lights go out, electrical devices stop working – darkness and standstill prevail. 🌃
The word is composed of:
- Strom (der): electricity, electrical power, current
- Ausfall (der): failure, outage, non-availability
So, there are no different meanings based on the article, as Stromausfall is always masculine (der).
Article rules for der, die, and das
-all → almost always masculine.
🧐 Grammar: 'Der Stromausfall' in Detail
Stromausfall is a masculine noun. The article is always der.
Singular Declension
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | der | Stromausfall |
| Genitive (Possessive) | des | Stromausfall(e)s |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | dem | Stromausfall |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | den | Stromausfall |
Plural Declension
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Stromausfälle |
| Genitive | der | Stromausfälle |
| Dative | den | Stromausfällen |
| Accusative | die | Stromausfälle |
📝 Example Sentences
- Wegen des Sturms gab es gestern Abend einen langen Stromausfall.
(Because of the storm, there was a long power outage last night.) - Kerzen und Taschenlampen sind bei einem Stromausfall sehr nützlich. 🕯️
(Candles and flashlights are very useful during a power outage.) - Die häufigen Stromausfälle in dieser Region sind ein Problem für die Industrie.
(The frequent power outages in this region are a problem for the industry.) - Wir müssen uns auf mögliche Stromausfälle im Winter vorbereiten.
(We need to prepare for possible power outages in winter.)
🗣️ How to Use 'Stromausfall'
The term Stromausfall is used to describe an unforeseen and often prolonged interruption of the power supply.
- Context: Usually in connection with technical defects, weather events (storms, snow ❄️), grid overload, or sometimes maintenance work (although planned shutdowns are often called Stromabschaltung or Stromunterbrechung).
- Distinction: A brief interruption, often lasting only seconds or minutes, is sometimes called a Stromunterbrechung or kurzer Aussetzer (short dropout). A widespread, long-lasting power outage is also called a Blackout.
- Impact: People talk about the duration of the Stromausfall, the affected areas, and the consequences (e.g., failure of heating, internet, food refrigeration 🧊).
🧠 Mnemonics to Remember
Article Mnemonic: Imagine a strong DERk knight (masculine -> der) causing the Stream (Strom) of power to fall out -> Stromausfall.
Meaning Mnemonic: Think: Strom (stream/current of electricity) + Ausfall (failure/outage) = Stromausfall (power failure/outage). Simple logic! 😉
↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Netzausfall (der): Very similar, emphasizes the failure of the power grid (Netz).
- Blackout (der): Often used for large-scale, prolonged power outages (borrowed from English).
- Stromunterbrechung (die): Can also mean shorter or planned interruptions (Unterbrechung = interruption).
Antonyms (Opposites):
- Stromversorgung (die): Power supply, the provision of electricity.
- Netzstabilität (die): Grid stability, a state where the power grid functions reliably.
- Energiefluss (der): Energy flow, the continuous flow of electrical energy.
⚠️ Caution: Don't confuse it with Ausfall alone, which can mean 'failure' or 'loss' more generally (e.g., Arbeitsausfall - absence from work, Ernteausfall - crop failure).
😄 A Little Joke
Warum nehmen Glühbirnen einen Stromausfall persönlich?
(Why do light bulbs take a power outage personally?)
Weil sie sich dann völlig ausgebrannt fühlen!
(Because they feel completely burned out afterwards!)
✍️ Poem about the 'Stromausfall'
Plötzlich dunkel, tiefe Nacht,
(Suddenly dark, deep night,)
kein Schirm mehr leuchtet, keine Macht,
(no screen glows, no power has,)
hat der Kühlschrank, kalt und leer,
(the fridge, cold and bare,)
der Strom ist weg, das ist nicht fair.
(the power's gone, it isn't fair.)
Der Router schweigt, das WLAN tot,
(The router's silent, Wi-Fi dead,)
Kerzen suchen in der Not.
(Searching for candles in the dread.)
Der Stromausfall, kalt und still,
(The power outage, cold and still,)
zeigt, was uns ohne Technik will.
(shows what life without tech will fulfill.)
❓ Little Riddle
Ich komme ohne Warnung oft,
(I often come without a warning,)
wenn Sturmwind durch die Leitung hopft.
(when storm winds through the lines are storming.)
Ich mach' dein Haus ganz dunkel, still,
(I make your house all dark and still,)
weil kein Gerät mehr laufen will.
(because no device wants to work, nor will.)
Was bin ich? (What am I?)
Lösung / Solution: Der Stromausfall (The power outage)
🧩 Other Information
Word Composition:
The word Stromausfall is a compound noun, formed from:
The determinant word (Strom) specifies the base word (Ausfall). So, it's a specific type of failure – a failure of the electricity.
Cultural Note:
Power outages (Stromausfälle) can last from a few minutes to several days and often have significant impacts on daily life, the economy, and safety. Preparing for power outages (e.g., with emergency supplies) is a relevant topic in many regions. 🔦🥫
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Stromausfall?
The answer is straightforward: It's always der Stromausfall. The word is masculine.