das  Bahnhofsgebäude

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈbaːnhoːfsɡəˌbɔʏ̯də/

What does 'das Bahnhofsgebäude' mean? 🏢

The German word das Bahnhofsgebäude refers to the main building of a train station (Bahnhof). This building typically houses waiting areas (Wartebereiche), ticket counters (Fahrkartenschalter), shops (Geschäfte), and offices (Büros). It's the central architectural structure of a railway facility used for passenger services.

It's a compound noun formed from der Bahnhof (train station) and das Gebäude (building). The grammatical gender (and thus the article) is determined by the last part of the compound word: das Gebäude → das Bahnhofsgebäude.

Grammar Deep Dive: Declining Bahnhofsgebäude

The noun "Bahnhofsgebäude" is neuter. The definite article is therefore das.

Singular

Plural

Example Sentences

• Das alte Bahnhofsgebäude steht unter Denkmalschutz. (The old train station building is a listed building.)
• Im Bahnhofsgebäude gibt es einen Bäcker und einen Zeitschriftenladen. (In the train station building, there is a bakery and a newsagent.)
• Die Architektur vieler Bahnhofsgebäude ist beeindruckend. (The architecture of many train station buildings is impressive.)
• Wir treffen uns vor dem Bahnhofsgebäude. (We'll meet in front of the train station building.)

How to use 'das Bahnhofsgebäude' 🚂

The term Bahnhofsgebäude is used specifically to talk about the physical structure of a train station, as opposed to the entire station area (Bahnhof), which also includes tracks (Gleise), platforms (Bahnsteige), etc.

• Architectural/Real Estate Context: Describing the style, condition, or use of the building. (e.g., „Die Renovierung des Bahnhofsgebäudes beginnt nächste Woche.“ - The renovation of the train station building starts next week.)
• Travel/Meeting Point Context: Used as a point of reference. (e.g., „Der Eingang befindet sich im Hauptteil des Bahnhofsgebäudes.“ - The entrance is in the main part of the train station building.)
• Distinction: It's often distinguished from 'Bahnhof' (station as a whole) or specific parts like 'Bahnsteig' (platform) or 'Gleis' (track).

Mnemonics to help you remember 🤔

Article Mnemonic: Remember the rule for German compound nouns: the gender is determined by the LAST noun. Gebäude (building) is neuter (das Gebäude). Therefore, Bahnhofsgebäude is also neuter (das Bahnhofsgebäude). Think of other buildings: das Haus (house), das Rathaus (city hall) – many buildings are 'das'.

Meaning Mnemonic: Break it down: Bahnhof (train station) + Gebäude (building). Imagine a building specifically for the train station's functions – that's the Bahnhofsgebäude.

Related terms: Synonyms & More ↔️

Synonyms

• Empfangsgebäude: (Reception building) - Often used synonymously, emphasizing the function of receiving passengers.

Similar Terms (but not synonyms!)

• Bahnhof: (Train station) - Refers to the entire complex (building, tracks, platforms). Das Bahnhofsgebäude is part of the Bahnhof.
• Hauptbahnhof (Hbf): (Main station) - The most important station in a city. Usually refers to the whole station, but can imply the main building.
• Haltestelle/Haltepunkt: (Stop/Stopping point) - A simpler station, often without a dedicated building (Bahnhofsgebäude).

Antonyms (conceptual)

• There isn't a direct antonym. Conceptually, you might contrast it with places that aren't central arrival/departure buildings, like an Außenbahnsteig (outdoor platform) or simply freies Feld (open field).

Time for a little Station Joke 😄

Warum nehmen Geister keine Züge?

Sie haben Angst vor den Weichen!

Translation: Why don't ghosts take trains? They're afraid of the switches/points! (It's a pun: 'Weiche' means track switch, but 'weichen' also means to yield or give way, and ghosts might be thought of as yielding/insubstantial). Okay, less about the building, more about the station itself! 😉

A Poem about the Bahnhofsgebäude 📜

Imposant und oft schon alt,
das Bahnhofsgebäude, kalt und bald
erfüllt von Stimmen, laut und leis,
Startpunkt mancher Lebensreis'.
Unter seinem hohen Dach,
hält man kurz die Zeit in Schach.
Fenster groß und Mauern fest,
ein Ort, der keinen Gast verlässt,
ohne Ziel und neue Spur,
ein Haus der Reise, pur.

Translation:
Imposing and often old,
the train station building, cold and soon
filled with voices, loud and low,
starting point of many life's journeys.
Under its high roof,
one briefly holds time in check.
Windows large and walls firm,
a place that leaves no guest,
without destination and new track,
a house of travel, pure.

Can you solve this Riddle? ❓

Ich habe Türen, doch kein Schloss,
bin oft ein riesiger Koloss.
Züge fahren bei mir ein und aus,
ich bin des Bahnhofs festes Haus.

Was bin ich?

Translation:
I have doors, but no lock,
I am often a huge colossus.
Trains arrive and depart near me,
I am the station's solid house.

What am I?

Solution: Das Bahnhofsgebäude (The train station building)

Interesting Facts and Composition 🧩

Word Composition

The word "Bahnhofsgebäude" is a compound noun:

• Bahnhof: Train station (originally from Bahn 'track/railway' + Hof 'courtyard/yard').
• -s-: A linking 's' (Fugen-s), often used to connect nouns in German compounds.
• Gebäude: Building.

Together, it means: The building belonging to the train station.

Trivia

• Many historic Bahnhofsgebäude in Germany are architecturally significant, reflecting the styles of their era (e.g., Historicism, Art Nouveau).
• They are often central landmarks in cities and important transport hubs.
• The use of Bahnhofsgebäude is evolving; besides travel functions, they often house shopping centers, restaurants, or cultural venues.