01
der Bahnsteig
platform
The raised area in a train station where trains stop and where passengers get on and off.
example
Der Zug nach Berlin fährt heute von Bahnsteig 7 ab.
The train to Berlin departs from platform 7 today.
der Bahnsteig
platform
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Meanings
Usage tips
Compound word
The word is made up of 'Bahn' (short for railway) and 'Steig'. 'Steig' comes from the verb 'steigen' (to climb/step). So a 'Bahnsteig' (platform) is literally the place where you step up to get onto the train.
EXAMPLE
Passen Sie bitte auf die Lücke zwischen Zug und Bahnsteig auf.
Please mind the gap between the train and the platform.
Important prepositions
Pay attention to the prepositions: You wait 'am Bahnsteig' (at the platform; dative, location). The train departs 'von Bahnsteig 5' (from platform 5; dative, origin) and arrives 'an Bahnsteig 3' (at platform 3; dative, destination).
EXAMPLE
Wir treffen uns in zehn Minuten am Bahnsteig.
We'll meet at the platform in ten minutes.
Regional variants
In Switzerland and partly also in Austria, the word 'der Perron' (platform) is often used instead of 'Bahnsteig' (platform), especially in official announcements at the train station.
EXAMPLE
In der Schweiz wartet man auf dem Perron auf den Zug.
In Switzerland, people wait for the train on the platform.
Compare with
Bahnsteig vs Bahnhof
train station
'der Bahnhof' and 'der Bahnsteig' both belong to traveling by train, but they do not mean the same thing. 'Bahnhof' is the whole facility or building where trains stop. 'Bahnsteig' is only the platform area in the station where you wait for the train and get on. Learners can easily confuse the words because at a train station you often look for the right platform. In practical terms: you arrive at the 'Bahnhof' and then go to the 'Bahnsteig'.
Bahnsteig
Meine Mutter wartet auf Bahnsteig 3 auf den Zug nach Berlin.
My mother is waiting on platform 3 for the train to Berlin.
Bahnhof
Der Bahnhof ist heute sehr voll, weil viele Züge Verspätung haben.
The train station is very crowded today because many trains are delayed.
In real life
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