train driver
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train driver
A person whose job is to drive and operate a train or locomotive. The female form is 'die Lokführerin' (female train driver).
Der Lokführer kündigte über die Lautsprecher eine kurze Verzögerung an.
The train driver announced a short delay over the loudspeakers.
The word consists of 'Lok' (short for 'Lokomotive', locomotive) and 'Führer' (from 'führen', here in the sense of 'to control' or 'to drive'). A Lokführer is therefore literally someone who drives the locomotive.
Schon als Kind wollte er Lokführer werden.
Even as a child, he wanted to become a train driver.
The word element '-führer' has a neutral meaning of 'leader' or 'driver' in job titles such as 'Lokführer' (train driver), 'Reiseführer' (tour guide), or 'Bergführer' (mountain guide). Here it has no negative historical connotation.
Der Bergführer zeigte uns den sichersten Weg zum Gipfel.
The mountain guide showed us the safest way to the summit.
Common verbs connected with this profession are 'als Lokführer arbeiten' (to work as a train driver) or 'einen Zug steuern/fahren' (to operate/drive a train). You can also say 'Lokführer von Beruf sein' (to be a train driver by profession).
Er arbeitet seit über 20 Jahren als Lokführer bei der Bahn.
He has worked as a train driver for the railway for over 20 years.
driver
Both words can refer to a person who operates a train. Fahrer remains general and can also be used for other vehicles, while Lokführer refers specifically to the occupation of driving a train. Use Fahrer when the type of vehicle is left open, and Lokführer when the work on the train is meant.
Der Lokführer prüft vor der Abfahrt die Anzeigen im Führerstand.
Before departure, the train driver checks the displays in the driver's cab.
Der Fahrer wartet noch am Bahnsteig, bevor der Zug abfährt.
The driver is still waiting on the platform before the train departs.
