die  Bergstation

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈbɛʁkˌʃtaːt͡si̯oːn/

🚠 What exactly is a Bergstation?

The German word die Bergstation (feminine, article 'die') refers to the upper station or top terminal of a mountain railway, such as a cable car (Seilbahn), gondola lift (Gondelbahn), chairlift (Sesselbahn), or funicular (Standseilbahn). It is typically located on a mountain or in an elevated position and serves as the disembarking and often also boarding point for passengers.

The opposite is the Talstation, which is located in the valley or at the foot of the mountain.

🚨 There are no other articles or significant different meanings for this word. It's always 'die Bergstation'.

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Die Bergstation

The word 'Bergstation' is a feminine noun. The article is always die.

Declension Singular

Here is the declension of 'die Bergstation' in the singular:

Declension Plural

Here is the declension of 'die Bergstation' in the plural:

💡 Example Sentences

• Die Aussicht von der Bergstation ist atemberaubend.
  The view from the mountain station is breathtaking.
• Wir treffen uns um 14 Uhr an der Bergstation der Gondelbahn.
  We'll meet at 2 p.m. at the mountain station of the gondola lift.
• Der Wanderweg beginnt direkt neben der Bergstation.
  The hiking trail starts right next to the mountain station.
• Wegen starkem Wind sind heute alle Bergstationen im Skigebiet geschlossen.
  Due to strong winds, all mountain stations in the ski resort are closed today.

🗺️ How and When to Use 'Bergstation'?

The term 'Bergstation' is primarily used in the context of mountain railways (Bergbahnen) and tourism in mountain regions.

• Typical Contexts: Skiing, hiking, mountain excursions, visiting panoramic viewpoints.
• Function: It marks the upper destination of a transport facility on the mountain. Often, there are also restaurants, viewing platforms, or starting points for further activities located there.
• Opposite: The direct counterpart is the Talstation (valley station).
• Related Terms: Seilbahn (cable car), Gondel (gondola), Sessellift (chairlift), Standseilbahn (funicular), Gipfelstation (summit station - sometimes used synonymously if the station is right on the summit).

You use 'die Bergstation' when referring to the specific building or location at the upper end of a mountain lift.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Remembering the Article 'die'

Think of a queen (feminine, like 'die') reigning at her Station on top of the Berg (mountain). Die Queen = die Station = die Bergstation.

Remembering the Meaning

Where does a railway make a Station on the Berg (mountain)? At the top! That's the Bergstation.

↔️ Opposites and Similarities

⚠️ Similar but Different Terms

• Bahnhof: Typically used for trains ('train station'), not generally for mountain railways (although a funicular might start near one).
• Haltestelle: A general term for a 'stop' (bus, tram). 'Bergstation' is specific to mountain lifts.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt ein Tourist an der Talstation: "Entschuldigen Sie, wie lange dauert die Fahrt zur Bergstation?"
Antwortet der Mitarbeiter: "Nach oben oder nach unten?"

A tourist asks at the valley station: "Excuse me, how long does the ride to the mountain station take?"
The employee replies: "Going up or coming down?"

📜 Poem about the Bergstation

Die Gondel schwebt, das Tal wird klein,
dem Himmel entgegen, so soll es sein.
Hoch auf dem Gipfel, im Sonnenschein,
wartet sie schon, adrett und fein.
Mit Panoramablick, klar und rein –
die Bergstation lädt zum Verweilen ein.

The gondola floats, the valley shrinks small,
Towards the sky, answering nature's call.
High on the summit, in sunshine tall,
It waits already, neat for all.
With panoramic views, standing enthrall' –
The Bergstation invites you to stall.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin das Ziel hoch oben im Land,
erreicht per Seil, aus Menschenhand.
Im Tal mein Gegenstück bekannt,
von mir aus blickst du übern Rand.

Was bin ich?→ Die Bergstation

I am the goal high up in the land,
Reached by cable, by human hand.
In the valley, my counterpart is known,
From me, you gaze over vistas shown.

What am I?
→ The Bergstation (Mountain Station)

🧩 Other Interesting Details

Word Composition

The word 'Bergstation' is a compound noun, composed of:

• Berg (der): Refers to the geographical location ('mountain').
• Station (die): Refers to a stop or terminal of a transport line ('station').

The compound follows the German grammar rule where the gender is determined by the last noun ('die Station'), hence 'die Bergstation'.

Trivia

Many mountain stations are architectural highlights, offering restaurants, museums, or shops in addition to their transport function. The highest mountain station in Europe is the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise station in Zermatt, Switzerland, at an altitude of 3,883 meters (12,740 feet).