der Bahnhof
train station
A Bahnhof is a train station, the place where trains stop and passengers get on or off. It's a basic word you need for travel and everyday life in Germany.
Example sentences
- Der Bahnhof ist sehr groß.The train station is very big.
- Ich warte am Bahnhof auf dich.I'm waiting for you at the train station.
- Der Zug fährt vom Bahnhof ab.The train departs from the station.
Grammar
| Gender | masculine |
|---|---|
| Plural | die Bahnhöfe |
| Genitive | des Bahnhofs / des Bahnhofes |
The plural adds an umlaut: der Bahnhof → die Bahnhöfe.
Common phrases
- am Bahnhofat the train station
- zum Bahnhof gehento go to the train station
- der Hauptbahnhofmain train station
The mistake English speakers make
English speakers often say 'Bahnhof' when they mean 'train' (Zug) or 'platform' (Bahnsteig). Remember: Bahnhof is the building/place, not the vehicle.
Don’t confuse it with
- der Zug — Der Zug is the train itself; der Bahnhof is the station where the train stops.
- der Bahnsteig — Der Bahnsteig is the platform where you board the train; der Bahnhof is the whole station.
Questions learners ask
What is the difference between Bahnhof and Haltestelle?
A Bahnhof is a train station, while a Haltestelle is a stop for buses or trams. Bahnhof usually implies a larger building with more facilities.
How do you say 'main train station' in German?
You say 'der Hauptbahnhof' (often abbreviated Hbf). It's the central station in a city.
What does 'Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof' mean?
It's an idiom meaning 'I don't understand anything' or 'It's all Greek to me.' Literally: 'I only understand train station.'