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A2 adjective #2,000 le plus courant 8 min de lecture

elektrisch

Top 2,000

At the A1 level, 'elektrisch' is a simple descriptive word. You use it to identify common household objects that need to be plugged in or use batteries. You learn it in the context of 'Wohnen' (living) or 'Einkaufen' (shopping). For example, you might say 'Das ist eine elektrische Zahnbürste' or 'Der Herd ist elektrisch'. The focus is on basic identification and the distinction between things that use electricity and things that don't. You don't need to worry about complex grammar, just the basic nominative and accusative endings. It's a helpful word for describing your daily routine and the tools you use.

At the A2 level, you start using 'elektrisch' in more varied sentences. You might describe how a device works or compare an electric car to a petrol car. You will encounter the word in simple technical instructions or safety warnings. You are expected to handle adjective endings more reliably (e.g., 'mit einem elektrischen Gerät'). You also begin to see the word in the context of the environment and 'grüne Energie'. You might participate in a simple discussion about why electric bikes are popular in German cities. The word becomes part of your functional vocabulary for navigating modern life and technology.

By B1, you use 'elektrisch' to discuss broader topics like technology, the environment, and the future of transport. You can explain the advantages and disadvantages of 'elektrische Mobilität'. You understand the difference between 'elektrisch' and 'elektronisch' and can use them correctly in most situations. You might read news articles about 'elektrische Energie' and the 'Energiewende'. Your grammar should be solid, allowing you to use the word in complex sentences with relative clauses (e.g., 'Das Auto, das elektrisch fährt, ist sehr teuer'). You also start to recognize the word in metaphorical contexts, though literal use still dominates.

At the B2 level, you can use 'elektrisch' in specialized contexts. You might discuss 'elektrische Felder' in a science context or 'elektrische Leitfähigkeit' in a technical discussion. You are comfortable with the metaphorical use of the word to describe atmospheres or tension. You can follow detailed technical reports or documentaries where 'elektrisch' and its compounds are used frequently. You understand the nuances of register—when to use 'elektrisch' versus 'elektro-' or 'E-'. Your ability to express abstract ideas involving electricity, such as 'elektrische Impulse' in the brain, is developing.

At C1, 'elektrisch' is a tool for precise expression. You use it in academic or professional settings to describe complex systems. You can discuss the history of 'elektrische Entdeckungen' or the socio-economic impact of 'elektrische Infrastruktur'. You are sensitive to the stylistic effects of the word, using it metaphorically with sophistication (e.g., 'Die politische Lage war elektrisch aufgeladen'). You can read and critique complex texts on energy policy or electrical engineering. Your use of the word is natural, and you can switch between technical and colloquial forms (like 'E-Mobilität') effortlessly depending on the audience.

At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of 'elektrisch'. You understand its use in literature, high-level journalism, and technical research. You can appreciate wordplay or puns involving the word. You can discuss the philosophical implications of an 'elektrifizierte Welt'. Your mastery includes all derivative forms and rare technical applications. You can explain the nuances between 'elektrisch', 'galvanisch', 'voltaisch', and other specialized terms. Whether you are writing a technical thesis or a poetic description of a thunderstorm, 'elektrisch' is used with perfect precision and stylistic appropriateness.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

elektrisch en 30 secondes

Elektrisch refers to anything powered by or producing electricity.
Commonly used for household appliances like toothbrushes and stoves.
Essential for discussing modern green technology and e-mobility.
Follows standard German adjective declension rules before nouns.

The word elektrisch is a fundamental German adjective that describes anything related to electricity, whether it is powered by it, produces it, or conveys it. At its core, it is the direct equivalent of the English word 'electric' or 'electrical'. In a literal sense, it refers to the physical phenomenon of charged particles, but in everyday German, it is most commonly used to describe household appliances, vehicles, and industrial machinery. Understanding 'elektrisch' is essential for navigating modern life in Germany, from discussing the 'Energiewende' (energy transition) to simply buying a new toothbrush.

Technical Definition: Relating to, produced by, or operated by electricity; having a positive or negative charge.

Dieses Auto fährt rein elektrisch, ohne Benzin.

Beyond the physical, 'elektrisch' can also be used metaphorically, much like in English, to describe an atmosphere or a feeling that is tense, exciting, or full of energy. For example, the air in a stadium before a big match might be described as 'elektrisch geladen' (electrically charged). This dual usage makes it a versatile tool in both technical and creative writing. In the context of the CEFR A2 level, learners focus primarily on the literal meaning: identifying devices and understanding basic instructions involving power sources.

Common Usage: Used to describe appliances like 'Zahnbürste' (toothbrush), 'Rasierer' (shaver), and 'Auto' (car).

Die elektrische Spannung in Deutschland beträgt 230 Volt.

In German culture, the shift towards 'elektrische Mobilität' (e-mobility) is a major topic of discussion. When you hear people talking about 'E-Autos', they are referring to 'elektrische Autos'. The word is also central to safety warnings; 'elektrischer Schlag' means electric shock, something every German child is taught to avoid. As you progress in your language journey, you will find 'elektrisch' appearing in compound nouns, though it often stands alone as a descriptive adjective. It is a stable, reliable word that rarely changes its core meaning across different dialects of German.

Wir brauchen eine elektrische Pumpe für den Pool.

Metaphorical Use: Describes a tense or highly energetic social atmosphere.

Die Stimmung im Raum war elektrisch.

Ist das ein elektrischer Widerstand?

Using 'elektrisch' correctly in German requires a basic understanding of adjective endings, as it is most frequently used attributively (before a noun). Because it ends in '-isch', it follows the standard declension patterns for adjectives. For example, in the nominative case with a masculine noun and an indefinite article, it becomes 'ein elektrischer Rasierer'. With a feminine noun, it's 'eine elektrische Gitarre', and with a neuter noun, 'ein elektrisches Licht'. Mastering these endings is the key to sounding natural when describing technology or household items.

Attributive Use: When placed before a noun: 'Der elektrische Strom ist gefährlich.'

Ich benutze eine elektrische Zahnbürste.

When used predicatively (after a verb like 'sein'), the word does not change its ending. This is the simplest way to use it. You can say 'Das Auto ist elektrisch' or 'Die Heizung ist elektrisch'. This form is very common in spoken German when identifying the power source of an object. It's also important to note that 'elektrisch' can function as an adverb in some contexts, describing *how* something operates, though 'mit Strom' is often used as an alternative.

Predicative Use: When following a verb: 'Dieses Gerät funktioniert elektrisch.'

Ist der Herd elektrisch oder mit Gas?

Another common structure is the combination with 'geladen' (charged). To say something is 'electrically charged', you use 'elektrisch geladen'. This is used in physics but also metaphorically for tension between people. If you are describing a process, you might use 'elektrisch' to specify the method, such as 'elektrisch betrieben' (electrically operated). This is a formal way to describe machinery in manuals or technical reports.

Die Wolken sind elektrisch geladen.

Adverbial Use: Describing the mode of operation: 'Das Tor öffnet sich elektrisch.'

Ein elektrisch betriebener Zug ist umweltfreundlicher.

Wir haben ein elektrisches Problem im Haus.

You will encounter 'elektrisch' in a variety of everyday situations in Germany. One of the most common places is in an electronics store like MediaMarkt or Saturn. Salespeople will use it to distinguish between manual and powered versions of products. For instance, 'Möchten Sie eine elektrische oder eine manuelle Kaffeemühle?' (Would you like an electric or a manual coffee grinder?). It is also ubiquitous in the automotive industry, especially with the rise of Tesla and German competitors like VW's ID series. Advertisements frequently highlight 'elektrische Reichweite' (electric range).

Vorsicht! Elektrische Leitungen!

In the home, you'll hear it when discussing repairs. If a light switch isn't working, a landlord might say, 'Das ist ein elektrisches Problem, ich rufe einen Elektriker.' (That's an electrical problem, I'll call an electrician). Note the word 'Elektriker' (electrician) is derived from the same root. You'll also see it on warning signs near high-voltage areas: 'Achtung! Elektrische Spannung. Lebensgefahr!' (Attention! Electrical voltage. Danger to life!). These signs are standard across German-speaking countries and are vital for safety.

Public transport is another major area. In cities like Berlin or Munich, you might hear announcements about 'elektrische Triebwagen' (electric railcars) or the expansion of 'elektrische Buslinien'. Even in music, the term appears frequently. A 'E-Gitarre' is short for 'elektrische Gitarre'. If you attend a concert, the reviewer might say 'Die Atmosphäre war elektrisch', describing the excitement of the crowd. This demonstrates how the word bridges the gap between technical jargon and emotional expression.

Die elektrische Eisenbahn ist ein klassisches Spielzeug.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make is confusing 'elektrisch' with 'elektronisch'. While they sound similar and are related, they are not interchangeable. 'Elektrisch' refers to the power source or the flow of electricity (e.g., an electric motor, an electric heater). 'Elektronisch' refers to devices that use transistors and microchips to process data (e.g., a computer, a smartphone, an electronic ticket). If you say 'mein elektronisches Auto', Germans will understand you, but it sounds slightly odd because the primary feature of the car is its electric drive, not its data processing.

Elektrisch vs. Elektronisch: Use 'elektrisch' for power/motors. Use 'elektronisch' for chips/data.

Falsch: Mein elektronischer Wasserkocher. Richtig: Mein elektrischer Wasserkocher.

Another common error involves adjective endings. Because 'elektrisch' ends in 'h', some learners forget that it still needs a case-specific ending when used before a noun. You cannot say 'das elektrisch Auto'; it must be 'das elektrische Auto'. Similarly, for plural nouns, it's 'elektrische Geräte'. Forgetting the '-e', '-er', '-es', or '-en' is a hallmark of beginner speech. Practice the declension tables specifically with words ending in '-isch' to avoid this pitfall.

Finally, learners sometimes over-rely on 'elektrisch' when a compound noun is more natural. For example, while 'elektrisches Licht' is correct, Germans often just say 'das Licht' or 'die Beleuchtung'. In the case of a bike, 'E-Bike' is far more common than 'elektrisches Fahrrad'. Pay attention to how native speakers use 'E-' as a prefix, as this is the modern trend in the language. Using the full adjective every time can make your German sound a bit textbook-heavy and formal.

To truly master 'elektrisch', it helps to understand its 'neighbors' in the German vocabulary. The most obvious related word is 'der Strom' (the current/electricity). While 'elektrisch' is the adjective, 'Strom' is the noun you'll use for the energy itself. You might say, 'Das Gerät braucht Strom' (The device needs power). Another related term is 'elektro-', a prefix used in many technical words like 'Elektromotor' or 'Elektrotechnik'. These compounds often replace the need for the standalone adjective 'elektrisch'.

Strom vs. Energie: 'Strom' is specifically electricity. 'Energie' is a broader term for all types of power.

Der Elektromotor ist sehr leise.

As mentioned before, 'elektronisch' is the most similar-sounding word but has a different focus. Think of 'elektrisch' as the heavy lifting (motors, heat, light) and 'elektronisch' as the thinking (data, logic, signals). Then there is 'galvanisch', a more technical term used in chemistry and engineering to describe electricity produced by chemical action (like in a battery). While you won't use 'galvanisch' in daily life, you might see it in a science textbook.

On the opposite side, we have 'manuell' (manual) and 'mechanisch' (mechanical). If a window doesn't open 'elektrisch', it probably opens 'manuell' (by hand). If a clock doesn't have a battery, it might be 'mechanisch' (using springs and gears). Knowing these opposites helps you describe how things work by process of elimination. In modern German, 'analog' is also used as a contrast to anything high-tech, though it's more the opposite of 'digital' than 'elektrisch'.

Comparison Table: Elektrisch: Power | Elektronisch: Data | Mechanisch: Gears | Manuell: Hand

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Guide de prononciation

Rime avec

praktisch taktisch

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

Das ist ein elektrisches Licht.

This is an electric light.

Nominative, neuter: ein elektrisches Licht.

Ist die Zahnbürste elektrisch?

Is the toothbrush electric?

Predicative use, no ending.

Ich habe einen elektrischen Herd.

I have an electric stove.

Accusative, masculine: einen elektrischen Herd.

Mein Auto ist nicht elektrisch.

My car is not electric.

Negation with 'nicht'.

Wir brauchen elektrische Lampen.

We need electric lamps.

Plural: elektrische Lampen.

Das Fahrrad fährt elektrisch.

The bicycle runs electrically.

Adverbial use.

Ist das ein elektrisches Gerät?

Is that an electric device?

Question form.

Die Gitarre ist elektrisch.

The guitar is electric.

Simple subject-verb-adjective.

Ich kaufe eine elektrische Kaffeemaschine.

I am buying an electric coffee machine.

Accusative, feminine.

Elektrische Autos sind sehr leise.

Electric cars are very quiet.

Plural subject.

Kann man das elektrisch laden?

Can one charge this electrically?

Modal verb 'kann'.

Es gibt ein elektrisches Problem im Bad.

There is an electrical problem in the bathroom.

Indefinite article, neuter.

Die Tür öffnet sich elektrisch.

The door opens electrically.

Reflexive verb 'sich öffnen'.

Wo ist die elektrische Leitung?

Where is the electrical line?

Definite article, feminine.

Das ist ein kleiner elektrischer Motor.

That is a small electric motor.

Adjective chain: kleiner elektrischer.

Ich benutze ein elektrisches Messer.

I use an electric knife.

Accusative, neuter.

Die elektrische Energie kommt aus Windkraft.

The electrical energy comes from wind power.

Subject with prepositional phrase.

Heutzutage sind viele Züge elektrisch betrieben.

Nowadays many trains are electrically operated.

Passive-like construction with 'betrieben'.

Wir müssen den elektrischen Strom sparen.

We must save the electrical current.

Accusative masculine with definite article.

Die Stimmung war plötzlich elektrisch.

The atmosphere was suddenly electric.

Metaphorical use.

Er repariert elektrische Haushaltsgeräte.

He repairs electric household appliances.

Compound noun context.

Gibt es hier eine elektrische Ladestation?

Is there an electric charging station here?

Question with 'es gibt'.

Das Haus hat eine elektrische Heizung.

The house has electric heating.

Accusative feminine.

Vermeiden Sie den Kontakt mit elektrischen Kabeln.

Avoid contact with electrical cables.

Dative plural after 'mit'.

Die elektrische Leitfähigkeit von Kupfer ist hoch.

The electrical conductivity of copper is high.

Technical noun phrase.

Ein elektrischer Schlag kann tödlich sein.

An electric shock can be fatal.

Subject with modal verb.

Die Firma investiert in elektrische Technologien.

The company invests in electric technologies.

Prepositional object with 'in'.

Das Feld ist elektrisch neutral.

The field is electrically neutral.

Scientific context.

Sie spürte ein elektrisches Kribbeln.

She felt an electric tingling.

Abstract usage.

Die elektrische Spannung wird in Volt gemessen.

Electrical voltage is measured in volts.

Passive voice.

Alle elektrischen Komponenten müssen geprüft werden.

All electrical components must be tested.

Plural with 'alle'.

Der Blitz ist eine gewaltige elektrische Entladung.

Lightning is a massive electrical discharge.

Predicate nominative.

Die elektrische Infrastruktur ist veraltet.

The electrical infrastructure is outdated.

Formal subject.

Es bedarf einer grundlegenden elektrischen Transformation.

It requires a fundamental electrical transformation.

Genitive case after 'bedarf'.

Die Partikel sind elektrisch geladen.

The particles are electrically charged.

Scientific description.

Ihre Worte hatten eine fast elektrische Wirkung.

Her words had an almost electric effect.

Metaphorical adjective.

Die elektrische Signalübertragung erfolgt in Millisekunden.

Electrical signal transmission occurs in milliseconds.

Technical subject.

Wir untersuchen die elektrischen Eigenschaften des Materials.

We are investigating the electrical properties of the material.

Accusative plural.

Trotz der elektrischen Spannung blieb er ruhig.

Despite the electrical tension, he remained calm.

Genitive after 'trotz'.

Die Stadt plant die vollständige elektrische Vernetzung.

The city plans full electrical networking.

Complex noun phrase.

Die elektrische Architektur des Gehirns ist komplex.

The electrical architecture of the brain is complex.

Advanced metaphor/science.

Man debattierte über die elektrische Souveränität.

They debated electrical sovereignty.

Abstract political term.

Das Werk ist ein Denkmal der elektrischen Ära.

The work is a monument to the electrical era.

Genitive description.

Die elektrische Ladung dissipiert langsam.

The electrical charge dissipates slowly.

Formal verb 'dissipieren'.

Er analysierte die elektrischen Oszillationen.

He analyzed the electrical oscillations.

Technical plural.

Die elektrische Koppelung der Systeme ist kritisch.

The electrical coupling of the systems is critical.

Engineering context.

Es herrschte eine elektrisch knisternde Stille.

There was an electrically crackling silence.

Literary adverbial use.

Die elektrische Induktion wurde im 19. Jahrhundert entdeckt.

Electrical induction was discovered in the 19th century.

Historical passive.

Collocations courantes

elektrisches Gerät

elektrischer Strom

elektrische Zahnbürste

elektrische Energie

elektrische Spannung

elektrisches Feld

elektrische Leitung

elektrisches Licht

elektrischer Widerstand

elektrische Ladung

Phrases Courantes

elektrisch betrieben

elektrisch geladen

rein elektrisch

elektrisch leitend

ein elektrischer Schlag

elektrische Impulse

elektrische Heckklappe

elektrische Fensterheber

elektrische Parkbremse

elektrische Schreibmaschine

Souvent confondu avec

elektrisch vs elektronisch (electronic)

elektrisch vs elektromagnetisch (electromagnetic)

elektrisch vs elektrolytisch (electrolytic)

Expressions idiomatiques

Facile à confondre

elektrisch vs

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

Note 1

Commonly abbreviated to 'E-' in compounds.

Note 2

Can be used as an adverb without changes.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'elektronisch' for a toaster.
Forgetting the adjective ending in 'ein elektrisch Herd'.
Confusing 'Strom' (noun) with 'elektrisch' (adjective).
Mispronouncing the 'sch' as 's'.
Using 'elektrisch' for digital devices like smartphones.

Astuces

Endings

Always check the gender of the noun before adding the ending to 'elektrisch'.

Compounds

Learn words like 'Elektromotor' to expand your vocabulary quickly.

Pronunciation

Practice the 'sch' sound at the end to sound more native.

E-Mobility

Mention 'E-Autos' when talking about the environment in Germany.

Warnings

Recognize 'Elektrische Spannung' on signs for your safety.

Metaphors

Use 'Die Stimmung war elektrisch' to describe an exciting party.

Shortcuts

Listen for 'E-' instead of the full word in daily conversation.

Appliances

Use it to specify if a tool is corded or battery-powered.

Vs. Manual

Use it to contrast with 'manuell' or 'mechanisch'.

Daily Life

Label items in your house as 'elektrisch' to practice.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Electricity' - the German word 'elektrisch' is almost the same!

Origine du mot

From Latin 'electrum' and Greek 'elektron' (amber), because static electricity was first observed by rubbing amber.

Contexte culturel

German plugs (Schuko) are designed for high safety.

Electric toy trains are a cultural icon.

Germany is a leader in electric car research.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"Hast du ein elektrisches Auto?"

"Ist deine Zahnbürste elektrisch?"

"Was hältst du von elektrischen Fahrrädern?"

"Gibt es in deiner Wohnung elektrische Probleme?"

"Wie wichtig ist elektrische Energie für dich?"

Sujets d'écriture

Beschreibe drei elektrische Geräte in deiner Küche.

Warum sind elektrische Autos gut für die Umwelt?

Erinnere dich an eine Situation, in der die Stimmung 'elektrisch' war.

Was würdest du ohne elektrische Energie machen?

Welches elektrische Gerät ist für dich am wichtigsten?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Elektrisch refers to power and motors, while elektronisch refers to data processing and microchips.

It follows standard adjective declension rules based on the noun's gender, case, and number.

Yes, for example: 'Das Gerät funktioniert elektrisch.'

Yes, E-Auto is the common colloquial and journalistic abbreviation.

Yes (elektrischer), but it is rarely used literally.

It means 'electrically charged', used in physics or metaphorically for tension.

It is both, but usually called 'elektronisch' because its function is data processing.

It is an electric shock.

The Greek word for amber is 'elektron', where static electricity was first studied.

Yes, it is a key word for describing household items and modern transport.