German Phrase
Überlade die Steckdosen nicht.
Meaning
A direct, polite warning telling someone not to plug too many devices into a power outlet, which could cause an electrical overload or fire hazard.
When to use
Use this sentence in homes, offices, schools, or any setting where you want to remind people to respect electrical safety limits, especially when multiple appliances are being connected.
✦Grammar Breakdown
ÜberladedieSteckdosennicht
Imperativ (Befehlsform)
‘Überlade’ is the imperative form of the verb ‘überladen’. In the second‑person singular it drops the ‘du’ and ends in –e.
Negation with ‘nicht’
In German imperatives, ‘nicht’ follows the verb (or the whole clause) rather than preceding it.
Accusative plural article
‘die Steckdosen’ is the accusative plural of ‘die Steckdose’, used because the verb ‘überladen’ takes a direct object.
🗨In Conversation
Kann ich noch einen Staubsauger an die Steckdose anschließen?
Can I plug another vacuum cleaner into the socket?
Überlade die Steckdosen nicht.
Don’t overload the sockets.
✕Common Mistakes
Nicht überlade die Steckdosen.
‘Nicht’ should follow the verb in an imperative, not precede it.
Überlade die Steckdose nicht.
If you’re warning about multiple outlets, use the plural ‘Steckdosen’; the singular changes the nuance.
Überladen die Steckdosen nicht.
The verb must be in the imperative singular ‘Überlade’, not the infinitive ‘überladen’.
↔Alternatives
Steck nicht zu viele Geräte in die Steckdose.
Don’t plug too many devices into the socket.
Vermeide eine Überlastung der Steckdosen.
Avoid overloading the sockets.
Bitte nicht zu viel Strom ziehen.
Please don’t draw too much electricity.
Cultural Tip
In Germany electrical safety is taken very seriously. Many apartments have circuit breakers that trip when a socket is overloaded, and it’s common to see warning stickers near power strips. Using the correct imperative form shows respect and helps avoid accidents.