plug
der Stecker, die Stecker
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plug
The end piece of an electrical cable with metal pins that is inserted into an outlet in order to supply a device with electricity.
Der Stecker vom Laptop passt nicht in diese Steckdose im Zug.
The plug for the laptop doesn't fit into this outlet on the train.
to pull the plug
To abruptly end an activity or project, often by withdrawing financial or technical support. It can also mean to discontinue life-support measures for a patient.
Nachdem das Projekt keine Fortschritte machte, haben die Investoren den Stecker gezogen.
After the project made no progress, the investors pulled the plug.
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Stecker |
| genitive | des Steckers |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Stecker | die Stecker |
| accusative | den Stecker | die Stecker |
| dative | dem Stecker | den Steckern |
| genitive | des Steckers | der Stecker |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The noun 'der Stecker' (the plug) is derived from the verb 'stecken' (to stick / to put). So the plug is the part that you put into an outlet to connect a device.
Kannst du bitte den Stecker des Fernsehers in die Steckdose stecken?
Can you please put the TV plug into the outlet?
The two most important actions in connection with a plug are 'den Stecker ziehen' (to pull the plug, disconnect) and 'den Stecker (rein)stecken' (to plug in, connect).
Zieh bitte den Stecker, bevor du das Gerät reinigst.
Please pull the plug before you clean the device.
The idiom 'den Stecker ziehen' means to abruptly end a project, funding, or support. It is used figuratively.
Die Firma war nicht mehr profitabel, also haben die Investoren den Stecker gezogen.
The company was no longer profitable, so the investors pulled the plug.
You can tell from context whether 'den Stecker ziehen' (to pull the plug) is meant literally or figuratively. If it is about an electrical device, it is literal. If it is about a project, a company, or money, it is the idiom.
Der Akku ist voll, du kannst den Stecker ziehen.
The battery is full; you can pull the plug.
stopper / plug
Der Stecker and der Stöpsel can both refer to the end of a cable that goes into an electrical outlet. „Stecker“ is the standard term, while „Stöpsel“ sounds colloquial or regional in this sense. „Stecker“ is therefore the more appropriate choice in neutral instructions and conversations.
Bitte steck den Stecker des Ladegeräts in die Steckdose.
Please plug the charger into the outlet.
Bitte steck den Stöpsel des Ladegeräts in die Steckdose.
Please plug the charger into the outlet.
