der  Lokführer

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈloːkfʏːʁɐ/

🚂 What exactly is a 'Lokführer'?

Der Lokführer (masculine) is a person whose job is to drive a locomotive and thus a train. In German, it refers specifically to a train driver or engine driver. It's a recognized apprenticeship profession (Ausbildungsberuf) in the railway sector (Eisenbahnwesen).

The main task of a Lokführer is the safe and punctual operation of passenger or freight trains. This includes operating the controls (Steuerelemente), observing signals (Signale) and schedules (Fahrpläne), and performing minor technical checks.

Important: Der Lokführer traditionally refers to a male person. The female form is die Lokführerin.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📊 Grammar of 'Lokführer' in Detail

The noun "Lokführer" is masculine, so its article is der. It follows the weak N-declension pattern (schwache N-Deklination) in the plural and in the dative/accusative singular, but has a strong genitive singular ending (-s).

Example Sentences 📝

• Der Lokführer wartete auf das Abfahrtssignal. (The train driver waited for the departure signal.)
• Die Sicherheit der Fahrgäste liegt in der Verantwortung des Lokführers. (The safety of the passengers is the responsibility of the train driver.)
• Dem Lokführer wurde für seine schnelle Reaktion gedankt. (The train driver was thanked for his quick reaction.)
• Die Polizei befragte den Lokführer nach dem Vorfall. (The police questioned the train driver after the incident.)
• Viele Kinder träumen davon, Lokführer zu werden. (Many children dream of becoming train drivers.)
• Die Gewerkschaft vertritt die Interessen der Lokführer. (The union represents the interests of the train drivers.)

🚦 When to use 'Lokführer'

The term "Lokführer" is specifically used for the profession of a train driver. It's widely used and understood in German-speaking countries.

• Job Title: The most common use is as the job title. Example: "Er arbeitet als Lokführer bei der Deutschen Bahn." (He works as a train driver for Deutsche Bahn.)
• Everyday Language: The term is also used in everyday conversation when talking about trains and railway staff. Example: "Der Lokführer hat eine Durchsage gemacht." (The train driver made an announcement.)
• Distinction: Historically, a distinction was sometimes made between drivers of steam locomotives and electric or diesel ones. Today, "Lokführer" is the general term. A more modern, technical term is Triebfahrzeugführer/in, which covers drivers of all types of rail vehicles.
• Gender Note: Remember to use "die Lokführerin" for female drivers or use neutral phrasing like "das Lokpersonal" (the train crew) or "die Person, die den Zug führt" (the person driving the train) when the gender is unknown or irrelevant.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Think of der Mann (the man) who führt (drives/leads) the Lok (locomotive). Masculine jobs often take "der". Remember der Lokführer.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine a Lok-omotive wearing a leader's hat (like a Führer) and whistling as it speeds away. The Lok has a Führer = Lokführer (train driver).

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar, but Different Words

• Lokführerstand: The driver's cab in the locomotive.
• Lokführung: The act or task of driving a locomotive.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der kleine Max seinen Vater: "Papa, warum pfeifen die Lokführer immer, bevor der Zug losfährt?"

Antwortet der Vater: "Damit die Schienen wissen, dass sie aus dem Weg gehen sollen!" 😄

Translation:

Little Max asks his father: "Dad, why do train drivers always whistle before the train departs?"

The father replies: "So the tracks know they should get out of the way!" 😄

📜 Poem about the 'Lokführer'

Auf Schienenwegen, lang und weit,
Steht der Lokführer stets bereit.
Mit Hebelkraft und wachem Blick,
Bringt er den Zug zurück ins Glück.

Durch Nacht und Nebel, Sturm und Wind,
Fährt er geschwind, geschwind, geschwind.
Ein wichtiger Mann, das ist doch klar,
Der Held der Schiene, Jahr für Jahr.

Translation:

On railway tracks, long and wide,
The train driver stands ready inside.
With lever's power and watchful eye,
He brings the train back, reaching high.

Through night and fog, through storm and breeze,
He swiftly drives among the trees.
A vital man, it's clear to see,
The hero of the rails, annually.

❓ Who am I? A Riddle

Ich sitze vorn in Stahl und Glas,
Geb' auf den Schienen kräftig Gas.
Ich kenne Signale, rot und grün,
Und sorge dafür, dass Züge zieh'n.
Ich trage Uniform, mal blau, mal rot,
Und bringe Menschen durch Stadt und Schrot.

Wer bin ich? (Auflösung: Der Lokführer)

Translation:

I sit up front in steel and glass,
On rails, I make the engine pass.
I know the signals, red and green,
And make sure that the trains convene.
I wear a uniform, sometimes blue or red,
And take people through towns and fields widespread.

Who am I? (Answer: The train driver / Der Lokführer)

💡 More Information

Word Composition

The word "Lokführer" is a compound noun, formed from:

• Die Lok: Short for "Lokomotive" (from Latin locus = place, spot and motivus = moving).
• Der Führer: Leader, guide, driver (from Old High German fuoren = to lead, guide).

So, literally: Someone who leads/drives the locomotive.

Trivia

• The job of a Lokführer requires high levels of concentration and responsibility.
• In Germany, the apprenticeship to become a Lokführer (often officially called Eisenbahner im Betriebsdienst, Fachrichtung Lokführer und Transport) usually takes three years.
• Lokführer must undergo regular health and aptitude tests.