der  Bahnsteig

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈbaːnʃtaɪ̯k/

🚉 What Exactly is a Bahnsteig?

A Bahnsteig (masculine, article der) is a raised platform in a train station or at a stop (especially for trains, S-Bahn, U-Bahn), running parallel to the tracks (Gleise). It allows passengers to safely and comfortably board and alight from trains.

Sometimes a Bahnsteig is identified by a number or letter (e.g., "Bahnsteig 3", "Bahnsteig 7A"). The height of the Bahnsteig is often adjusted to the entry height of the trains.

🚨 Attention: Don't confuse it with the Gleis, which is the track itself that the train runs on. The Bahnsteig is next to the Gleis.

📊 Grammar in Detail: Der Bahnsteig

The word "Bahnsteig" is a masculine noun. Its article is der.

📖 Example Sentences

1. Der Zug nach Berlin fährt von Bahnsteig 5 ab.
   The train to Berlin departs from platform 5.
2. Wir warten auf dem Bahnsteig auf unsere Freunde.
   We are waiting on the platform for our friends.
3. Bitte betreten Sie den Bahnsteig erst nach Einfahrt des Zuges.
   Please enter the platform only after the train has arrived.
4. Die Länge des Bahnsteiges ist für den ICE ausreichend.
   The length of the platform is sufficient for the ICE train.
5. An diesem Bahnhof gibt es mehrere Bahnsteige.
   There are several platforms at this station.

💡 How to Use "Bahnsteig"

"Bahnsteig" is primarily used in the context of rail transport (Züge, S-Bahn, U-Bahn).

• Typical Situations: Waiting for a train, saying goodbye to or meeting travelers, finding your way around the station (Bahnhof).
• Location: You are auf dem Bahnsteig (dative case) - on the platform. You go zum Bahnsteig (dative) or auf den Bahnsteig (accusative - indicating direction) - to the platform.
• Distinction from Gleis: The Gleis is the track number where the train stops (e.g., "Gleis 4"). Often, the platform number corresponds to the track number or encompasses multiple tracks (e.g., "Bahnsteig 2/3" for a center platform between tracks 2 and 3). However, announcements usually say: "Der Zug fährt ein auf Gleis 4" (The train is arriving on track 4). You then wait on the corresponding Bahnsteig.
• Distinction from Bushaltestelle: For buses, you use die Bushaltestelle (bus stop) or der Bussteig (bus platform, less common).

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic (der): Think of der Mann (the man) who steigt (climbs/steps) onto the platform for the Bahn (train). Masculine actor for a masculine noun.

Meaning Mnemonic: A "Bahnsteig" is where you steig (step/climb) to get onto the Bahn (train/railway).

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but Different Words

• Bürgersteig/Gehsteig: Sidewalk/pavement for pedestrians next to a street.
• Steg: A narrow bridge or jetty (often near water).
• Bussteig: Similar to Bahnsteig, but for buses (at bus terminals).

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt ein Reisender den Schaffner: "Entschuldigen Sie, hält dieser Zug auch in Kleinkleckersdorf?"

Schaffner: "Nein, da fahren wir nur vorbei."

Reisender: "Oh, schade. Halten Sie denn wenigstens kurz am Bahnsteig an?"

Translation:

A traveler asks the conductor: "Excuse me, does this train also stop in Smalltownville?"

Conductor: "No, we only pass through there."

Traveler: "Oh, too bad. Do you at least stop briefly at the platform?"

📜 Poem about the Bahnsteig

Der Bahnsteig wartet

Auf dem grauen Stein, so lang, wartet mancher, Stund' um Stund'. Koffer stehen, schwer und bang, tun die nächsten Ziele kund.

Lichter spiegeln, Neon kalt, Ansage durch Lautsprecher schallt. Ein Pfeifen naht, der Zug rollt bald, an diesem Ort, dem Bahnsteig halt.

Translation: The Platform Waits

On the grey stone, so long, many wait, hour by hour. Suitcases stand, heavy and anxious, announcing the next destinations.

Lights reflect, neon cold, announcement sounds through loudspeakers. A whistle approaches, the train will soon roll, to this place, the platform halt.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich liege neben Schienensträngen, doch bewege mich nie von hier. Auf mir Menschenmengen drängen, wenn ein Zug hält, glaube mir! Man steigt ein, man steigt hier aus, bevor die Reise geht nach Haus.

Was bin ich?

Translation:

I lie next to railway tracks, but never move from here. Crowds of people throng on me, when a train stops, believe me! People get on, people get off here, before the journey home is near.

What am I?

Solution: Der Bahnsteig (The platform)

🧩 Word Puzzle & Trivia

Word Composition

The word "Bahnsteig" is a compound noun, composed of:

• Die Bahn: Short for Eisenbahn (railway) or other rail-based transport.
• Der Steig: Here means something like raised path, platform, or place of boarding (from the verb 'steigen' - to climb/step/board).

Trivia

• The longest platform in Germany is said to be at Hanover Central Station (Hannover Hauptbahnhof) - platform 10/11 measuring 706 meters.
• Some historic train stations feature particularly ornate platform halls.