signal box
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signal box
A technical facility on the railway from which points and signals for a specific track area are set and monitored in order to guide train traffic safely.
Wegen einer Störung im Stellwerk kommt es heute zu erheblichen Verspätungen im Bahnverkehr.
Because of a fault in the signal box, there are significant delays in rail traffic today.
The word is made up of the verb 'stellen' (to set) and the noun 'Werk' (here in the sense of technical facility). A 'Stellwerk' (signal box) is therefore a facility with which points and signals are 'gestellt' (set).
Von diesem zentralen Stellwerk aus wird der gesamte Bahnhof gesteuert.
The entire station is controlled from this central signal box.
The most common combination you will hear in everyday life is 'Störung im Stellwerk' (fault in the signal box). This is a standard railway announcement used to explain delays or train cancellations.
Sehr geehrte Fahrgäste, wegen einer Störung im Stellwerk hat unser Zug zurzeit 20 Minuten Verspätung.
Dear passengers, due to a fault in the signal box, our train is currently delayed by 20 minutes.
The word 'Stellwerk' (signal box) is used exclusively in the context of railways and rail transport. It is a technical term, but one that most people in Germany know.
Moderne digitale Stellwerke können den Zugverkehr viel effizienter leiten als alte mechanische.
Modern digital signal boxes can manage train traffic much more efficiently than old mechanical ones.
dispatch center
'die Leitstelle' and 'das Stellwerk' both have to do with directing and coordinating. However, a 'Leitstelle' is a central office that organizes operations or processes, for example for the fire department, emergency services, police, or local public transportation. A 'Stellwerk' belongs to the railway system and is a technical facility used to set points and signals for trains. The words can be confused because both can guide traffic safely. 'Leitstelle' is more natural when people and operations are being coordinated. 'Stellwerk' fits specifically with railways and with tracks, points, and signals.
Wegen einer Störung im Stellwerk mussten mehrere Züge warten.
Because of a fault in the signal box, several trains had to wait.
Nach dem Unfall schickte die Leitstelle sofort einen Rettungswagen los.
After the accident, the dispatch center immediately sent out an ambulance.