der Strom
electricity
The electrical energy that comes from the outlet and is used to operate devices.
EXAMPLE
Vergiss nicht, den Stecker zu ziehen, das spart Strom.
Don't forget to unplug it; that saves electricity.
der Strom
electricity / river
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Meanings
der Strom
river
A large, natural river that flows into the sea.
EXAMPLE
Der Rhein ist ein bedeutender Strom in Mitteleuropa.
The Rhine is an important river in Central Europe.
der Strom
stream / flow
A large amount of people, vehicles, data, or liquids moving in one direction.
EXAMPLE
Ein Strom von Flüchtlingen überquerte die Grenze.
A stream of refugees crossed the border.
Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'der Strom' (electricity/river/stream) is closely related to the verb 'strömen' (to stream/flow). Both words describe a flowing movement, whether of water, people, or energy.
EXAMPLE
Das Wasser strömt den Berg hinab.
The water flows down the mountain.
Context clues
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'Strom' (electricity/river/stream) from the context. If it is about outlets, lamps, or bills, electricity is meant. With geographic names like 'Rhein' (Rhine) or 'Donau' (Danube), it is a river. In connection with people or cars, it means a large quantity.
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen diesen Monat für den Strom mehr bezahlen.
We have to pay more for electricity this month.
Typical collocations
When 'Strom' (electricity) means electricity, it is often combined with the verbs 'sparen' (to save), 'verbrauchen' (to consume), or 'produzieren' (to produce). A common phrase is also 'der Strom ist ausgefallen' (the power has gone out).
EXAMPLE
Mit neuen Geräten kann man viel Strom sparen.
With new devices, you can save a lot of electricity.
No plural
In the meaning 'elektrische Energie' (electrical energy), 'Strom' (electricity) is used as an uncountable noun. In this context, it has no plural form.
EXAMPLE
Für die Beleuchtung brauchen wir Strom.
We need electricity for the lighting.
Usage pattern
In the figurative meaning, 'Strom' (stream/flow) is often used in the construction 'ein Strom von + [plural noun]' (a stream of + [plural noun]). Examples are 'ein Strom von Touristen' (a stream of tourists) or 'ein Strom von Informationen' (a stream of information).
EXAMPLE
Ein Strom von Autos bewegte sich langsam durch die Innenstadt.
A stream of cars moved slowly through the city center.
Compare with
Strom vs Energie
energy
Energie is the broader term and can refer in everyday language to various usable forms, such as electricity, heat, or fuel. Strom here specifically means the electricity supplied through a wall outlet. For a device that is plugged in, Strom is more precise; for the general resource needed, Energie is the better fit.
Strom
Die neue Maschine bekommt ihren Strom aus der Steckdose.
The new machine gets its electricity from the wall outlet.
Energie
Die neue Maschine benötigt deutlich weniger Energie als die alte.
The new machine requires significantly less energy than the old one.
In real life
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