train station
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train station
A building or facility on a railway line where trains stop so that passengers can get on and off and goods can be loaded.
Mein Zug fährt in zwanzig Minuten vom Hauptbahnhof ab.
My train leaves from the main station in twenty minutes.
to not understand a thing
A colloquial expression meaning that you understand absolutely nothing.
Der Professor hat über Quantenphysik gesprochen, aber ich habe nur Bahnhof verstanden.
The professor was talking about quantum physics, but I didn't understand a thing.
'Bahnhof' (train station) is a compound noun made up of 'die Bahn' (railway) and 'der Hof' (an open yard/courtyard). Literally, it is therefore a 'yard for the railway', which describes its function as a stopping point for trains well.
Viele alte Bahnhöfe haben eine beeindruckende Architektur.
Many old train stations have impressive architecture.
Different prepositions are used depending on whether you are describing a location or a direction. You wait 'am Bahnhof' (at the station, dative), you go/drive 'zum Bahnhof' (to the station, dative), and the train comes 'vom Bahnhof' (from the station, dative).
Ich treffe dich um 15 Uhr am Bahnhof.
I'll meet you at the train station at 3 p.m.
The word 'Bahnhof' (train station) is the basis for many more specific terms. Depending on the means of transport, people speak of the 'Hauptbahnhof' (main station, Hbf), 'U-Bahnhof' (subway station), or 'Busbahnhof' (bus station).
Der Hauptbahnhof in Berlin ist einer der größten in Europa.
The main station in Berlin is one of the largest in Europe.
The expression 'nur Bahnhof verstehen' is colloquial and means that you understand absolutely nothing. It is used when a topic is too complicated or explained unclearly.
Er hat mir seine wissenschaftliche Arbeit erklärt, aber ich habe nur Bahnhof verstanden.
He explained his scientific paper to me, but I didn't understand a thing.
station
Both words can refer to a place where passengers get on or off public transportation. Bahnhof typically means a railway facility with buildings or other infrastructure, whereas Station can also refer to a simple stop for the subway, commuter rail, or bus. „Bahnhof“ is therefore often used for trains, while „Station“ is used for other forms of transportation.
Am Bahnhof steigen viele Reisende in den Regionalzug ein.
Many travelers get on the regional train at the train station.
An der nächsten Station steigen viele Fahrgäste in die U-Bahn ein.
Many passengers get on the subway at the next station.
