die
Steckdose
🔌 What exactly is a Steckdose?
The German word Steckdose (feminine, article: die) refers to an electrical outlet or socket, typically installed in a wall. Its purpose is to connect electrical devices to the power grid using a compatible plug (der Stecker). It supplies the electrical energy needed for appliances to function.
There's only one article for this word: die Steckdose. ⚠️ There's no risk of confusion with other articles for this specific meaning.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-e/-ee → almost always feminine.
There are many -e nouns, many of which are feminine, but there are also some important exceptions.
A look at the Grammar of 'die Steckdose'
The noun "Steckdose" is feminine. Here are the declension tables:
Declension Singular
| Case | Article | Noun | Translation Hint |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Steckdose | the socket |
| Genitive | der | Steckdose | of the socket |
| Dative | der | Steckdose | to/for the socket |
| Akkusativ | die | Steckdose | the socket (direct object) |
Declension Plural
| Case | Article | Noun | Translation Hint |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Steckdosen | the sockets |
| Genitive | der | Steckdosen | of the sockets |
| Dativ | den | Steckdosen | to/for the sockets |
| Akkusativ | die | Steckdosen | the sockets (direct object) |
💡 Example Sentences
- Die Lampe funktioniert nur, wenn der Stecker in der Steckdose ist.
(The lamp only works when the plug is in the socket.) - In diesem Raum gibt es nicht genug Steckdosen.
(There aren't enough sockets in this room.) - Vorsicht, fasse nicht in die Steckdose!
(Careful, don't touch inside the socket!) - Kannst du bitte das Handy an der Steckdose neben dem Sofa aufladen?
(Could you please charge the phone at the socket next to the sofa?)
When and how to use "Steckdose"?
The term die Steckdose is used in everyday language when talking about accessing electrical power in buildings.
- In the household: "Wo ist die nächste Steckdose? Ich muss mein Handy laden." (Where is the nearest socket? I need to charge my phone.)
- During renovations: "Wir sollten hier noch zusätzliche Steckdosen installieren lassen." (We should have additional sockets installed here.)
- Safety instructions: "Kindersicherungen für Steckdosen sind wichtig." (Child safety covers for sockets are important.)
While different types of sockets exist (e.g., Schuko-Steckdose, Eurosteckdose), the general term remains "die Steckdose". It's quite specific and rarely replaced by synonyms, except perhaps colloquially by "Dose" (can/box) if the electrical context is clear.
How to remember "die Steckdose"
🔑 Article Mnemonic
Think of a lady (feminine -> die) plugging something in. Maybe Diana stecks (plugs) something into the Dose (socket). Die -> Diana -> Die Steckdose.
💡 Meaning Mnemonic
You steck (sounds like 'stick' or 'plug') the plug into it, and it often looks like a little Dose (can/box) in the wall. Combine them: Steckdose.
Similar and Opposite Terms
Synonyms for Steckdose
🚨 Potential for Confusion?
The word "Dose" can also refer to other things (like a tin can or a junction box). However, the context usually clarifies that an electrical Steckdose is meant.
😄 A little Joke
German: Warum hat die Steckdose schlechte Laune?
Weil ihr ständig jemand auf den Kontakten herumtrampelt!
English: Why is the socket in a bad mood?
Because someone is always stepping on its contacts!
A Poem about the Steckdose
German:
In der Wand, ganz still und klein,
lässt die Steckdose Ströme rein.
Für Licht und Laptop, Föhn und Radio,
gibt sie Energie, sowieso!
Zwei Löcher nur, doch Kraft dahinter,
im Sommer wie im kalten Winter.
Ein kleines Ding, doch unverzichtbar,
macht unser Leben heller, sichtbar.
English Translation:
In the wall, so quiet and small,
the socket lets currents flow for all.
For light and laptop, dryer and sound,
it gives energy all around!
Just two small holes, but power within,
in summer warmth or winter's spin.
A little thing, yet essential quite,
making our lives visibly bright.
Who or what am I?
German:
Ich habe Löcher, doch kann nichts hören.
Ich gebe Kraft, doch kann mich nicht rühren.
Man steckt was rein, damit Geräte leben.
Was kann das nur für eine Antwort geben?
English:
I have holes, but cannot hear a thing.
I provide power, but cannot move or swing.
You plug things in, so devices come alive.
What am I, for goodness sake, tell me now, don't strive?
Solution: die Steckdose (the socket/outlet)
Additional Information
Word Composition
The word "Steckdose" is a compound noun, formed from:
- stecken: The verb meaning to plug in or to stick in.
- die Dose: Meaning can or box, used here in the sense of a receptacle or socket.
Trivia
- In Germany, the Type F socket (Schuko-Steckdose) is the most common standard.
- The standard voltage from German sockets is typically 230 volts AC (Wechselstrom).
- Modern sockets often include USB ports for directly charging devices like smartphones.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Steckdose?
The German word for an electrical outlet/socket is die Steckdose. It is a feminine noun.