der  Strombedarf

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʃtʁoːm bəˌdaʁf/

💡 What exactly is 'der Strombedarf'?

Der Strombedarf (masculine) refers to the amount of electrical energy needed by a consumer (e.g., a household, a company, a country) over a specific period. So, it represents the demand for electricity.

A distinction is often made between:

• The momentary electricity demand (momentaner Strombedarf) - the power needed right now, measured in Watts or Kilowatts.
• The total electricity demand (Gesamtstrombedarf) over a period - the amount of energy needed, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).

It is a compound noun formed from Strom (electricity, current) and Bedarf (need, requirement, demand).

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Declension of 'Strombedarf'

The word "Strombedarf" is a masculine noun. Its article is der. It is mostly used in the singular.

Singular Declension

Plural Declension

The plural form "die Strombedarfe" is very rare and mainly used in technical or economic contexts to describe the demands of different sectors or regions. It's uncommon in general language.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Der Strombedarf Deutschlands ist im Winter höher als im Sommer.
   Germany's electricity demand is higher in winter than in summer.
2. Wir müssen unseren Strombedarf senken, um Kosten zu sparen.
   We need to lower our electricity demand to save costs.
3. Der Strombedarf der Industrie macht einen großen Teil des Gesamtverbrauchs aus.
   The industry's electricity demand accounts for a large part of the total consumption.
4. Die Deckung des Strombedarfs ist eine Herausforderung.
   Meeting the electricity demand is a challenge. (Using Genitive)

🔌 How is 'der Strombedarf' used?

"Der Strombedarf" is used in various contexts, usually related to energy consumption:

• In everyday life: Discussions about the electricity bill (Stromrechnung), saving energy at home ("Unser Strombedarf ist zu hoch!" - Our electricity demand is too high!).
• In business/economics: Planning energy capacities, analysing the consumption of companies or industrial sectors ("Der Strombedarf der Automobilindustrie sinkt." - The automotive industry's electricity demand is decreasing.).
• In politics and environment: Debates about the energy transition (Energiewende), renewable energies, and meeting national or global electricity demand ("Wie kann der zukünftige Strombedarf nachhaltig gedeckt werden?" - How can future electricity demand be met sustainably?).
• In technology: Calculating the energy requirements of devices or systems.

Important distinction: Often, Strombedarf (demand/need) is used synonymously with Stromverbrauch (consumption). Strictly speaking, Bedarf is the required amount, while Verbrauch is the amount actually used. However, speakers usually mean the same thing in casual conversation.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Remembering the article: The word Bedarf (need, demand) is masculine ("der Bedarf"). Since "Strombedarf" ends in "-bedarf", it inherits the article: der Strombedarf. Think: Der Commander has a high demand (Bedarf) for power (Strom) for his spaceship.

Remembering the meaning: Imagine a stream (Strom) of electricity flowing to you because you have a need (Bedarf) for it. That's your Strombedarf.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Caution: Don't confuse with Stromausfall (power outage) or Strompreis (electricity price).

😄 A Little Joke

German: Warum hat der Elektriker immer gute Laune?
Weil er unter positiver Spannung steht und seinen Strombedarf an Humor immer decken kann!

English: Why is the electrician always in a good mood?
Because he's under positive 'tension' (pun on voltage/Spannung) and can always meet his 'electricity demand' (Strombedarf) for humor!

📜 A Little Poem

German:
Das Licht brennt hell, die Maschine summt,
der Computer rechnet, die Heizung brummt.
Für all dies Wirken, Tag und Nacht,
wird Energie, wird Strom gebracht.
Der Strombedarf, er steigt und steigt,
wie man ihn deckt, die Zukunft zeigt.

English Translation:
The light burns bright, the machine hums low,
The computer calculates, the heater glows.
For all this work, by day and night,
Energy is needed, electric light.
The electricity demand, it grows and grows,
How it will be met, the future shows.

🧩 Riddle Time

German:
Ich bin kein Hunger, doch man stillt mich gern.
Ich messe, was Geräte oft verzehr'n.
Mal bin ich hoch, mal bin ich klein,
für Licht und Wärme muss ich sein.

Was bin ich? (... Der Strombedarf)

English Translation:
I'm not hunger, yet I'm often satisfied.
I measure what appliances consume inside.
Sometimes I'm high, sometimes I'm low,
For light and heat, I must flow.

What am I? (... Electricity demand / Der Strombedarf)

⚙️ Word Building Blocks & Trivia

Word Composition:

The word "Strombedarf" is a compound noun (Kompositum), made up of:

• Der Strom: (electricity, current, stream) Here meaning electrical energy.
• Der Bedarf: (need, requirement, demand)

Trivia: The average Strombedarf of a German household is a key indicator for energy policy and grid planning (Netzplanung).