conductor
der Schaffner, die Schaffner
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conductor
A person who checks and sells tickets on public transportation such as trains, trams, or buses.
Der Schaffner ging durch den Waggon und rief: „Die Fahrkarten, bitte!“
The conductor walked through the carriage and called out, “Tickets, please!”
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Schaffner |
| genitive | des Schaffners |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Schaffner | die Schaffner |
| accusative | den Schaffner | die Schaffner |
| dative | dem Schaffner | den Schaffnern |
| genitive | des Schaffners | der Schaffner |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The word 'Schaffner' (conductor) is derived from the verb 'schaffen' (to create/manage), which here can be understood in the sense of 'Ordnung schaffen' (to create order) or 'etwas regeln' (to organize something). So the conductor is the person who maintains order on the train and takes care of ticket matters.
Früher hatte jeder Zug einen Schaffner, der für Ordnung sorgte.
In the past, every train had a conductor who maintained order.
A 'Schaffner' (conductor) is typically found on public transportation. Common verbs in this context are 'Fahrkarten kontrollieren' (to check tickets) or 'Fahrkarten verkaufen' (to sell tickets).
Der Schaffner kontrolliert in diesem Abteil die Tickets.
The conductor is checking the tickets in this compartment.
Today, the word 'Schaffner' (conductor) is used mainly in everyday language for staff on regional trains, buses, and trams. In many modern forms of transportation, this role no longer exists.
In der alten Straßenbahn gab es noch einen Schaffner, bei dem man die Fahrkarte kaufen konnte.
In the old tram, there was still a conductor from whom you could buy a ticket.
train conductor / platoon leader
A Schaffner checks or sells tickets. By contrast, the Zugführer is responsible for the train and manages the operational procedures on board. Schaffner is therefore the appropriate term for checking tickets, while Zugführer refers to the managerial role.
Der Schaffner kontrolliert während der Fahrt die Fahrkarten der Reisenden.
During the journey, the conductor checks the passengers’ tickets.
Der Zugführer koordiniert während der Fahrt die betrieblichen Abläufe an Bord.
During the journey, the train conductor coordinates the operational procedures on board.
