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Useful German Train & Bus Vocabulary

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Traversing long distances in Germany by car is often very tiring, especially for the driver. If you are prepared to give up the time flexibility, taking a train or a bus might be a better alternative for you to get around. 

It is much more comfortable. You can sleep, eat, watch a movie, read a book, work or play games with your children or friends while leaving kilometers behind you. 

And if you are traveling alone, it might be even cheaper than making a car trip. Furthermore, it is more environmentally friendly.

In Germany, there is a very well-developed train system. You can reach almost every village by train. So if you choose to travel by public transport, Iโ€™ll give you some useful vocabulary now. 

German Train & Bus Vocabulary

Types of public transport

  • ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช der/ein Zug ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ a train
  • ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช der/ein Bus – ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ a bus
  • ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช die/eine StraรŸenbahn – ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ a tram
  • ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช die/eine S-Bahn (Schnellbahn) – ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ a suburban train
  • ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช der/ein Stadtbus – ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ a city bus
  • ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช die/eine U-Bahn – ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ a subway

The staff

  • ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช der/ein Busfahrer – ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ a bus driver, male
  • ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช der/ein Schaffner ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ a conductor, male
  • ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช der/ein Kontrolleur – ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ an inspector, male
  • ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช der/ein Lokfรผhrer – ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ a train driver, male

Note: Most professions in German are masculine. By adding “-in” at the end, you get the feminine form. (“der Busfahrer; die Busfahrerin“)

At the train station

  • ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช der/ein Bahnhof – ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ a train station
  • ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช die/eine Fahrkarte or der/ein Fahrschein ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ a ticket
  • ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช der/ein Fahrscheinautomat – ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ a ticket machine
  • ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช erste/zweite Klasse – ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ first/second class
  • ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช das/ein Gleis or der/ein Bahnsteig – ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ a platform
  • ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช der/ein Anschlusszug – ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ a connecting train
  • ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Abfahrt ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ departure
  • ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Ankunft – ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ arrival
  • ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช umbuchen – ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ to rebook
  • ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช die/eine Verspรคtung – ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ a delay
  • ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช der/ein Sitz ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ a seat
  • ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช die/eine Reservierung – ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ a reservation
  • ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช das/ein Abteil ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ a compartment
  • ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช der/ein Auskunftsschalter – ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ an information desk
  • ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช der/ein Fahrplan – ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ a timetable
  • ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช der/ein Warteraum – ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ a waiting room
  • ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช die/eine ErmรครŸigung – ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ a reduction
  • ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช das/ein Gepรคck – ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ a luggage 
  • ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช der/ein Koffer – ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ a suitcase
  • ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช der/ein Rucksack – ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ a backpack

Memorize all these essential words and phrases with our Quiz-App

Expressions You Need to Know while Using the Bus and Train

I have prepared some phrases and questions for you to help you get your bearings on a trip through Germany:

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Wo ist der Bahnhof?
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Where is the train station?

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Wie komme ich zum Gleis vier?
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ How do I get to platform four?

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Wo finde ich den Fahrplan?
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Where do I find the timetable?

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Gibt es einen Busbahnhof in der Nรคhe?
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Is there a bus station nearby?

Being able to understand when someone tells you a direction in German is a valuable skill. I highly recommend you to take a look at it before traveling to a German-speaking country.

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Fรคhrt der Zug nach Nรผrnberg?
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Does this train go to Nรผrnberg?

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Gibt es eine direkte Verbindung nach Hamburg?
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Is there a direct connection to Hamburg?

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Ich mรถchte ein Ticket nach Dortmund kaufen.
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ I would like to buy a train ticket to Dortmund.

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Fรผr wen gilt die ErmรครŸigung?
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ For whom is the reduction valid?

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Gibt es ein Tagesticket?
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Is there a day ticket?

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Kรถnnen die Kinder kostenlos fahren?
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Are the children allowed to travel for free?

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Gibt es einen Rabatt fรผr Schรผler/Studenten?
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Is there any discount for pupils/students?

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Ich wรผrde gerne einen Sitzplatz am Fenster buchen.
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ I would like to book a seat by the window. 

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Sind Tiere im Zug erlaubt?
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Are pets allowed on the train?

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Darf ich mein Fahrrad mitnehmen?
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Can I take my bike with me?

Phrases for Solving Problems in German

While traveling by train, at least in Germany, some situations might surprise you. Sometimes, your train will have a delay, or it might be canceled. But thereโ€™s no reason to worry because there is always a solution to every problem. 

Here are some phrases and questions that will help you in such situations:

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Entschuldigung, wo ist der Auskunfsschalter?
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Excuse me, where is the information desk?

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Wann fรคhrt der nรคchste Zug nach Berlin?
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ When does the next train to Berlin leave?

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Ich mรถchte meine Reservierung umbuchen.
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ I would like to rebook my reservation. 

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Warum hat mein Zug eine Verspรคtung?
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Why is my train delayed?

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Ich erreiche den Anschlusszug nicht. Wie komme ich weiter?
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ I wonโ€™t make the connecting train. How do I continue my journey?

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Wo kann ich mein Gepรคck lassen?
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Where can I leave my luggage?

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Ich mรถchte ein Hotelzimmer fรผr heute Abend. 
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ I would like a hotel room for tonight. 

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Gibt es ein Hotel in der Nรคhe?
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Is there a hotel nearby?

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Wo soll ich die Rechnung schicken?
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Where should I send the bill?

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Ich finde meinen Sitzplatz nicht.
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ I cannot find my seat.

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Ich will einen Fahrgastrechte-Formular ausfรผllen.
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ I want to fill in the passenger rights claim form. 

Mostly you will turn to the train customer service when you have a problem, so maybe it is helpful to think of some Phrases for Customer Service in German in this situation. 

German Expressions in the Train

When your train has arrived and you have successfully found your seat, you will probably enjoy the trip in peace, reading a book, working, or listening to music. But there are also questions you might like to know while on a train, for example:

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Entschuldigung, wo ist die Toilette?
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Excuse me, where is the toilet?

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Wo finde ich das Bordbistro?
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Where do I find the onboard bistro?

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Ich mรถchte meinen Sitzplatz wechseln.
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ I would like to change my seat. 

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Wo finde ich den Schaffner?
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Where can I find the conductor?

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Wie viel Verspรคtung haben wir?
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ How much of a delay do we have?

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Kommen wir in Frankfurt rechtzeitig an?
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Will we arrive in Frankfurt on time?

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Gibt es hier eine Steckdose?
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Is there an electrical outlet here?

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Entschuldigung, Sie sitzen auf meinem Sitzplatz.
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Excuse me, you are sitting in my seat. 

Upon arrival at your destination, you can continue your journey by tram or bus, but maybe itโ€™d be easier to call a cab. For this, you might want to learn how to call a taxi in German

Good to Know About German Bus and Train System 

The German train system is not as perfect as the Japanese one, but (apart from the fact that a delay is quite probable) it does have a high standard. The trains are modern and comfortable, at least the Intercity trains. And the Deutsche Bahn has developed an app where you can check all the connections and delays or buy a ticket. 

However, in my opinion, it is pretty expensive if you want to travel spontaneously. So if you have the possibility to plan your trip, I recommend you buy your ticket earlier. For this, you can look at the Sparpreis-Angebote (you can easily find them on the app). 

I hope I have given you some useful phrases and information for traveling by public transport and that your trips throughout Germany will be easy-going for you now.

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Weronika Olszewska

Weronika Olszewska

Living and studying in Germany for as long as she can remember. German tutor by day, Italian learner by night. When she's not learning new languages, you can find her enjoying great rock bands on stage.

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