Calculate Your Electricity
Strom Berechnen - Consumption & Cost Calculator
Learn how to calculate your electricity consumption and costs. Essential knowledge for expats and newcomers in Germany.
What is Strom Berechnen?
Strom berechnen means "calculate electricity" in German. Understanding your electricity consumption (Stromverbrauch) is the first step to managing energy costs in Germany. Your consumption is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
Once you know your consumption, you can compare prices from different providers and find the best deal. Many expats overpay simply because they don't know how much electricity they use or that they can switch providers easily.
Simple Consumption Formula - Einfache Formel
Annual Consumption = Household Size Ă— 1,000 kWh + 500 kWh
Example: 3 persons → 3 × 1,000 + 500 = 3,500 kWh/year
Add 1,000-2,000 kWh if you have electric water heating (Durchlauferhitzer)
Key German Terms - Wichtige Begriffe
Strom berechnen
Calculate electricity
Stromverbrauch
Electricity consumption
Kilowattstunde (kWh)
Kilowatt-hour - unit of energy
Zählerstand
Meter reading
Arbeitspreis
Price per kWh
Grundpreis
Monthly base fee
Durchlauferhitzer
Electric water heater (adds consumption)
Jahresabrechnung
Annual bill/statement
Average Consumption by Household
Durchschnittlicher Stromverbrauch nach Haushaltsgröße
1 Person
1,500 kWh
€450-525/year
2 Persons
2,500 kWh
€750-875/year
3 Persons
3,500 kWh
€1,050-1,225/year
4+ Persons
4,500+ kWh
€1,350-1,575/year
What Uses Most Electricity?
Die größten Stromverbraucher - Biggest Electricity Consumers
Fridge/Freezer
10-15% of totalSaving tip: Set to 7°C, defrost regularly
Washing/Drying
10-15% of totalSaving tip: Wash at 30°C, air dry when possible
Entertainment
10% of totalSaving tip: Eliminate standby power
Lighting
8-12% of totalSaving tip: Switch to LED bulbs
How to Calculate Your Costs
Cost Calculation Formula
Annual Cost = (Consumption Ă— kWh Price) + (Monthly Base Fee Ă— 12)
Example Calculation:
- • Consumption: 3,500 kWh/year
- • kWh price (Arbeitspreis): 32 cents/kWh
- • Base fee (Grundpreis): €10/month
Calculation: (3,500 × €0.32) + (€10 × 12) = €1,120 + €120 = €1,240/year
With a cheaper provider (28 cents/kWh): (3,500 × €0.28) + €120 = €980 + €120 = €1,100/year
→ Savings: €140/year just from switching!
Calculate & Compare Prices
Strom berechnen und vergleichen - Enter your consumption below
Electricity Calculator & Comparison
Enter your consumption and find cheaper tariffs
Common Questions
Where do I find my current consumption?
Check your last electricity bill (Stromrechnung). Look for "Jahresverbrauch" or "Verbrauch" followed by a number in kWh. If you're new to Germany, use the formula: household size Ă— 1,000 + 500 kWh as an estimate.
What's a normal electricity bill in Germany?
For a 2-person household using 2,500 kWh: expect €750-€900/year with a good tariff. If you're paying more than €1,000, you're likely with an expensive default provider and should compare prices immediately.
What if I have electric water heating?
If your apartment has a Durchlauferhitzer (electric water heater), add 1,000-2,000 kWh to the standard consumption. This significantly increases costs, so finding a cheap electricity provider is even more important.
Strom Berechnen - Calculate Now
Know your consumption, find a better price, and start saving today!