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.
socket / bushing / pants
Steckdose and Buchse both refer to a socket that accepts a plug. Steckdose normally means the device in a wall that is connected to the electrical grid, while Buchse is a more general term for the receiving connection on a device. Use Steckdose for mains electricity and Buchse for things such as headphones or USB connections.
Ich steckte das Ladegerät in die Steckdose an der Wand.
I plugged the charger into the wall socket.
Ich steckte den Kopfhörerstecker in die Buchse am Computer.
I plugged the headphone connector into the socket on the computer.
