die
Oberleitung
⚡ What exactly is an Oberleitung?
The word Oberleitung (feminine noun, article: die) refers to a system of wires or rails suspended above a track or road (usually rails) to transmit electrical energy to vehicles such as trains, trams, or trolleybuses. It serves as the power source for propelling these vehicles.
Essentially, it's the power line above the vehicle (hence "Ober-", meaning 'over' or 'upper').
There is only this one primary meaning for die Oberleitung.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-ung → always feminine.
There are many -ung words, we won't list them all. There are only a few exceptions.
🧐 Grammar: Die Oberleitung in Detail
The noun Oberleitung is feminine. The article is always die.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | die | Oberleitung |
| Genitive (Possessive) | der | Oberleitung |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | der | Oberleitung |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | die | Oberleitung |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Oberleitungen |
| Genitive | der | Oberleitungen |
| Dative | den | Oberleitungen |
| Accusative | die | Oberleitungen |
Example Sentences
- Ein Ast ist auf die Oberleitung gefallen und hat den Bahnverkehr lahmgelegt.
(A branch fell onto the overhead line and paralyzed train traffic.) - Die Wartung der Oberleitungen ist sehr aufwendig.
(The maintenance of the overhead lines is very complex/expensive.) - Ohne Oberleitung können die meisten E-Loks nicht fahren.
(Without an overhead line, most electric locomotives cannot run.)
🚂 When to use "Oberleitung"?
The term Oberleitung is used almost exclusively in the context of electrically powered vehicles that draw their power from above.
- Rail transport: This is where the term is most common (trains, S-Bahn). Often referred to as 'catenary' or 'overhead lines' in English.
- Trams (Straßenbahnen): These also use Oberleitungen for power supply.
- Trolleybuses (Oberleitungsbusse or O-Busse): As the name suggests, they rely on Oberleitungen.
One often hears about a beschädigte Oberleitung (damaged overhead line) or Probleme mit der Oberleitung (problems with the overhead line) as a reason for delays in rail transport.
Colloquially, people might just say "Leitung" (line) if the context is clear, but Oberleitung is the precise technical term.
🧠 Mnemonics for Oberleitung
-
Article Mnemonic: Think of general feminine nouns ending in -ung, like die Leitung (the line/conduit). An Oberleitung is a specific type of Leitung, so it stays feminine: die Oberleitung.
-
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine trains and trams looking over their heads for power. They need the line over them – the Oberleitung.
↔️ Similar and Opposing Terms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Fahrleitung: Often used synonymously (lit. 'driving line'), technically sometimes more specific to the current-carrying part. English: catenary, overhead contact line.
- Fahrdraht: Usually refers only to the lowest wire that the pantograph touches (contact wire).
- Stromleitung (in context): More general ('power line'), but can fit if it's clear it refers to the line above the tracks.
- Kettenwerk (technical): Describes the entire technical structure of the overhead line system (catenary system).
Antonyms (Opposing Concepts):
- Stromschiene: An alternative form of power supply for trains, usually from below or the side (e.g., for subways/metros, 'third rail').
- Dieselantrieb / Akkuantrieb: Propulsion types that do not require external power supply via overhead lines (Diesel propulsion / Battery propulsion).
- Unterleitung: Not a common word, but would be the logical opposite ('under-line', power from below).
⚠️ Caution: Don't confuse die Oberleitung (overhead power line) with die Leitung in the sense of management or leadership (e.g., die Geschäftsleitung - the management board).
😂 A Little Joke
Warum haben Züge manchmal Verspätung? Weil die Oberleitung mal wieder unter Hochspannung steht... vor lauter Stress!
(Why are trains sometimes late? Because the overhead line is under high tension again... from all the stress!)
📜 Poem about the Oberleitung
Hoch über Gleisen, straff gespannt,
führt die Oberleitung durch das Land.
Sie gibt den Zügen Saft und Kraft,
damit die Reise wird geschafft.
Ein Funkenflug, ein leises Surren,
lässt E-Loks schnell vorüberpurren.
Doch reißt der Draht, oh weh, oh Schreck,
dann steht der Zug fest auf dem Fleck.
(High above tracks, stretched so tight,
the overhead line guides through day and night.
It gives the trains power and might,
so journeys end up just right.
A flash of sparks, a gentle hum,
lets e-locos swiftly overcome.
But if the wire breaks, oh dear, oh fright,
the train stands still, devoid of light.)
❓ Little Riddle
Ich hänge hoch und bin doch unten wichtig,
gebe Kraft, doch fasse mich nicht flüchtig.
Züge und Trams brauchen meinen Saft geschwind,
ohne mich stehen sie still, wie jeder find't.
Was bin ich?
(I hang high, yet I'm important below,
I give power, but don't touch me, just so.
Trains and trams need my juice in a dash,
without me, they stop, in a silent crash.
What am I?)
Solution: die Oberleitung (the overhead line / catenary)
💡 Interesting Facts about the Oberleitung
Word Composition
The word "Oberleitung" is a compound noun, formed from:
- Ober-: Prefix meaning 'over', 'above', or 'upper'.
- Leitung: Noun meaning a line or conduit for electricity, water, information, etc. (here: electricity).
Together, the meaning is: a line situated above something.
Trivia
- The voltage in main line Oberleitungen in Germany is typically 15,000 volts AC.
- The height of the Oberleitung must be precisely calculated to ensure both safe clearance and reliable contact with the pantograph (Stromabnehmer).
- Weather conditions like strong wind, ice, or snow can damage the Oberleitungen and lead to disruptions.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Oberleitung?
The word Oberleitung is always feminine. The correct article is exclusively die. It refers to the overhead power lines above tracks or roads used by trains, trams, and trolleybuses.