die
Stromversorgung
💡 What does "die Stromversorgung" mean?
Die Stromversorgung translates to power supply or electricity supply. It refers to the provision of electrical energy to consumers, whether for households, businesses, or public facilities. It encompasses the entire process from generation through transmission to distribution of electricity.
The article is always die because the base word "-versorgung" (supply, provision) is feminine (die Versorgung), like most German nouns ending in "-ung".
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: Declension of Stromversorgung
The noun "Stromversorgung" is feminine. It's mostly used in the singular as it often describes a concept. The plural "Stromversorgungen" exists but usually refers to multiple, independent supply systems or companies.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | die | Stromversorgung |
| Genitive (Possessive) | der | Stromversorgung |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | der | Stromversorgung |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | die | Stromversorgung |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | die | Stromversorgungen |
| Genitive (Possessive) | der | Stromversorgungen |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | den | Stromversorgungen |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | die | Stromversorgungen |
Example Sentences:
- Die Stromversorgung in dieser Region ist sehr stabil. (The power supply in this region is very stable.)
- Wegen des Sturms gab es Probleme mit der Stromversorgung. (Due to the storm, there were problems with the power supply.)
- Die Stadtwerke sind für die lokale Stromversorgung zuständig. (The municipal utilities are responsible for the local power supply.)
- Alternative Stromversorgungen gewinnen an Bedeutung. (Alternative power supplies are gaining importance.) [Plural]
🔌 How to use "Stromversorgung"?
The term "Stromversorgung" is used in various contexts:
- Technology & Infrastructure: Discussing the power grid (das Stromnetz), power plants (die Kraftwerke), lines (die Leitungen), and the reliability of energy provision. (e.g., "Die Modernisierung der Stromversorgung ist teuer." - "Modernizing the power supply is expensive.")
- Everyday Life: When talking about connecting to the grid or during outages (bei Störungen). (e.g., "Nach dem Gewitter war die Stromversorgung unterbrochen." - "After the thunderstorm, the power supply was interrupted.")
- Devices: Sometimes more specifically for the power source of a device, although "Netzteil" (power adapter) or "Akku" (battery) are more common here. (e.g., "Die Stromversorgung des Laptops erfolgt über ein externes Netzteil." - "The laptop's power supply is provided by an external adapter." - less common, but possible)
It's a central term in the field of energy and technology. Confusion is rare, but sometimes people might mistakenly use "Stromlieferung" (electricity delivery), which emphasizes the commercial aspect more.
🧠 Mnemonics for Stromversorgung
Article Mnemonic: Remember that "-ung" endings in German are almost always feminine (die). Since Versorgung ends in "-ung", die Stromversorgung is also feminine.
Meaning Mnemonic: Think of a stream (sounds like Strom) of power that serves (similar to versorgt from Versorgung = supply/provision) your devices. Strom + Versorgung = Power Supply.
🔄 Die Stromversorgung: Similar and Opposite Terms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Energieversorgung: Often used synonymously, slightly more general (can include heat, etc.). (Energy supply)
- Netzversorgung: Refers specifically to supply via the public grid. (Grid supply)
- Elektrizitätsversorgung: More formal, but same meaning. (Electricity supply)
Antonyms (Opposites):
- Stromausfall: Complete interruption of supply. (Power outage / blackout)
- Stromunterbrechung: Temporary or planned interruption. (Power interruption)
- Versorgungsengpass: When not enough power is available. (Supply bottleneck)
😄 A little Electricity Joke
German: Warum hat der Elektriker immer gute Laune?
Weil er unter Spannung steht und einen positiven Draht zum Leben hat!
English: Why is the electrician always in a good mood?
Because he's always energized (lit. "under voltage" / "under tension") and has a positive connection (lit. "wire") to life!
🎶 Poem about Energy
German:
Die Leitung surrt, das Licht geht an,
Dank ihr der Alltag starten kann.
Sie bringt die Kraft durch Stadt und Land,
Die Stromversorgung, wohlbekannt.
Mal stark, mal schwach, doch stets präsent,
Ein wichtiges Element!
English:
The line hums, the light turns on,
Thanks to it, the day can dawn.
It brings the power through city and land,
The power supply, known across the sand.
Sometimes strong, sometimes weak, but always there,
An element beyond compare!
❓ Riddle Time
German:
Ich fließe unsichtbar durchs Kabel,
Mach' Lampen hell und Radios fabel.
Ohne mich steht alles still,
Weil kein Gerät mehr laufen will.
Bin ich gestört, wird's plötzlich duster,
Ein ganzes Haus verliert sein Muster.
Was bin ich?
English:
I flow unseen through the cable,
Make lamps bright and radios able.
Without me, everything stands still,
Because no device will work at will.
If I'm disturbed, it suddenly gets dark,
A whole house loses its spark.
What am I?
(Solution: Die Stromversorgung / The power supply)
🧩 Word Building Blocks for Stromversorgung
The word "Stromversorgung" is a compound noun, made up of:
- Der Strom: (electrical) current, flow, stream.
- Die Versorgung: supply, provision, care.
Together, it precisely describes the provision of electricity.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Stromversorgung?
The word "Stromversorgung" is feminine. The correct article is always die: die Stromversorgung.