die Bim
tram
(colloquial, especially in Austria and parts of Bavaria) A tram.
EXAMPLE
In Wien fahre ich jeden Tag mit der Bim in die Arbeit.
In Vienna, I take the tram to work every day.
die Bim
tram
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
Usage tips
Register and region
'Bim' (tram) is a colloquial word for a tram. It is used mainly in Austria, especially in Vienna, and in parts of southern Germany, e.g. Munich and Augsburg.
EXAMPLE
In Graz kommt man mit der Bim fast überall hin.
In Graz, you can get almost everywhere by tram.
Origin of the word
The word 'Bim' (tram) is onomatopoeic. It imitates the sound of the bell ('bim-bim') that old trams used to warn people with.
EXAMPLE
Hörst du die Bim klingeln? Sie kommt gleich.
Do you hear the tram bell ringing? It's coming in a moment.
Typical collocations
You use 'Bim' (tram) like any other word for a means of transport. Typical verbs are 'mit der Bim fahren' (to ride/take the tram), 'die Bim nehmen' (to take the tram), or 'in die Bim einsteigen' (to get on the tram).
EXAMPLE
Ich nehme lieber die Bim, dann muss ich keinen Parkplatz suchen.
I'd rather take the tram; then I don't have to look for a parking space.
Compare with
Bim vs Tram
tram
“Tram” and “Bim” both refer to a streetcar or tram. “Tram” is a generally understood term, while “Bim” is used colloquially mainly in Austria and parts of Bavaria. “Tram” is more suitable in a nationwide or neutral text, while “Bim” can sound natural in regional conversation.
Bim
In Wien fahren wir mit der Bim bis zum Hauptbahnhof.
In Vienna, we’re taking the tram to the main station.
Tram
In Berlin nehmen wir die Tram bis zum Hauptbahnhof.
In Berlin, we’re taking the tram to the main station.
In real life
Loading video examples...