energy consumption
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energy consumption
The amount of energy, such as electricity, gas, or heat, that is used by a person, household, device, or country within a certain period of time.
Durch die neuen Fenster konnten wir unseren Energieverbrauch deutlich senken.
With the new windows, we were able to significantly reduce our energy consumption.
The word is made up of 'die Energie' (energy) and 'der Verbrauch' (consumption). 'Verbrauch' is the noun form of the verb 'verbrauchen' (to consume). So the meaning is literally 'der Verbrauch von Energie' (the consumption of energy).
Dieses Auto verbraucht sehr wenig Benzin.
This car consumes very little gasoline.
The ending '-verbrauch' (consumption) is very productive and is used for many nouns that describe a type of consumption. If you know this pattern, you can easily understand words like 'Stromverbrauch' (electricity consumption), 'Wasserverbrauch' (water consumption), or 'Spritverbrauch' (fuel consumption).
Im Sommer steigt unser Wasserverbrauch stark an.
In summer, our water consumption rises sharply.
Common verbs used with 'Energieverbrauch' (energy consumption) are 'senken' or 'reduzieren' (to reduce) as well as 'steigern' or 'erhöhen' (to increase).
Wir versuchen, unseren Energieverbrauch zu senken.
We are trying to reduce our energy consumption.
consumption
'der Verbrauch' and 'der Energieverbrauch' both talk about an amount that is used within a certain period of time. 'der Verbrauch' is the more general word. It can refer to water, gasoline, electricity, gas, or other resources. 'der Energieverbrauch' is more specific and refers only to energy, for example electricity, gas, or heat. Learners may confuse the words because energy is also a resource. If the context is clear, 'Verbrauch' is often enough. If you are talking specifically about energy, 'Energieverbrauch' is more natural and clearer.
Wegen der alten Heizung ist der Energieverbrauch in diesem Haus sehr hoch.
Because of the old heating system, energy consumption in this house is very high.
Der Verbrauch von Wasser ist im Sommer oft höher als im Winter.
Water consumption is often higher in summer than in winter.