socket
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socket
A device in a wall that is connected to the electrical grid and into which you insert the plug of an electrical device in order to supply it with power.
Ich muss mein Handy aufladen, aber ich finde keine freie Steckdose.
I need to charge my phone, but I can't find a free socket.
'Steckdose' (socket) is a compound word made from the verb 'stecken' (to put/stick into) and the noun 'Dose' (can/box). So it literally describes a 'container' into which you put something.
In alten Häusern gibt es oft nicht genug Steckdosen.
In old houses, there often aren't enough sockets.
The matching counterpart to 'Steckdose' (socket) is 'der Stecker' (plug). You put the plug into the socket in order to connect a device to electricity.
Dieser Stecker passt nicht in die Steckdose, du brauchst einen Adapter.
This plug doesn't fit into the socket; you need an adapter.
In everyday life, 'Steckdose' (socket) is often used with verbs such as 'suchen' (to look for), 'finden' (to find), or 'brauchen' (to need). A device is 'an die Steckdose angeschlossen' (connected to the socket).
Ich suche eine freie Steckdose, um meinen Laptop anzuschließen.
I'm looking for a free socket to plug in my laptop.
connection
'der Anschluss' and 'die Steckdose' can both have to do with electricity. 'die Steckdose' is the specific place in the wall where you insert a plug. 'der Anschluss' is more general and refers to the technical connection to a network, for example electricity, water, telephone, or internet. So you can say that an apartment has a Stromanschluss (electricity connection), but you plug your phone into the Steckdose. The confusion arises because a Steckdose can be a visible point for an electrical connection.
Neben dem Schreibtisch ist eine Steckdose frei.
There is a free socket next to the desk.
Der Anschluss für das Telefon muss erst vom Techniker geprüft werden.
The connection for the telephone first has to be checked by the technician.