train / track
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train / railway
A rail-based means of transport such as a train, S-Bahn, or subway. It often also refers to the entire railway system or the company (e.g. Deutsche Bahn).
Ich fahre jeden Morgen mit der Bahn zur Arbeit.
I take the train to work every morning.
orbit / path
The fixed route or path along which something moves, for example a planet or a projectile.
Die Erde bewegt sich in einer elliptischen Bahn um die Sonne.
The Earth moves around the sun in an elliptical orbit.
lane
A separated lane or track for sporting activities, such as swimming, running, or bowling.
Im Schwimmbad war auf meiner Bahn sehr viel los.
There was a lot going on in my lane at the swimming pool.
to have a clear path
To be able to move or proceed freely without encountering obstacles.
Nachdem der Unfall geräumt war, hatten die Autofahrer wieder freie Bahn.
After the accident had been cleared, the drivers had a clear path again.
to get something on track
To ensure that a process, project, or development proceeds in an orderly and desired way.
Die neue Projektleiterin konnte die Diskussionen wieder in die richtigen Bahnen lenken.
The new project manager was able to get the discussions back on track.
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'Bahn' from context. If it is about transport or travel, it means the train. In the context of sports, it refers to a lane or track (e.g. in a swimming pool). In science (astronomy), it means the orbit of a planet.
Die Bahn nach Hamburg hat heute 20 Minuten Verspätung.
The train to Hamburg is 20 minutes late today.
When 'Bahn' means train, the prepositions are important. You travel 'mit der Bahn' (by train), sit 'in der Bahn' (in the train), and wait at the platform 'auf die Bahn' (for the train).
Fährst du lieber mit dem Auto oder mit der Bahn in den Urlaub?
Do you prefer going on vacation by car or by train?
In everyday life in Germany, 'die Bahn' often does not just mean any train, but is a short form for the company 'Deutsche Bahn' (DB).
Die Bahn hat mal wieder die Preise erhöht.
Deutsche Bahn has raised its prices yet again.
The idiom 'jemanden oder etwas aus der Bahn werfen' means that a person or a plan is badly thrown off course by an unexpected event.
Die plötzliche Krankheit hat ihn völlig aus der Bahn geworfen.
The sudden illness completely threw him off course.
The expression 'freie Bahn haben' means that you have no obstacles and can move freely or pursue a goal without hindrance.
Nachdem die Ampel auf Grün schaltete, hatten die Radfahrer freie Bahn.
After the traffic light turned green, the cyclists had a clear path.
The idiom 'etwas in die richtigen Bahnen lenken' means to guide a process or development so that it proceeds positively and in an orderly way.
Der Mediator half dabei, das Gespräch wieder in die richtigen Bahnen zu lenken.
The mediator helped get the conversation back on track.
train / move / draft
Bahn usually refers to the mode of transport or the railway system as a whole, but in the right context it can also refer to a means of transport. Zug refers more specifically to an individual rail vehicle or a particular service. Bahn is suitable for talking about the general way of traveling, while Zug is used for a specific vehicle.
Für die Reise nach Hamburg nehme ich lieber die Bahn als das Auto.
For the trip to Hamburg, I would rather take the train than the car.
Für die Reise nach Hamburg nehme ich den Zug, der um acht Uhr abfährt.
For the trip to Hamburg, I’m taking the train that leaves at eight o’clock.
