timetable / roadmap
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timetable
A schedule that shows the departure and arrival times of public transportation such as buses, trains, or ferries.
Laut Fahrplan sollte der nächste Bus in fünf Minuten kommen.
According to the timetable, the next bus should arrive in five minutes.
'Der Fahrplan' (timetable) is a compound noun made up of 'Fahr-' (from the verb 'fahren' — to travel/go by vehicle) and 'der Plan' (the plan). So literally, it is a plan that shows when something travels.
Ohne Fahrplan wüsste ich nicht, wann der Zug abfährt.
Without a timetable, I wouldn't know when the train departs.
In connection with public transportation, 'Fahrplan' (timetable) is often used with verbs such as 'nachsehen' (to check), 'lesen' (to read), 'studieren' (to study), or 'herunterladen' (to download). You can also 'sich an den Fahrplan halten' (stick to the timetable).
Ich muss kurz im Fahrplan nachsehen, ob der Bus heute anders fährt.
I need to quickly check the timetable to see whether the bus is running differently today.
The expression 'nach Fahrplan' means 'on time' or 'as planned.' It is often used to say that a means of transportation is punctual.
Trotz des schlechten Wetters fuhr der Zug genau nach Fahrplan.
Despite the bad weather, the train ran exactly on schedule.
In its figurative meaning, 'Fahrplan' (roadmap) is used for projects, political plans, or personal goals. It then describes a planned sequence of steps.
Die neue Direktorin stellte ihren Fahrplan für die nächsten Monate vor.
The new director presented her roadmap for the coming months.
agenda
'die Agenda' and 'der Fahrplan' can both refer to a planned order. 'Agenda' is used for topics in a meeting or for the goals and plans of a person or group. 'Fahrplan' is first of all the timetable for buses, trains, or other means of transport. Figuratively, 'Fahrplan' can also mean a roadmap with steps and times. The risk of confusion comes from the fact that both words occur in contexts of planning and sequence. For a meeting, 'Agenda' usually fits; for transport or a timed sequence, 'Fahrplan' is more likely.
Am Bahnhof schaut Lisa auf den Fahrplan, weil ihr Zug Verspätung hat.
At the station, Lisa looks at the timetable because her train is delayed.
Unsere Agenda für morgen enthält nur zwei kurze Themen.
Our agenda for tomorrow contains only two short topics.