die  Hochspannung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈhoːxˌʃpannʊŋ/

⚡ What does "die Hochspannung" mean?

The word die Hochspannung primarily has two meanings:

1. Technical Meaning: A very high electrical voltage, typically above 1000 volts (AC) or 1500 volts (DC). It's used for efficient transmission of electrical energy over long distances. Example: Die Überlandleitungen transportieren Strom mit Hochspannung (The overhead power lines transport electricity with high voltage). ⚠️ Caution: Danger to life upon contact!

2. Figurative Meaning: A state of great tension, excitement, or anticipation. Example: Vor der Urteilsverkündung herrschte im Gerichtssaal Hochspannung (There was high tension in the courtroom before the verdict was announced).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of "die Hochspannung" in Detail

Hochspannung is a feminine noun. It's mostly used in the singular, especially in its technical sense. The plural (die Hochspannungen) is rare and usually refers to different sources or states of high voltage.

Although a plural form is grammatically possible (die Hochspannungen), it's rarely used. People often refer descriptively to 'hohe Spannungen' (high voltages) or specific Hochspannungsanlagen (high-voltage facilities).

Example Sentences

• Technical: Die Warnschilder weisen auf die Gefahr durch Hochspannung hin. (The warning signs indicate the danger from high voltage.)
• Figurative: Der Thriller baute bis zum Ende eine enorme Hochspannung auf. (The thriller built up enormous suspense until the end.)
• Figurative: Zwischen den Konkurrenten herrschte eine spürbare Hochspannung. (There was palpable tension between the competitors.)

💡 Usage and Context

Technical Hochspannung:

• Used in the context of electrical engineering, power supply, and physics.
• Typical collocations: unter Hochspannung stehen (to be under high voltage), Hochspannungsleitung (high-voltage power line), Hochspannungsmast (high-voltage pylon), Warnung vor Hochspannung (warning of high voltage).
• One must be very careful when discussing or being near technical Hochspannung.

Figurative Hochspannung:

• Used to describe emotional states, interpersonal relationships, or the atmosphere of a situation.
• Typical collocations: eine Atmosphäre der Hochspannung (an atmosphere of high tension), vor Hochspannung knistern (to crackle with high tension/suspense), die Hochspannung steigt (the tension/suspense rises).
• Often found in literature, film reviews, sports reports, or when describing exciting events.

🧠 Mnemonics for Hochspannung

1. Article Mnemonic: Think of die Leitung (the line/cable) or die Spannung (the tension/suspense) – both are feminine, just like die Hochspannung.

2. Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine how hoch (high) the Spannung (voltage) is in a power cable (technical) OR how hoch (high) the Spannung (tension/suspense) is before an important event (figurative). Both are intense and 'high'.

High above, die line runs its course,
Charged with Hochspannung, a powerful force.
In thrillers, die Spannung makes hearts race apace,
That's also Hochspannung, in time and space.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Similar Terms

• Spannung (die): Can mean both electrical voltage and tension/suspense, but is more general and not necessarily 'high'.
• Stromspannung (die): Refers specifically to electrical voltage.

😄 A Little Joke

German: Warum sind Elektriker immer so entspannt? Weil sie wissen, wie man mit Hochspannung umgeht und einen kühlen Kopf bewahrt!

English: Why are electricians always so relaxed? Because they know how to handle high voltage (Hochspannung) and keep a cool head!

📜 Poem about Hochspannung

Die Hochspannung

German:
Durch Drähte, stark und blank,
fließt Kraft, Gott sei Dank.
Doch birgt sie auch Gefahr,
sei immer wachsam, das ist klar.
Hochspannung – leise zischt's,
berühr sie nicht, sonst gibt's nichts!

Im Raum die Luft vibriert,
ein jeder ist gespannt, fixiert.
Was wird als Nächstes nun gescheh'n?
Man kann die Hochspannung förmlich seh'n.

English Translation:
Through wires, strong and bare,
flows power, thankfully there.
But danger it does hold,
be ever watchful, be bold.
High voltage – softly it hisses,
don't touch it, avoid near misses!

In the room, the air vibrates,
everyone's tense, anticipates.
What will happen next, unforeseen?
One can almost see the high tension keen.

❓ Riddle

German:
Ich kann durch Leitungen fließen und Lampen erhellen,
doch komm mir nicht zu nah, sonst kann es schnell knallen.
Ich kann auch die Luft in einem Raum erfüllen,
wenn alle gespannt auf das Ende enthüllen.

Was bin ich?

English:
I can flow through lines and make lamps bright,
but don't come too close, or sparks might ignite.
I can also fill the air in a room,
when everyone's waiting, dispelling the gloom (or adding to it!).

What am I?

Solution: die Hochspannung (high voltage / high tension)

ℹ️ Other Information

Word Composition:

The word "Hochspannung" is a compound noun, formed from:

• hoch: Adjective meaning 'high' or describing great intensity.
• Spannung (die): Noun meaning both the physical state of electrical potential difference and a state of psychological tension or anticipation.

Together, they mean high (electrical or emotional) tension/voltage.