der
Fahrplan
📖 What does "der Fahrplan" mean?
Der Fahrplan (noun, masculine) refers to a detailed timetable or schedule showing the departure and arrival times of public transport such as trains (Züge), buses (Busse), trams (Straßenbahnen), or ferries (Fähren). It specifies when and where a mode of transport operates.
- Main meaning: A chronological list of transport connections.
- Figurative meaning (less common): A schedule or timeline for a project or undertaking (though Zeitplan or Ablaufplan are more commonly used here).
🚨 Important: The word is always masculine: der Fahrplan.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-an → almost always masculine.
Caution: Most country names in German do not have an article and are neutral. You say "nach" plus country, like "nach Japan". But some countries have an article, for example "der Sudan". Then you say "in den" plus the country, like "in den Sudan".
🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Fahrplan
The noun "Fahrplan" is masculine. Here is its declension:
Singular Declension
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Fahrplan |
| Genitive | des | Fahrplan(e)s |
| Dative | dem | Fahrplan(e) |
| Accusative | den | Fahrplan |
Plural Declension
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Fahrpläne |
| Genitive | der | Fahrpläne |
| Dative | den | Fahrplänen |
| Accusative | die | Fahrpläne |
Example Sentences
- Ich muss den Fahrplan für den Zug nach Berlin überprüfen.
I need to check the timetable for the train to Berlin. - Laut Fahrplan sollte der Bus um 10:15 Uhr kommen.
According to the schedule, the bus should arrive at 10:15 AM. - Die Änderungen des Fahrplans sind online verfügbar.
The changes to the timetable are available online. - Wir orientieren uns an den ausgehängten Fahrplänen am Bahnhof.
We use the timetables posted at the station for orientation.
💡 How to use "der Fahrplan"?
"Der Fahrplan" is primarily used in the context of public passenger transport.
- Typical contexts: Train stations (Bahnhöfe), bus stops (Bushaltestellen), travel planning, discussions about punctuality (Pünktlichkeit) or changes in service.
- Reference: Refers to a fixed, published schedule.
- Distinction: While a Zeitplan more generally sets out a sequence (e.g., for a project), a Fahrplan specifically refers to modes of transport. A Kursbuch is often a (formerly printed) collection of timetables, usually for trains.
- Digital Form: Nowadays, timetables are often available digitally via apps or websites ("Online-Fahrplan", "digitale Fahrplanauskunft").
Common phrases include den Fahrplan lesen (to read the timetable), studieren (to study), konsultieren (to consult), or sich nach dem Fahrplan richten (to follow the timetable).
🧠 Mnemonics for "der Fahrplan"
Article Mnemonic
Think of *DER* conductor, *DER* engine driver... they follow *DER* Plan. The plan is *masculine*, like *der* boss of the schedule. It's *der Fahrplan*.
Meaning Mnemonic
A plan for *Fahr*en (driving/traveling) - that's easy, it's the *Fahrplan*! It tells you when your *fahr*t (journey) begins.
🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
- Zeitplan: More general schedule, can also apply to projects etc.
- Kursbuch: Often a (formerly printed) collection of timetables, mostly for trains.
- Streckenplan: Route map, focuses more on the route but may include times.
- Abfahrtsplan / Ankunftsplan: Departure / Arrival schedule, focuses on departures/arrivals at a specific location.
- Verkehrsplan: Transport plan, broader term, can include road planning etc.
Antonyms (Opposite Concepts)
Direct antonyms are rare, but contrasting concepts include:
- Verspätung: Delay (deviation from the timetable).
- Ausfall: Cancellation (a scheduled trip doesn't happen).
- Unregelmäßigkeit / Störung: Irregularity / Disruption (transport not running according to plan).
- Spontanität / Flexibilität: Spontaneity / Flexibility (the opposite of a fixed plan).
⚠️ Similar Words
- Fahrkarte: The ticket authorizing travel (not the schedule).
- Fahrrinne: The navigable channel in a waterway.
😄 A Little Joke
Warum nehmen Skelette keinen Zug?
Weil sie keinen Fahrplan haben... sie warten auf den Leichenwagen! 😉
Why don't skeletons take the train?
Because they don't have a Fahrplan (timetable)... they wait for the hearse! 😉
📜 Poem about the Fahrplan
Der Zug, der Bus, die Tram so schnell,
wer sagt uns, wann, wer fährt zur Stell'?
Ein Blick genügt, es ist ganz klar,
der Fahrplan ist für alle da.
Er zeigt die Zeit, den Weg, das Ziel,
mit ihm erreicht man sehr viel.
Ob früh am Morgen, spät zur Nacht,
der Plan hat alles wohl durchdacht.
--- English Translation ---
The train, the bus, the tram so fast,
who tells us when, whose journey's cast?
A single glance, it's clear to see,
the timetable's there for you and me.
It shows the time, the way, the goal,
with it, you reach and play your role.
Whether early morn or late at night,
the plan has thought it all out right.
🧩 Riddle
Ich habe Zeiten, aber keine Uhr.
Ich zeige Wege, doch ich reise nicht selber, nur.
Ich helfe Pendlern, Touristen, Groß und Klein,
pünktlich am Bahnhof oder an der Haltestelle zu sein.
Was bin ich?
--- English Translation ---
I have times, but no clock.
I show ways, but I don't travel myself, not a jot.
I help commuters, tourists, big and small,
to be on time at the station or the stop for the call.
What am I?
Solution: Der Fahrplan (The timetable/schedule)
✨ Other Information
Word Composition
The word "Fahrplan" is a compound noun, composed of:
So, it literally means a "plan for traveling".
Related Terms
- Flugplan: Flight schedule (equivalent for airplanes).
- Fahrplanwechsel: Timetable changeover (often seasonal, when new schedules become valid).
- Fahrplanauskunft: Timetable information service (often digital) for finding specific connections.
Summary: is it der, die or das Fahrplan?
The German word "Fahrplan" is always masculine. The correct article is der Fahrplan. The plural form is die Fahrpläne.