die
Fußgängerbrücke
🚶♀️ What does 'die Fußgängerbrücke' mean?
Die Fußgängerbrücke (feminine noun) refers to a bridge designed specifically or exclusively for pedestrians to safely cross obstacles such as roads, railway lines, rivers, or valleys.
It serves the safety and convenience of pedestrians by separating foot traffic from vehicular traffic or overcoming impassable areas.
Since the base word 'die Brücke' (the bridge) is feminine, the compound word 'die Fußgängerbrücke' is also feminine.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-e/-ee → almost always feminine.
There are many -e nouns, many of which are feminine, but there are also some important exceptions.
📐 Grammar and Declension: die Fußgängerbrücke
The word 'Fußgängerbrücke' is a feminine noun. The article is 'die'.
Declension Table
| Case | Definite Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (subject) | die | Fußgängerbrücke |
| Genitive (possessive) | der | Fußgängerbrücke |
| Dative (indirect object) | der | Fußgängerbrücke |
| Accusative (direct object) | die | Fußgängerbrücke |
| Case | Definite Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Fußgängerbrücken |
| Genitive | der | Fußgängerbrücken |
| Dative | den | Fußgängerbrücken |
| Accusative | die | Fußgängerbrücken |
Example Sentences
- Wir überquerten die stark befahrene Straße über die Fußgängerbrücke.
(We crossed the busy road via the pedestrian bridge.) - Der Bau der Fußgängerbrücke dauerte mehrere Monate.
(The construction of the pedestrian bridge took several months.) - Vom Aussichtspunkt auf der Fußgängerbrücke hat man einen tollen Blick.
(From the viewpoint on the pedestrian bridge, you have a great view.) - Die Stadt plant den Bau neuer Fußgängerbrücken im Zentrum.
(The city is planning the construction of new pedestrian bridges in the center.)
💡 How to use 'die Fußgängerbrücke'?
'Die Fußgängerbrücke' is used to specifically name a bridge structure intended for foot traffic. You often find them:
- Over busy roads or motorways for safe crossing.
- Over rivers, canals, or railway tracks where crossing at ground level is not possible or safe.
- In parks, recreational areas, or at events to direct visitor flows.
- As an architectural element in cities or landscapes.
Unlike a general 'Brücke' (which can also be for vehicles) or an 'Überführung' (overpass, which can also refer to vehicles), the 'Fußgängerbrücke' is explicitly meant for people on foot (sometimes also permitted for cyclists).
🧠 Mnemonics
Article Mnemonic: The base word is 'die Brücke' (the bridge), which is feminine. Think of a bridge as often being elegant and curved, like 'die' (she/her) in German. Even though pedestrians ('Fußgänger', grammatically often masculine but referring to all genders) walk on it, the bridge itself remains 'die' Brücke. So: die Fußgängerbrücke.
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine your Füße (feet) as a Gänger (walker) going over a Brücke (bridge). It’s a bridge just for pedestrians! 🚶♀️🌉🚶♂️
🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- der Fußgängersteg: Very similar, often used for smaller or lighter structures ('Steg' means catwalk or jetty).
- die Passerelle (technical/Swiss): An often elegant, light crossing for pedestrians.
- die Überführung / der Überweg: Can mean a pedestrian bridge, but the term is more general and can also apply to roads passing over something else (overpass).
Antonyms (opposite meaning):
- die Unterführung: Underpass (goes under an obstacle).
- der Zebrastreifen / der Fußgängerüberweg (FGÜ): Zebra crossing / pedestrian crossing (at ground level).
- die Furt: Ford (shallow place to cross water, not built).
Similar but potentially misleading words:
😄 A Little Joke
Warum hat die Fußgängerbrücke gute Laune?
(Why is the pedestrian bridge in a good mood?)
Weil sie immer über den Dingen steht!
(Because it always stands above things! / Because it's always above it all!) 😉
📜 Poem about the Fußgängerbrücke
Hoch über Lärm und Autoreih'n,
führt sicher sie, bei Sonnenschein.
Die Fußgängerbrücke, stolz und fest,
gibt müden Füßen einen Rastplatz fast.
Ein Bogen kühn, ein fester Tritt,
bringt uns ans Ziel, Schritt für Schritt.
--- English Translation ---
High above noise and rows of cars,
it leads safely, under sun and stars.
The pedestrian bridge, proud and strong,
almost gives tired feet a place to belong.
A bold arch, a steady tread,
takes us to our goal, step ahead.
❓ Riddle
Ich habe keinen Fluss zu tragen,
doch helfe ich bei Alltagsplagen.
Ich führe dich hoch über Straßen,
damit die Autos dich nicht erfassen.
Wer bin ich?
--- English Translation ---
I have no river to bear,
but I help with daily care.
I lead you high above the street,
so cars won't knock you off your feet.
Who am I?
(Solution: die Fußgängerbrücke / the pedestrian bridge)
🧩 Other Information
Word Composition:
The word 'Fußgängerbrücke' is a compound noun, composed of:
- der Fußgänger: Pedestrian (person who goes on foot, derived from 'Fuß' (foot) + 'gehen' (to go) + suffix '-er')
- die Brücke: Bridge (structure for crossing obstacles).
Trivia:
- Some pedestrian bridges are architectural landmarks.
- There are also covered pedestrian bridges ('überdachte Fußgängerbrücken') offering protection from the weather.
- In some cities, pedestrian bridges known as 'Skywalks' connect buildings at upper levels.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Fußgängerbrücke?
The correct article for Fußgängerbrücke is die. So, the full phrase is die Fußgängerbrücke (feminine). The plural is die Fußgängerbrücken.