01
der Busfahrer
bus driver
A male person whose job is to drive a bus and transport passengers.
example
Der Busfahrer hat an der nächsten Haltestelle auf mich gewartet.
The bus driver waited for me at the next stop.
der Busfahrer
bus driver
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Meanings
Usage tips
Compound word
'Busfahrer' (bus driver) is a compound noun made up of 'der Bus' (the bus) and 'der Fahrer' (the driver). The word 'Fahrer' itself is derived from the verb 'fahren' (to drive/travel). This structure is very common in German for professions.
EXAMPLE
Der Busfahrer muss sich auf den Verkehr konzentrieren.
The bus driver has to concentrate on the traffic.
Productive word formation
The ending '-fahrer' can be combined with many different types of vehicles to refer to the person who operates that vehicle. The word 'Busfahrer' (bus driver) is a typical example of this pattern.
EXAMPLE
Ein guter Busfahrer kennt seine Route genau.
A good bus driver knows his route exactly.
Typical verbs
Typical actions of a bus driver are described with verbs such as 'anhalten' (to stop), 'abfahren' (to depart), 'die Türen öffnen/schließen' (to open/close the doors), or 'Fahrkarten kontrollieren' (to check tickets).
EXAMPLE
Der Busfahrer wartete freundlicherweise, obwohl ich zu spät war.
The bus driver kindly waited, even though I was late.
Compare with
Busfahrer vs Fahrer
driver
'der Fahrer' and 'der Busfahrer' can both mean a person who drives a vehicle. 'Der Fahrer' is the general word for many vehicles. 'Der Busfahrer' is more specific and means a person whose job is to drive a bus and transport passengers. The words can be confused because a bus driver is always also a driver. If you want to clearly say that it is about a bus, and usually about the profession, use 'Busfahrer'. If the type of vehicle is not important, 'Fahrer' works.
Busfahrer
Der Busfahrer hat an der Haltestelle auf eine ältere Frau gewartet.
The bus driver waited at the bus stop for an older woman.
Fahrer
Aus Interesse fragt er den Fahrer nach der langen Strecke.
Out of interest, he asks the driver about the long route.
In real life
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