Public Transport in Germany: Vocabulary and Phrases
Getting around Germany is easy once you know the transport vocabulary. In this lesson, Johannes from YourGermanTeacher walks you through every way of travelling, from planes and trains to buses, taxis, bikes and ferries, with the words and phrases you really need.
By Plane and Car
| German | English |
|---|---|
| das Flugzeug / der Flug | plane / flight |
| der Flughafen | airport |
| das Auto / der Mietwagen | car / rental car |
| die Autovermietung | car rental company |
By Train
The train system has its own vocabulary. Der Bahnhof is the train station, der Zug the train. Watch out: das Gleis is the track number you see on the display, while der Bahnsteig is the platform you stand on. Long-distance trains are called der ICE, and die S-Bahn is the suburban train inside and around a city. At the station you will hear announcements, so listen for the track number, the destination (nach plus city) and delays (Verspätung).
Tram, U-Bahn, Bus and Taxi
| German | English | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| die StraĂenbahn | tram | runs on rails in the street |
| die U-Bahn | underground, subway | mostly under the ground |
| der Bus | bus | city bus and long-distance coach |
| das Taxi | taxi | Ich brauche ein Taxi. |
Bike, Scooter, Motorbike and on Foot
Das Fahrrad (or das Rad) is the bicycle, der Roller the scooter, das Motorrad the motorbike and der LKW the truck. To say you walk, use zu FuĂ gehen: Ich gehe zu FuĂ zur Arbeit.
By Water
Das Schiff is the ship, die Fähre the ferry, der Hafen the harbour, and die Schifffahrt is the trip by ship. Note the three f in Schifffahrt: Schiff plus Fahrt.
Useful Phrases and Tips
- Ich fahre mit dem Zug / dem Bus / dem Auto. With vehicles you use mit plus dative.
- Ich fliege nach Berlin. Use nach with cities and countries, zu with people and places like zum Bahnhof.
- Buy your ticket (die Fahrkarte) before you board. The video warns that travelling without one can cost a fine of at least 60 euros.
- Wann fährt der nächste Zug nach Mßnchen? and Von welchem Gleis fährt der Zug? are two questions you will use all the time.
What to Learn Next
Practise the prepositions in German Directional Prepositions: nach, zu, in, auf, an and the dative in German Dative Prepositions Listening Practice. Then use your new words in How to Order Food in a German Restaurant and Going to the Doctor in Germany.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Gleis and Bahnsteig?
Das Gleis is the track with a number, like Gleis 5. Der Bahnsteig is the platform where you wait. In everyday speech people often say Gleis for both.
What is the difference between U-Bahn and S-Bahn?
The U-Bahn is the underground or subway inside a city. The S-Bahn is the suburban train that connects a city with its surroundings.
Do I say mit dem Zug or im Zug?
Use mit dem Zug for the means of transport (I travel by train) and im Zug for being inside the train.
What does Schifffahrt mean?
Schifffahrt means a trip by ship or shipping in general. It is spelled with three f: Schiff plus Fahrt.
Do I need a ticket before I get on the train in Germany?
Yes, buy your Fahrkarte before boarding. The video says that riding without a valid ticket can lead to a fine of at least 60 euros.
Want to use this vocabulary in real conversations? Learn step by step with the A1 German online course from YourGermanTeacher.
