die U-Bahn
subway
A form of public transportation that usually runs underground and connects larger parts of a city.
EXAMPLE
Mit der U-Bahn komme ich in zehn Minuten zum Hauptbahnhof.
I can get to the main train station by subway in ten minutes.
die U-Bahn
subway
die U-Bahn, die U-Bahnen
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Meanings
die U-Bahn
subway train
An individual train belonging to this form of transportation.
EXAMPLE
Die U-Bahn steht schon am Bahnsteig.
The subway train is already at the platform.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry U-Bahn, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die U-Bahnen |
| genitive | der U-Bahn |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die U-Bahn | die U-Bahnen |
| accusative | die U-Bahn | die U-Bahnen |
| dative | der U-Bahn | den U-Bahnen |
| genitive | der U-Bahn | der U-Bahnen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word formation
The 'U' in 'U-Bahn' stands for 'Untergrund' (underground) and is connected to 'Bahn' with a hyphen. Sections above ground can also be part of the U-Bahn, so the name does not describe every section of the route.
EXAMPLE
In diesem Stadtteil fährt die U-Bahn über der Erde.
In this part of the city, the subway runs above ground.
Typical prepositions
For traveling, 'mit der U-Bahn fahren' (to travel by subway) with the dative is typical. When getting on, 'in die U-Bahn steigen' (to get on the subway) is used with the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Wir fahren heute mit der U-Bahn zum Museum.
We're taking the subway to the museum today.
Am Rathaus steigen wir in die U-Bahn.
At City Hall, we're getting on the subway.
Context clue
Expressions such as 'die nächste U-Bahn' (the next subway train) and the verbs 'einfahren' (to pull in) and 'verpassen' (to miss) usually indicate that an individual train is meant. 'Die nächste U-Bahn' refers to the train that is coming next.
EXAMPLE
Die nächste U-Bahn fährt in zwei Minuten ein.
The next subway train is pulling in in two minutes.
In real life
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