die
Power
⚡ What's Behind "die Power"?
The word die Power is an Anglicism (a loanword from English) commonly used in German. It is always feminine.
It means:
- Strength, energy, vigour: This can refer to physical, mental, or technical energy. Example: Sie hat viel Power für ihr Alter (She has a lot of energy for her age). Der Motor hat ordentlich Power (The engine has decent power).
- Performance, capacity: The ability to perform or achieve something. Example: Die neue Software braucht viel Power vom Computer (The new software requires a lot of power from the computer).
- Influence, might (less common): In certain contexts, it can also mean influence, but this is less common than the meanings of strength and energy.
⚠️ Although it's an English loanword, it's firmly established in German as a noun with the article 'die'.
Article rules for der, die, and das
Wisdom, power, rules → mostly feminine.
📊 Grammar of 'die Power' at a Glance
'Die Power' is a feminine noun. It is mostly used only in the singular. The plural ('die Powers') is very rare, and often a paraphrase is used instead.
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | die Power | eine Power |
| Genitive (Possessive) | der Power | einer Power |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | der Power | einer Power |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | die Power | eine Power |
Note on the plural: A plural form is atypical. If used, it's usually the English form 'Powers', e.g., in technical contexts, or it is paraphrased (e.g., "verschiedene Energiequellen" - different energy sources).
Example Sentences
- Nach dem Mittagessen hatte er wieder mehr Power. (After lunch, he had more energy again.)
- Der Akku liefert nicht mehr genug Power. (The battery doesn't provide enough power anymore.)
- Ich bewundere die Power dieser Frau. (I admire this woman's power/energy.)
- Dem Projekt fehlt es an finanzieller Power. (The project lacks financial power/backing.)
🗣️ How "die Power" is Used
Context: 'Die Power' is often used in informal or colloquial contexts, but also appears in advertising and technology.
- Everyday language: When talking about personal energy or stamina ("Ich habe heute keine Power mehr." - I have no energy left today.).
- Sports: To describe the strength or performance of athletes ("Der Boxer hat enorme Power in den Fäusten." - The boxer has enormous power in his fists.).
- Technology: Referring to the performance of devices, engines, or computers ("Dieser Laptop hat genug Power für Videobearbeitung." - This laptop has enough power for video editing.).
- Business/Marketing: To emphasize the strength or influence of a company or product ("Marketing-Power").
Distinction from German words:
- Kraft: Is the more general German word for strength, both physical and metaphorical. 'Power' often sounds more dynamic or modern.
- Energie: Often refers more specifically to physical energy or life energy. 'Power' can have a broader meaning, including performance or influence.
- Leistung: Refers to the result or the ability to do something, often measurable. 'Power' can sometimes carry a more emotional or subjective connotation.
Overall, using 'die Power' often adds a touch of dynamism, modernity, and sometimes 'coolness' to the statement.
🧠 Mnemonics for 'die Power'
Article Mnemonic: Think of the related German word 'die Energie' (the energy) - it ends in 'e' and is feminine, just like 'die Power'. Many feminine nouns in German end in 'e'.
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine someone flexing their muscles and shouting "I've got the POWER!" (like He-Man). This visual links 'Power' directly to strength and energy.
🔄 Similar and Opposite Words
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- die Kraft: General term for strength.
- die Energie: Physical or life energy.
- die Stärke: Physical or character strength/robustness.
- die Leistung: Performance, output, ability.
- der Elan: Verve, enthusiasm.
- der Schwung: Momentum, drive.
- der Saft (coll.): Juice (lit.), meaning energy, often electricity or physical energy.
- der Dampf (coll.): Steam (lit.), meaning energy, drive ("Dampf ablassen" - let off steam).
Similar but Different Words:
- die Potenz: Refers more to potency, ability, power/might, or in a medical context, virility.
😄 A Little Fun
Frage: Warum hat der Akku schlechte Laune?
Antwort: Weil ihm die Power fehlt!
(Question: Why is the battery in a bad mood?
Answer: Because it lacks power!)
✒️ Poem about Power
Ob im Motor, hell und klar,
ob im Muskel, wunderbar,
ob im Geist, der Ideen sprüht,
die Power ist's, die nie ermüdt.
Sie treibt uns an, bei Tag und Nacht,
hat Fortschritt und Erfolg gebracht.
Mal laut, mal leise, stets präsent,
das Energie-Element!
(Whether in engines, bright and clear,
Whether in muscles, held so dear,
Whether in minds where ideas bloom,
It's the Power that escapes fatigue's gloom.)
(It drives us onward, day and night,
Has brought success and progress bright.
Sometimes loud, sometimes present softly,
The energy element, lofty!)
🤔 Little Riddle
Ich bin nicht sichtbar, doch man spürt mich sehr.
Ich treibe Maschinen, mal leicht, mal schwer.
Man sagt, ich stecke in Vitaminen drin,
und geb' Athleten oft den Sieges-Sinn.
Ich komm' aus England, doch bin hier bekannt,
mit 'die' als Artikel im deutschen Land.
Was bin ich?
(I am not visible, yet I'm felt keenly.
I drive machines, sometimes lightly, sometimes meanly.
They say I'm found in vitamins within,
And often give athletes the sense to win.
I come from England, yet I'm known right here,
With 'die' as my article, held so dear.)
What am I?
Solution: die Power
💡 More Facts
Word Origin: As mentioned, 'Power' comes directly from English.
Compounds: The word is part of many modern compound nouns in German:
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Power?
The word Power, borrowed from English, is always feminine in German. The correct article is die: die Power. It means strength, energy, or performance.