die  Energieversorgung

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɛnɛʁˈɡiːfɛɐ̯ˌzɔʁɡʊŋ/

💡 What exactly is die Energieversorgung?

The German word die Energieversorgung translates to energy supply or energy provision. It describes the entire process and infrastructure necessary to supply end consumers (households, industry, etc.) with Energie (energy). This typically includes:

• Stromversorgung (electricity supply)
• Gasversorgung (gas supply, e.g., natural gas, biogas)
• Wärmeversorgung (heat supply, e.g., district heating)
• Supply of other energy carriers (e.g., heating oil, hydrogen)

It refers to a complex system of generation, transmission (grids), distribution, and trading of energy. The word emphasizes the aspect of ensuring delivery – making sure energy is available when needed.

Since 'Versorgung' (supply, provision) is a feminine noun in German, the article is always die.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📜 Grammar: Feminine and Clear

The word Energieversorgung is a feminine noun. Therefore, the definite article is always die.

It's a compound noun formed from die Energie (the energy) and die Versorgung (the supply/provision). The gender is determined by the last part ('Grundwort'), which is 'Versorgung'.

Declension

As it often refers to a concept, it's mostly used in the singular. The plural form, die Energieversorgungen, is less common but possible (e.g., when talking about the energy supply systems of different countries).

Example Sentences

1. Die Bundesregierung diskutiert Maßnahmen zur Sicherung der Energieversorgung im Winter.
   (The federal government is discussing measures to secure the energy supply in winter.)
2. Eine stabile Energieversorgung ist für die Wirtschaft unerlässlich.
   (A stable energy supply is essential for the economy.)
3. Die Kosten der Energieversorgung sind in den letzten Monaten stark gestiegen.
   (The costs of energy supply have risen sharply in recent months.)
4. Die Energieversorgungen der europäischen Länder sind eng miteinander verknüpft.
   (The energy supply systems of European countries are closely interconnected.)

🗣️ How to use Energieversorgung?

The term Energieversorgung is frequently used in contexts like politics, economics, technology, and news reporting.

• Politics & Economics: Discussions about energy security (Versorgungssicherheit), dependence on imports, expansion of renewable energies, regulation of energy markets. (e.g., Die Sicherstellung der Energieversorgung hat oberste Priorität. - Ensuring the energy supply is the top priority.)
• Technology: Describing power grids (Stromnetze), gas pipelines (Gasleitungen), power plants (Kraftwerke), and distribution mechanisms. (e.g., Moderne Technologien verbessern die Effizienz der Energieversorgung. - Modern technologies improve the efficiency of the energy supply.)
• Everyday Life: When referring to the basic availability of electricity, gas, or heat. (e.g., Bei einem Stromausfall wird die Bedeutung einer funktionierenden Energieversorgung deutlich. - During a power outage, the importance of a functioning energy supply becomes clear.)

Distinction from related terms:

• Stromversorgung: Refers specifically to electricity supply.
• Gasversorgung: Refers specifically to gas supply.
• Energieversorger (der): The company that supplies energy (e.g., utility company, power provider).

You might hear about a sichere (secure), stabile (stable), nachhaltige (sustainable), unterbrechungsfreie (uninterrupted), or even gefährdete (endangered) Energieversorgung.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Remembering the article: Think of 'Versorgung' ending in '-ung', which often indicates a feminine noun in German. Imagine 'She supplies the energy' -> die Versorgung -> die Energieversorgung.

Remembering the meaning: Break it down: Energie (energy) + Versorgung (supply/provision). It's literally the 'energy supply'. Think of the entire system that 'provides' (versorgt) you with energy.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

Related Terms:

• Energieversorger (der): The energy supplier/utility company.
• Versorgungssicherheit (die): Security of supply (concept of reliable energy provision).
• Energiewende (die): The energy transition (shift towards renewable energy sources).

😄 A Little Joke about Energieversorgung

Fragt der Stromzähler den Gashahn: „Na, auch unter Druck bei der Arbeit?“
Sagt der Gashahn: „Ja, aber wenigstens habe ich eine konstante Energieversorgung für Witze!“

Translation:
The electricity meter asks the gas tap: "Hey, you under pressure at work too?"
The gas tap replies: "Yeah, but at least I have a constant energy supply for jokes!"

✍️ Poem about Energieversorgung

Von fernem Kraftwerk, nah und weit,
strömt Kraft durch Netz zur rechten Zeit.
Das Licht geht an, die Heizung wärmt,
weil niemand bei der Lieferung schwärmt?

Nein, still und stetig, Tag und Nacht,
wird Energie zu uns gebracht.
Die Energieversorgung, gut geplant,
hält Leben und Fabrik instand.

Translation:
From power plants far, and near, and wide,
Power flows through grids, right on time's tide.
The light turns on, the heating warms,
Because no one delivering swarms?

No, quiet and steady, day and night,
Energy is brought into our sight.
The energy supply, well planned, it seems,
Keeps life and factory running, fulfilling dreams.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bringe Licht in dunkle Nacht,
und Wärme hab ich auch gebracht.
Durch Rohre, Kabel komm ich an,
bin lebenswichtig jedermann.
Von Politik oft heiß diskutiert,
damit man im Winter nicht friert.

Was bin ich, stets feminin genannt?

Translation:
I bring light into the dark night,
And I have also brought warmth and might.
Through pipes and cables, I arrive,
Vital for everyone to survive.
Often hotly debated in politics' sphere,
So that one doesn't freeze in winter's drear.

What am I, always called feminine?

Solution: die Energieversorgung

🧩 Other Interesting Details

Word Composition

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

• Die Energie: Energy, power, capacity to do work. From Greek energeia (activity, operation).
• Die Versorgung: The supply, provision, the act of ensuring someone or something receives what is needed. From the verb versorgen (to supply, to provide for).

Current Relevance

The term Energieversorgung is central to current debates on:

• Energiewende: The energy transition towards renewable sources.
• Klimaschutz: Climate protection, reducing CO2 emissions from energy generation.
• Geopolitics: Dependencies on energy imports from other countries.
• Versorgungssicherheit: Security of supply, ensuring a stable supply even during crises.