die Fahrkarte di FAR-kar-te
the train ticket
“Die Fahrkarte” = the ticket (also: “das Ticket”, “die Fahrt”). You get it at the counter (“am Schalter”), from a machine (“am Automaten”) or in the DB Navigator app. The machine is often cheaper and queue-free.
das Gleis das GLAIS
the platform / track
“Das Gleis” = the track/platform (numbered: “Gleis 7”). Watch out for “Gleis 7a / 7b” — same platform, two sections. Platform sections are marked with letters (A–G) so you know where to stand for your carriage.
der ICE der I-Țe-E
the high-speed train
“ICE” (InterCityExpress) = Deutsche Bahn's high-speed train, up to 300 km/h. “IC” = normal intercity. “RE” (Regional-Express) and “RB” (Regionalbahn) = regional trains, slower and cheaper, with frequent stops.
hin und zurück hin unt țu-RÜK
round trip / return
“Hin und zurück” = round trip; “einfache Fahrt” (or “einfach”) = one way only. On fast trains, a return ticket isn't always cheaper than two singles — with a “Sparpreis” (saver fare, tied to a specific train) buying separately is often better.
die Verspätung di fer-ȘPÄ-tung
the delay
“Verspätung” = delay — an eternal source of jokes about Deutsche Bahn. From 60 minutes late you get 25% back, from 120 minutes 50% (the “Fahrgastrechte” passenger-rights form). “Pünktlich” = on time.
ScenaLingua
