Essential Train Travel Vocabulary in German
General Terms
Bahn: Train/railway
Bahnhof: Train station
Zug: Train
Fahrkarte or Ticket: Ticket
Reise: Journey/trip
Fahrplan: Timetable/schedule
Gleis: Platform/track
Abfahrt: Departure
Ankunft: Arrival
Reservierung: Reservation
Fahrgast: Passenger
Schaffner/Schaffnerin: Conductor (male/female)
Lokführer/Lokführerin: Train driver (male/female)
Wagen: Carriage/car
Sitzplatz: Seat
Types of Trains
ICE (Intercity-Express): High-speed long-distance train
IC (Intercity): Fast long-distance train
EC (Eurocity): International fast train
Regionalbahn (RB): Regional train
Regionalexpress (RE): Regional express train
S-Bahn: Suburban train
U-Bahn: Underground/subway
Tram/Straßenbahn: Tram/streetcar
At the Train Station
Buying Tickets
Fahrkartenautomat: Ticket machine
Schalter: Ticket counter
Einzelfahrkarte: Single ticket
Rückfahrkarte: Return ticket
Tageskarte: Day ticket
Wochenkarte: Weekly ticket
Monatskarte: Monthly ticket
Ermäßigung: Discount
BahnCard: Discount card (DB loyalty card)
Entwerten: To validate (your ticket)
Useful Phrases
Wie komme ich zum Bahnhof? – How do I get to the train station?
Wo finde ich den Fahrplan? – Where can I find the timetable?
Welcher Zug fährt nach München? – Which train goes to Munich?
Wie viel kostet eine Fahrkarte nach Hamburg? – How much is a ticket to Hamburg?
Muss ich umsteigen? – Do I have to change trains?
Wo ist das Gleis 5? – Where is platform 5?
Ist dieser Platz frei? – Is this seat free?
On the Train
Announcements and Signs
Bitte einsteigen: Please board
Nächster Halt: Next stop
Endstation: Final destination
Ausstieg links/rechts: Exit on the left/right
Fahrkarten bitte!: Tickets, please!
Reserviert: Reserved
Nicht rauchen: No smoking
Ruhebereich: Quiet zone
Bordrestaurant: Dining car/restaurant car
Toilette/WC: Restroom
Gepäckablage: Luggage rack
Useful Tips for Train Travel in Germany
- Always check the Fahrplan for updates, as platforms and departure times can change.
- If you have a reserved seat, look for the Reserviert sign above the seat number.
- Validate your ticket (Entwerten) before boarding, especially on regional trains.
- Keep your ticket handy for the conductor (Schaffner) to check during the journey.
- For long-distance travel, consider purchasing a BahnCard for discounts.
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