railway / train
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railway
A transportation system that uses trains on rails to carry people and goods.
Die Erfindung der Eisenbahn hat die industrielle Revolution maßgeblich beschleunigt.
The invention of the railway significantly accelerated the Industrial Revolution.
train
An individual train or the company that operates rail transport.
Die letzte Eisenbahn nach Berlin ist leider schon abgefahren.
Unfortunately, the last train to Berlin has already left.
model train
A toy in the form of a model railway.
Zum Geburtstag wünscht sich das Kind eine elektrische Eisenbahn.
For their birthday, the child wants an electric model train.
The word 'Eisenbahn' (railway) is a compound of 'Eisen' (iron) and 'Bahn' (track/railway). It literally describes a 'track made of iron' and refers to the rails on which trains travel.
Im 19. Jahrhundert wurde das Eisenbahnnetz in Europa stark ausgebaut.
In the 19th century, the railway network in Europe was greatly expanded.
To express that you use this means of transportation, you often use the phrase 'mit der Eisenbahn fahren' (to travel by railway/train) or 'mit der Eisenbahn reisen' (to travel by railway/train).
Früher sind die Menschen oft mit der Eisenbahn in den Urlaub gefahren.
In the past, people often traveled by railway when going on vacation.
When 'Eisenbahn' (train) means an individual train, it can sound somewhat formal or old-fashioned in some contexts. However, it is still used in timetables or official announcements.
Achtung, die Eisenbahn nach Hamburg hat 15 Minuten Verspätung.
Attention, the train to Hamburg is delayed by 15 minutes.
In the context of toys, 'Eisenbahn' (model train) is often used with 'elektrisch' (electric) or as part of the word 'Modelleisenbahn' (model railway). A typical action is 'mit der Eisenbahn spielen' (to play with the model train).
Mein Opa hat eine große Modelleisenbahn im Keller aufgebaut.
My grandpa has set up a large model railway in the basement.
train / track
Bahn and Eisenbahn can both refer to rail transport, a transport company, or a rail vehicle. Bahn is the usual shorter term today and can, depending on the context, specifically refer to Deutsche Bahn. Eisenbahn explicitly names the railway system and is not limited to this company.
Wegen des Streiks bei der regionalen Eisenbahn fällt meine Verbindung heute aus.
Because of the strike at the regional railway, my connection is canceled today.
Wegen des Streiks bei der Deutschen Bahn fällt meine Verbindung heute aus.
Because of the strike at Deutsche Bahn, my connection is canceled today.
