Appearance
Vocab: Travel — B1
Travel vocabulary at B1 level.
Maskulin Feminin Neutrum Plural
das Andenken — memory, remembrance; souvenir, memento
In this sense, das Andenken is usually a person's memory or a memorial remembrance. The phrase das Andenken an someone uses an with the accusative.
Das Andenken an meine Großmutter ist mir wichtig.
The memory of my grandmother is important to me.
meine Großmutter means my grandmother, and wichtig means important. Das Andenken is nominative because it is the subject; mir is dative with wichtig sein, and an meine Großmutter uses accusative after an for this fixed association.
Ich bewahre das Andenken an meinen Vater.
I preserve the memory of my father.
bewahren means to preserve or keep, and mein Vater means my father. das Andenken is accusative because bewahren takes an accusative object; the phrase an meinen Vater uses accusative after an in this meaning.
Wir widmen dem Andenken der Opfer eine Kerze.
We dedicate a candle to the memory of the victims.
widmen means to dedicate, die Opfer means the victims, and eine Kerze means a candle. dem Andenken is dative because widmen takes a dative recipient; der Opfer is genitive and means of the victims.
Die Pflege des Andenkens bleibt wichtig.
Caring for the memory remains important.
die Pflege means the care or preservation, bleibt means remains, and wichtig means important. des Andenkens is genitive because it specifies whose memory is meant; the finite verb bleibt is in position two.
Auf dem Markt verkaufen sie viele Andenken.
They sell many souvenirs at the market.
der Markt means the market, verkaufen means sell, and viele means many. dem Markt is dative after the location preposition auf; viele Andenken is the accusative object of verkaufen.
Ich habe ein Andenken aus Italien gekauft.
I bought a souvenir from Italy.
Italien means Italy, and gekauft means bought. ein Andenken is accusative because kaufen takes an accusative object; the perfect uses habe and places gekauft at the end.
Dieses kleine Andenken erinnert mich an unsere Reise.
This little souvenir reminds me of our trip.
dieses kleine means this little, erinnert means reminds, and unsere Reise means our trip. mich is accusative because erinnern takes an accusative person, while an unsere Reise uses an with the accusative.
der Anschlusszug — connecting train
Der Anschlusszug is the train you take after changing from another train. It is a compound of der Anschluss and der Zug; its plural is die Anschlusszüge.
Der Anschlusszug nach Leipzig wartet am Gleis drei.
The connecting train to Leipzig is waiting at platform three.
nach Leipzig means to Leipzig, wartet means is waiting, and das Gleis drei means platform three. Der Anschlusszug is nominative because it is the subject, and wartet stands in position two.
Wir suchen den Anschlusszug nach Dresden.
We are looking for the connecting train to Dresden.
suchen means look for, and nach Dresden means to Dresden. Den Anschlusszug is accusative because suchen takes a direct object; do not use der after suchen.
Ich steige in den Anschlusszug um.
I am changing onto the connecting train.
steige ... um means change trains, and in den Zug means onto the train. The direction makes in take the accusative, so den Anschlusszug is accusative; the separable prefix um goes to the end.
Die Abfahrt des Anschlusszuges ist um 18 Uhr.
The departure of the connecting train is at 6 p.m.
die Abfahrt means departure, and um 18 Uhr means at 6 p.m. Des Anschlusszuges is genitive because it identifies whose departure it is; the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Die Anschlusszüge fahren heute wegen des Streiks später.
The connecting trains are running later today because of the strike.
fahren means run or travel, heute means today, and der Streik means strike. Die Anschlusszüge is plural nominative, while wegen des Streiks uses the genitive after wegen.
die Aufenthaltserlaubnis — residence permit
This is an official term made from Aufenthalt (residence or stay) and Erlaubnis (permission). Do not confuse it with a Visum, which is usually permission to enter or visit rather than a longer-term residence permit.
Die Aufenthaltserlaubnis ist noch sechs Monate gültig.
The residence permit is still valid for six months.
noch sechs Monate means for another six months, and gültig means valid. Die Aufenthaltserlaubnis is nominative because it is the subject; ist is in position two.
Ich beantrage die Aufenthaltserlaubnis online.
I am applying for the residence permit online.
beantragen means apply for officially and online means online. Die Aufenthaltserlaubnis is accusative because beantragen takes a direct object; the finite verb beantrage is in position two.
Mit der Aufenthaltserlaubnis darf sie in Deutschland arbeiten.
With the residence permit, she is allowed to work in Germany.
mit means with, dürfen means be allowed to, and arbeiten means work. Mit always takes the dative, so der Aufenthaltserlaubnis is dative; darf is in position two and the infinitive arbeiten goes to the end.
Die Gültigkeit der Aufenthaltserlaubnis endet im Juli.
The validity of the residence permit ends in July.
die Gültigkeit means validity and enden means end. Der Aufenthaltserlaubnis is genitive because it specifies whose validity is meant; the feminine genitive article is der.
Viele Aufenthaltserlaubnisse müssen jedes Jahr verlängert werden.
Many residence permits have to be extended every year.
viele means many, jedes Jahr means every year, and verlängert werden means be extended. Aufenthaltserlaubnisse is the plural subject; in the passive, werden goes to the end in this clause.
Für die Aufenthaltserlaubnis braucht man einen gültigen Pass.
You need a valid passport for the residence permit.
für means for, brauchen means need, and ein gültiger Pass means a valid passport. Für takes the accusative, so die Aufenthaltserlaubnis has the same form as nominative; man is an indefinite subject meaning people or you.
der Ausgangspunkt — starting point, point of departure
Der Ausgangspunkt can be a real place where something starts or a basis for an argument or plan. The preposition von takes the dative in von diesem Ausgangspunkt aus.
Der Ausgangspunkt der Wanderung ist der Bahnhof.
The starting point of the hike is the railway station.
die Wanderung means the hike and der Bahnhof means the railway station. Der Ausgangspunkt is nominative as the subject, while der Wanderung is genitive to show what it is the starting point of.
Wir wählen einen neuen Ausgangspunkt.
We are choosing a new starting point.
wählen means to choose and neu means new. Einen neuen Ausgangspunkt is accusative because wählen takes a direct object; the adjective ending -en follows the masculine article einen.
Von diesem Ausgangspunkt aus gehen wir weiter.
We continue from this starting point.
von ... aus means from, and weitergehen means to continue. Diesem Ausgangspunkt is dative because von requires the dative; the separable verb gehen ... weiter has its finite part in position two.
Die Bedeutung des Ausgangspunkts ist klar.
The importance of the starting point is clear.
die Bedeutung means the importance and klar means clear. Des Ausgangspunkts is genitive because it specifies whose importance is meant, and the compound adds -s in the masculine genitive.
Mehrere Ausgangspunkte sind möglich.
Several starting points are possible.
mehrere means several and möglich means possible. Ausgangspunkte is the nominative plural subject, formed with -e; the finite verb sind agrees with the plural.
die Ausreise — departure from a country, leaving the country
die Ausreise is used especially for leaving a country, often in official or travel contexts. The opposite is die Einreise, entering a country; the common compound die Ausreisegenehmigung means exit permit.
Die Ausreise ist für Freitag geplant.
The departure is planned for Friday.
Freitag means Friday and geplant means planned. Die Ausreise is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Die Behörde genehmigt die Ausreise.
The authority approves the departure.
die Behörde means the authority and genehmigt means approves. die Ausreise is accusative because genehmigen takes a direct object; the finite verb genehmigt is in position two.
Er wartet auf die Ausreise.
He is waiting for the departure.
er wartet means he is waiting. Here auf belongs to the verb phrase warten auf and takes the accusative, so die Ausreise looks the same in nominative and accusative.
Der Termin der Ausreise steht noch nicht fest.
The date of departure has not yet been decided.
der Termin means the date or appointment and steht noch nicht fest means has not yet been decided. der Ausreise is genitive after Termin to show whose date it is; the finite verb steht is in position two.
Viele Ausreisen wurden wegen des Wetters verschoben.
Many departures were postponed because of the weather.
viele means many, wegen des Wetters means because of the weather, and verschoben means postponed. Ausreisen is plural and nominative as the subject; wegen normally takes the genitive, and the passive verb places wurden in position two.
der Auswanderer — emigrant
An Auswanderer leaves their home country, whereas an Einwanderer enters and settles in another country. The noun is a regular masculine noun, not a weak masculine noun, so only the genitive singular adds -s.
Der Auswanderer lebt jetzt in Kanada.
The emigrant now lives in Canada.
lebt means lives and jetzt means now. Der Auswanderer is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb lebt stands in position two.
Die Zeitung interviewt den Auswanderer.
The newspaper interviews the emigrant.
die Zeitung means the newspaper and interviewen means to interview. den Auswanderer is accusative because interviewen takes a direct object; the masculine article changes from der to den, but the noun itself does not change.
Wir danken dem Auswanderer für seine Hilfe.
We thank the emigrant for his help.
danken means to thank and seine Hilfe means his help. dem Auswanderer is dative because danken requires dative, while für takes the accusative seine Hilfe.
Die Geschichte des Auswanderers ist interessant.
The emigrant's story is interesting.
die Geschichte means the story and interessant means interesting. des Auswanderers is genitive because it means of the emigrant; this noun takes -s in the genitive singular.
Viele Auswanderer vermissen ihre Heimat.
Many emigrants miss their homeland.
viele means many, vermissen means to miss, and die Heimat means homeland. Auswanderer is plural after viele and has no plural ending; ihre Heimat is accusative because it is the object of vermissen.
die Auswanderung — emigration
die Auswanderung names the process of leaving a country, while der Auswanderer names the person who leaves. It is often followed by nach plus a country or city, for example die Auswanderung nach Kanada.
Die Auswanderung nimmt zu.
Emigration is increasing.
nimmt zu means increases, and this is a separable verb. Die Auswanderung is nominative because it is the subject; the finite part nimmt stands in position two and zu goes to the end.
Viele Familien planen die Auswanderung.
Many families are planning to emigrate.
viele Familien means many families and planen means plan. die Auswanderung is accusative because planen takes an accusative object; the finite verb planen stands in position two.
Die Regierung hilft der Auswanderung nicht.
The government does not help emigration.
die Regierung means the government and nicht means not. der Auswanderung is dative because helfen requires dative; the feminine noun itself does not change, but die becomes der.
Die Gründe der Auswanderung sind vielfältig.
The reasons for emigration are varied.
die Gründe means the reasons and vielfältig means varied. der Auswanderung is genitive because it means for or of the emigration, while die Gründe is the plural subject.
In diesem Jahrhundert gab es mehrere Auswanderungen.
There were several waves of emigration in this century.
in diesem Jahrhundert means in this century, mehrere means several, and gab es means there were. Auswanderungen is plural after mehrere; the past-tense form gab comes from geben in the fixed existence expression es gab.
die Besatzung — crew; team on a vehicle; occupation; occupying force
In transport, die Besatzung means the crew of a vehicle. In historical or political contexts, it can also mean an occupying force, so context is important.
Die Besatzung wartet auf die Passagiere.
The crew is waiting for the passengers.
warten auf means to wait for, and die Passagiere are the passengers. Die Besatzung is nominative because it is the subject; auf takes the accusative in this fixed expression, and wartet stands in position two.
Der Kapitän begrüßt die Besatzung.
The captain greets the crew.
der Kapitän is the captain, and begrüßen means to greet. Die Besatzung is accusative because it is the direct object of begrüßt; the subject der Kapitän is nominative and the finite verb is in position two.
Der Kapitän spricht mit der Besatzung.
The captain speaks with the crew.
sprechen means to speak, and mit means with. Der Besatzung is dative because mit always requires the dative; the finite verb spricht stands in position two.
Die Entscheidung der Besatzung war einstimmig.
The crew’s decision was unanimous.
die Entscheidung means the decision, and einstimmig means unanimous. Der Besatzung is genitive because it shows whose decision it was; the subject is die Entscheidung, so war is in position two.
Mehrere Besatzungen wurden gestern kontrolliert.
Several crews were checked yesterday.
mehrere means several, gestern means yesterday, and kontrolliert means checked. Mehrere Besatzungen is plural nominative because it is the subject of the passive; wurden is in position two and the Partizip II kontrolliert goes to the end.
Die Bevölkerung litt unter der Besatzung.
The population suffered under the occupation.
die Bevölkerung means the population, and leiden means to suffer. Unter der Besatzung is dative because unter describes a situation or condition here, not movement; the finite verb litt stands in position two.
Nach dem Krieg endete die Besatzung.
The occupation ended after the war.
nach dem Krieg means after the war, and enden means to end. Nach requires the dative, so dem Krieg is dative; die Besatzung is nominative subject and endete is in position two.
besichtigen — to visit and look around; to view a property
Besichtigen is more specific than simply besuchen: it normally means looking around a place, building, or sight. It is a regular inseparable verb and forms the perfect with haben.
Wir besichtigen heute die Altstadt.
We are visiting the old town today.
heute means today and die Altstadt means the old town. Die Altstadt is accusative because besichtigen takes the place visited as a direct object, and the finite verb besichtigen stands in position two.
Wir haben gestern das Schloss besichtigt.
We visited the castle yesterday.
gestern means yesterday and das Schloss means the castle. The perfect uses haben with besichtigt; das Schloss is accusative because it is the direct object, and the participle stands at the end.
Sie besichtigte den Dom am Morgen.
She visited the cathedral in the morning.
den Dom means the cathedral and am Morgen means in the morning. Den Dom is accusative because it is the object of besichtigte, which is the finite verb in position two; the regular past ending is -te.
Besichtige zuerst den Innenhof!
Visit the inner courtyard first!
zuerst means first and der Innenhof means the inner courtyard. Den Innenhof is accusative after besichtigen, and the imperative addresses one person directly, so there is no subject pronoun.
Ich würde gern das Rathaus besichtigen.
I would like to visit the town hall.
gern means gladly or would like to, and das Rathaus means the town hall. Würde plus the infinitive expresses a polite or hypothetical wish; the infinitive besichtigen goes to the end, and das Rathaus is accusative.
Die Gruppe wird morgen das Museum besichtigen.
The group will visit the museum tomorrow.
die Gruppe means the group, morgen means tomorrow, and das Museum means the museum. Future wird stands in position two and the infinitive besichtigen goes to the end; das Museum is accusative as the direct object.
Morgen besichtige ich eine Wohnung.
Tomorrow I am viewing an apartment.
morgen means tomorrow and eine Wohnung means an apartment. Eine Wohnung is accusative because it is the direct object of besichtige; the verb is in position two even though morgen comes first.
Können wir das Haus am Samstag besichtigen?
Can we view the house on Saturday?
können means can, das Haus means the house, and am Samstag means on Saturday. After the modal verb können, the infinitive besichtigen goes to the end; das Haus is accusative.
die Besichtigung — visit, tour; viewing; property viewing
Besichtigung can mean a sightseeing tour or a viewing of a property. It is a feminine noun ending in -ung, so its plural ends in -en and its genitive singular is shown by the article der.
Die Besichtigung beginnt um zehn Uhr.
The tour begins at ten o’clock.
beginnt means begins and um zehn Uhr means at ten o’clock. Die Besichtigung is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb beginnt stands in position two.
Wir planen eine Besichtigung des Museums.
We are planning a visit to the museum.
planen means plan and des Museums means of the museum. Eine Besichtigung is accusative because it is the object of planen, while des Museums is genitive and identifies what will be visited.
Bei der Besichtigung erklärt die Führerin die Geschichte.
During the tour, the guide explains the history.
bei means during or at, die Führerin means the female guide, and die Geschichte means the history. Der Besichtigung is dative because bei always takes the dative; the main finite verb erklärt is in position two.
Der Beginn der Besichtigung ist um neun Uhr.
The beginning of the tour is at nine o’clock.
der Beginn means the beginning and um neun Uhr means at nine o’clock. Der Besichtigung is genitive after der Beginn to mean ‘of the tour’; the feminine noun itself does not change its ending.
Die Besichtigungen finden jeden Sonntag statt.
The tours take place every Sunday.
jeden Sonntag means every Sunday and stattfinden means take place. Besichtigungen is plural and therefore takes die when an article is needed; the verb finden ... statt splits in a main clause, and the plural subject requires finden.
Die Besichtigung der Wohnung ist am Freitag.
The apartment viewing is on Friday.
die Wohnung means the apartment and am Freitag means on Friday. Der Wohnung is genitive after die Besichtigung to specify which viewing; the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Für die Besichtigung brauchen Sie Ihren Ausweis.
You need your identity card for the viewing.
für means for, brauchen means need, and Ihr Ausweis means your identity card. Die Besichtigung is accusative because für takes the accusative; Ihren Ausweis is also accusative as the object of brauchen.
buchen — to book, to reserve; to post, to record
For reservations, buchen usually takes an accusative object such as ein Zimmer or einen Flug. It can also mean recording a financial transaction, especially in accounting.
Ich buche das Hotel online.
I am booking the hotel online.
das Hotel means “the hotel”, and online means “online”. Das Hotel is accusative because buchen takes a direct object, and the finite verb buche stands in position two.
Wir haben den Flug gestern gebucht.
We booked the flight yesterday.
der Flug means “the flight”, and gestern means “yesterday”. The perfect uses haben plus gebucht; den Flug is accusative, and the Partizip II goes to the end of the clause.
Sie buchte eine Reise nach Berlin.
She booked a trip to Berlin.
eine Reise means “a trip”, and nach Berlin means “to Berlin”. Eine Reise is accusative after buchte, and the weak past form buchte stands in position two.
Buch bitte zwei Plätze!
Please book two seats!
zwei Plätze means “two seats”, and bitte means “please”. Buch is the du imperative of buchen and stands first; zwei Plätze is an accusative object.
Ich würde jetzt ein Zimmer buchen.
I would book a room now.
jetzt means “now”, and ein Zimmer means “a room”. Würde carries the Konjunktiv II meaning, while the infinitive buchen goes to the end; ein Zimmer is accusative.
Morgen werde ich den Mietwagen buchen.
Tomorrow I will book the rental car.
morgen means “tomorrow”, and der Mietwagen means “the rental car”. Future tense uses werden in position two and sends buchen to the end; den Mietwagen is accusative.
Die Firma bucht die Rechnung als Kosten.
The company records the invoice as an expense.
die Firma means “the company”, die Rechnung means “the invoice”, and als Kosten means “as an expense”. Die Rechnung is accusative because buchen takes a direct object, and bucht is in position two.
Die Zahlung wurde gestern gebucht.
The payment was posted yesterday.
die Zahlung means “the payment”, and gestern means “yesterday”. This is a passive sentence with wurde and gebucht; the Partizip II stays at the end, and the recorded item is the nominative subject.
die Dienstreise — business trip
Dienstreise is a compound of Dienst, work or official duty, and Reise, trip. The common fixed phrase is auf Dienstreise sein; unlike a holiday, it specifically involves work.
Die Dienstreise beginnt morgen.
The business trip begins tomorrow.
beginnt means begins, and morgen means tomorrow. Die Dienstreise is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb beginnt stands in position two.
Ich plane die Dienstreise sorgfältig.
I am planning the business trip carefully.
plane means plan, and sorgfältig means carefully. die Dienstreise is accusative because planen takes a direct object; the finite verb plane is in position two.
Auf der Dienstreise treffe ich wichtige Kunden.
On the business trip I meet important customers.
treffe means meet, wichtig means important, and Kunden means customers. auf der Dienstreise is dative because auf describes a location or situation here, not movement toward a place; the verb treffe follows the initial phrase in position two.
Die Dauer der Dienstreise ist noch unklar.
The duration of the business trip is still unclear.
die Dauer means the duration, and noch unklar means still unclear. der Dienstreise is genitive because it specifies the duration of what; the feminine noun itself does not change, but the article changes to der.
Im Jahr mache ich mehrere Dienstreisen.
I go on several business trips a year.
im Jahr means per year, mehrere means several, and mache means make or do. mehrere Dienstreisen is accusative because it is the object of machen; the plural adds -n.
Nächste Woche fährt sie auf Dienstreise.
Next week she is going on a business trip.
nächste Woche means next week, and fährt means travels or goes by vehicle. auf Dienstreise is a fixed expression meaning on a business trip, normally without an article; fährt is in position two.
das Düsenflugzeug — jet aircraft, jet plane
This is a compound: Düsen- refers to a jet engine and Flugzeug means aircraft. The final part, das Flugzeug, determines the neuter gender and the plural ending.
Das Düsenflugzeug startet pünktlich.
The jet aircraft takes off on time.
startet means takes off and pünktlich means on time. Das Düsenflugzeug is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb startet stands in position two.
Die Airline kauft ein Düsenflugzeug.
The airline is buying a jet aircraft.
die Airline is the airline and kauft means buys. Ein Düsenflugzeug is accusative because kaufen takes a direct object; for a neuter noun, ein looks the same in nominative and accusative.
Wir fliegen mit einem Düsenflugzeug nach Madrid.
We are flying to Madrid by jet aircraft.
fliegen means fly and nach Madrid means to Madrid. Mit always takes the dative, so einem Düsenflugzeug is dative; mit describes the means of transport here.
Die Geschwindigkeit des Düsenflugzeugs ist beeindruckend.
The speed of the jet aircraft is impressive.
die Geschwindigkeit means speed and beeindruckend means impressive. Des Düsenflugzeugs is genitive because it means “of the jet aircraft”; the neuter article is des and the noun adds -s.
Auf dem Flughafen stehen drei Düsenflugzeuge.
Three jet aircraft are standing at the airport.
auf dem Flughafen means at the airport and stehen means are standing. Düsenflugzeuge is the plural with -e and an umlaut; auf dem Flughafen is dative because it describes a location, not movement.
die Einreise — entry into a country, immigration
Einreise means entering a country, usually across a border and often in an official or travel context. It is feminine, and the plural is Einreisen; do not confuse it with Einwanderung, which means immigration for permanent settlement.
Die Einreise ist heute problemlos möglich.
Entry is possible without problems today.
problemlos means without problems, and möglich means possible. Die Einreise is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Die Polizei kontrolliert die Einreise genau.
The police check entry carefully.
die Polizei means the police, kontrolliert means checks, and genau means carefully. Die Einreise is accusative because kontrollieren takes a direct object; the finite verb kontrolliert is in position two.
Bei der Einreise müssen alle ihren Pass zeigen.
On entry, everyone has to show their passport.
bei der Einreise means on entry, alle means everyone, and ihren Pass means their passport. Bei always takes the dative, so the feminine article is der; with müssen, the infinitive zeigen goes to the end.
Die Bedingungen der Einreise stehen auf der Website.
The conditions for entry are on the website.
die Bedingungen means the conditions, stehen means are written or are located, and die Website means the website. Der Einreise is genitive because it specifies whose conditions they are; auf der Website is dative because it describes a fixed location.
In diesem Jahr gab es viele Einreisen.
There were many entries into the country this year.
in diesem Jahr means this year, gab es means there were, and viele means many. Einreisen is the plural form after viele; the expression es gab uses es as a formal subject and puts the thing that existed in the accusative.
der Flugbegleiter — flight attendant (male)
The feminine form is die Flugbegleiterin. The plural die Flugbegleiter can refer to men or to a mixed group.
Der Flugbegleiter begrüßt die Passagiere.
The flight attendant welcomes the passengers.
begrüßen means to welcome, and die Passagiere are the passengers. Der Flugbegleiter is nominative because he is the subject; the finite verb begrüßt stands in position two.
Ich sehe den Flugbegleiter am Eingang.
I see the flight attendant at the entrance.
sehen means to see, and der Eingang is the entrance. Den Flugbegleiter is accusative because sehen takes a direct object; the masculine article changes from der to den.
Der Mitarbeiter hilft dem Flugbegleiter.
The staff member helps the flight attendant.
der Mitarbeiter means the staff member, and helfen means to help. Dem Flugbegleiter is dative because helfen takes a dative object; the masculine article changes to dem.
Die Uniform des Flugbegleiters ist blau.
The flight attendant’s uniform is blue.
die Uniform is the uniform, and blau means blue. Des Flugbegleiters is genitive and shows possession; the masculine noun takes -s.
Die Flugbegleiter helfen den Passagieren.
The flight attendants help the passengers.
helfen means to help, and die Passagiere are the passengers. Die Flugbegleiter is plural and nominative as the subject; den Passagieren is dative because helfen requires the dative.
der Fluggast — air passenger
Fluggast is a compound of Flug (flight) and Gast (guest). It is more specific than Passagier, because it normally refers to someone travelling by air.
Der Fluggast wartet am Gate.
The passenger is waiting at the gate.
warten means to wait, and das Gate is the gate at an airport. Der Fluggast is nominative because he is the subject; the finite verb wartet stands in position two.
Die Mitarbeiter kontrollieren den Fluggast.
The staff check the passenger.
die Mitarbeiter are the staff, and kontrollieren means to check. Den Fluggast is accusative because it is the direct object; the masculine article changes to den.
Der Mitarbeiter hilft dem Fluggast.
The staff member helps the passenger.
der Mitarbeiter means the staff member, and helfen means to help. Dem Fluggast is dative because helfen takes a dative object.
Das Gepäck des Fluggastes ist schwer.
The passenger’s luggage is heavy.
das Gepäck means luggage, and schwer means heavy. Des Fluggastes is genitive and shows possession; this masculine noun takes -es.
Die Fluggäste steigen ins Flugzeug.
The passengers board the aircraft.
einsteigen means to get in or board, and das Flugzeug is the aircraft. Die Fluggäste is plural nominative as the subject; the separable verb appears as steigen ... ein in a main clause.
die Fluggesellschaft — airline
Fluggesellschaft is a formal, neutral word for an airline. In everyday speech, die Airline is also common.
Die Fluggesellschaft bietet viele Flüge an.
The airline offers many flights.
anbieten means to offer, and viele Flüge means many flights. Die Fluggesellschaft is nominative as the subject; the separable verb is split into bietet ... an in the main clause.
Ich buche die Fluggesellschaft über eine App.
I book the airline through an app.
buchen means to book, and über eine App means through an app. Die Fluggesellschaft is accusative as the direct object; feminine die looks the same in nominative and accusative.
Wir vertrauen der Fluggesellschaft.
We trust the airline.
vertrauen means to trust. Der Fluggesellschaft is dative because vertrauen takes a dative object; the feminine article changes from die to der.
Die Website der Fluggesellschaft ist übersichtlich.
The airline’s website is clear and easy to use.
die Website is the website, and übersichtlich means clear and easy to navigate. Der Fluggesellschaft is genitive and shows possession; the feminine noun itself does not change its ending.
Die Fluggesellschaften senken ihre Preise.
The airlines are lowering their prices.
senken means to lower, and ihre Preise means their prices. Die Fluggesellschaften is plural nominative as the subject, while ihre Preise is accusative as the object.
die Fluglinie — airline, air route
Fluglinie can mean the airline operating a service or the route itself. For a company, Fluggesellschaft and Airline are often more precise.
Die Fluglinie fliegt jeden Tag nach Rom.
The airline flies to Rome every day.
jeden Tag means every day, and nach Rom means to Rome. Die Fluglinie is nominative as the subject; nach is used with cities and has no article here.
Ich wähle die Fluglinie wegen des Preises.
I choose the airline because of the price.
wählen means to choose, and wegen des Preises means because of the price. Die Fluglinie is accusative as the direct object; wegen traditionally takes the genitive, shown by des Preises.
Wir vertrauen der Fluglinie.
We trust the airline.
vertrauen means to trust. Der Fluglinie is dative because vertrauen takes a dative object; feminine der can be confused with the masculine nominative article.
Die Angebote der Fluglinie sind günstig.
The airline’s offers are cheap.
die Angebote are the offers, and günstig means cheap or good value. Der Fluglinie is genitive and shows possession; the feminine noun itself does not change its ending.
Die Fluglinien verbinden viele Städte.
The airlines connect many cities.
verbinden means to connect, and viele Städte means many cities. Die Fluglinien is plural nominative as the subject; viele Städte is accusative as the object.
die Flugpost — airmail
Flugpost is normally a mass noun, so it has no plural. It refers both to mail sent by air and, depending on context, the airmail service; the exact meaning comes from the surrounding words.
Die Flugpost kommt heute an.
The airmail arrives today.
kommt ... an means arrives, and heute means today. Flugpost is an uncountable feminine noun and is nominative because it is the subject; the separable verb ankommen splits in a main clause.
Ich bezahle die Flugpost am Schalter.
I pay for the airmail at the counter.
bezahle means pay, am Schalter means at the counter, and der Schalter is a service counter. die Flugpost is accusative because bezahlen takes a direct object; the feminine article looks the same in nominative and accusative.
Der Brief liegt bei der Flugpost.
The letter is with the airmail service.
der Brief means the letter, liegt means is lying, and bei means at or with. bei der Flugpost is dative because bei always takes the dative; the finite verb liegt is in position two.
Die Preise der Flugpost sind gestiegen.
The prices of airmail have risen.
die Preise means the prices, and gestiegen means risen. der Flugpost is genitive after Preise to show whose prices they are; sind agrees with plural Preise, not with the singular mass noun.
Wir verschicken heute Flugpost.
We are sending airmail today.
verschicken means send, and heute means today. Flugpost has no plural because it is a mass noun; it is an unmarked accusative object after verschicken.
der Flüchtling — refugee
Der Flüchtling is a weak masculine noun: use der Flüchtling only in the nominative singular, but den Flüchtling, dem Flüchtling, and des Flüchtlings in the other singular cases. The plural is die Flüchtlinge.
Der Flüchtling sucht eine sichere Wohnung.
The refugee is looking for a safe flat.
suchen means look for, sicher means safe, and die Wohnung means flat or apartment. Der Flüchtling is nominative because it is the subject, while eine sichere Wohnung is accusative after suchen; the finite verb sucht stands in position two.
Die Stadt unterstützt den Flüchtling.
The city supports the refugee.
die Stadt means city, and unterstützen means support. Den Flüchtling is accusative because it is the direct object, and this weak masculine noun takes -n outside the nominative.
Die Helferin gibt dem Flüchtling Kleidung.
The helper gives the refugee clothes.
die Helferin means female helper, geben means give, and die Kleidung means clothing. Dem Flüchtling is dative because it is the recipient, and the weak noun keeps -n; Kleidung is the accusative thing given.
Die Geschichte des Flüchtlings ist traurig.
The refugee's story is sad.
die Geschichte means story, and traurig means sad. Des Flüchtlings is genitive after die Geschichte, showing whose story it is; the weak noun has the ending -s here because its stem already ends in -n.
Viele Flüchtlinge lernen Deutsch.
Many refugees are learning German.
viele means many, and lernen Deutsch means learn German. Flüchtlinge is the plural subject, so the verb is lernen; the plural form does not add another -n.
die Führung — leadership; management; guided tour
This sense refers to leadership or management, not only to one person. Führung can also mean a guided tour; the context tells you which meaning is intended.
Die Führung entscheidet morgen über den Plan.
The leadership will decide about the plan tomorrow.
entscheidet means decides, morgen means tomorrow, and über den Plan means about the plan. Die Führung is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb entscheidet is in position two.
Die Mitarbeiter kritisieren die Führung.
The employees criticise the leadership.
die Mitarbeiter means the employees and kritisieren means criticise. Die Führung is accusative because kritisieren takes a direct object; the finite verb kritisieren stands in position two.
Viele Mitarbeiter vertrauen der Führung.
Many employees trust the leadership.
viele Mitarbeiter means many employees and vertrauen means trust. Vertrauen takes a dative object, so der Führung is dative; the finite verb is in position two.
Die Entscheidungen der Führung sorgen für Unruhe.
The leadership's decisions are causing unrest.
die Entscheidungen means the decisions, sorgen für means cause or create, and die Unruhe means unrest. Der Führung is genitive because it shows whose decisions they are.
Die neuen Führungen treffen sich heute.
The new leadership teams are meeting today.
neu means new, treffen sich means meet, and heute means today. Führungen is the plural subject, and sich treffen is a reflexive expression meaning to meet.
Die Führung durch das Museum beginnt um zehn.
The guided tour through the museum starts at ten.
durch das Museum means through the museum and beginnt means starts. Die Führung is the nominative subject, and the finite verb beginnt is in position two.
Wir nehmen an einer Führung teil.
We are taking part in a guided tour.
teilnehmen means to take part and einer means a in the feminine dative here. An meaning participation takes the dative, and the separable verb teilnehmen appears as nehmen ... teil in a main clause.
der Gipfel — summit, peak
The plural of der Gipfel is die Gipfel, with no change in spelling. In figurative language, der Gipfel can also mean the highest point or extreme of something.
Der Gipfel ist noch weit entfernt.
The summit is still far away.
noch weit entfernt means still far away. Der Gipfel is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Wir erreichen den Gipfel am Mittag.
We reach the summit at midday.
erreichen means to reach, and am Mittag means at midday. den Gipfel is accusative because erreichen takes a direct object; the finite verb erreichen is in position two.
Auf dem Gipfel machen wir eine Pause.
We take a break on the summit.
eine Pause machen means to take a break. auf dem Gipfel is dative because auf describes a fixed location here, not movement toward it; the phrase in first position puts machen in position two.
Die Aussicht des Gipfels ist beeindruckend.
The view from the summit is impressive.
die Aussicht means the view, and beeindruckend means impressive. des Gipfels is genitive to show whose view it is, and the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Im Sommer besuchen viele Wanderer die Gipfel.
In summer, many hikers visit the peaks.
im Sommer means in summer, and viele Wanderer means many hikers. die Gipfel is plural and accusative because besuchen takes a direct object; the plural form is identical to the singular.
das Heimatland — home country, homeland
Heimatland is more specific than Heimat: it normally means a country, not a town or region. The compound combines Heimat and Land.
Das Heimatland liegt weit entfernt.
The home country is far away.
liegt weit entfernt means is far away. Das Heimatland is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb liegt stands in position two.
Sie besucht das Heimatland ihrer Eltern.
She is visiting her parents' home country.
sie besucht means she is visiting, and ihre Eltern means her parents. Das Heimatland is accusative because besuchen takes a direct object; ihrer Eltern is genitive and means “of her parents.”
Er erzählt seinen Kindern von dem Heimatland.
He tells his children about the home country.
erzählt means tells, and seinen Kindern means his children. Dem Heimatland is dative because von always takes the dative; the finite verb erzählt stands in position two.
Die Geschichte des Heimatlandes ist sehr bewegt.
The history of the home country is very eventful.
die Geschichte means the history, and bewegt means eventful or troubled. Des Heimatlandes is genitive because it identifies whose history it is; the neuter noun has the ending -es.
Viele Heimatländer nehmen Flüchtlinge auf.
Many home countries take in refugees.
viele means many, and Flüchtlinge means refugees. Heimatländer is the plural subject, so it is nominative; nehmen ... auf is a separable verb meaning take in, with auf at the end.
Viele Menschen verlassen ihre Heimatländer.
Many people leave their home countries.
viele Menschen means many people, and verlassen means leave. Ihre Heimatländer is plural accusative because it is the direct object of verlassen; ihre has no ending here because the noun is neuter plural after a possessive determiner.
das Konsulat — consulate
A Konsulat is an official foreign office, usually smaller and less politically senior than an embassy. For appointments or documents, people commonly say zum Konsulat or beim Konsulat.
Das Konsulat liegt neben dem Bahnhof.
The consulate is next to the train station.
liegt means is located, neben means next to, and der Bahnhof is the train station. Das Konsulat is nominative because it is the subject; dem Bahnhof is dative because neben describes a location here, and the finite verb liegt is in position two.
Ich besuche das Konsulat morgen.
I am visiting the consulate tomorrow.
besuche means visit and morgen means tomorrow. Das Konsulat has the same form in nominative and accusative because it is neuter; it is accusative as the direct object of besuchen, while besuche stands in position two.
Ich muss beim Konsulat einen Termin vereinbaren.
I have to make an appointment at the consulate.
muss means have to, einen Termin is an appointment, and vereinbaren means arrange or make. Beim Konsulat means bei dem Konsulat and is dative because bei takes the dative; muss is in position two and vereinbaren goes to the end.
Die Adresse des Konsulats steht auf der Website.
The address of the consulate is on the website.
die Adresse is the address, steht means is written or can be found, and die Website is the website. Des Konsulats is genitive because it shows which office the address belongs to; the finite verb steht is in position two.
In vielen Ländern gibt es deutsche Konsulate.
There are German consulates in many countries.
in vielen Ländern means in many countries, and gibt es means there are. Deutsche Konsulate is accusative plural after es gibt; in vielen Ländern is dative because it describes location, and the verb phrase starts with gibt in position two.
die Luftpost — airmail
Luftpost is normally an uncountable service or method, so it has no plural. The preposition mit is commonly used to say that something is sent by airmail.
Die Luftpost ist heute angekommen.
The airmail arrived today.
heute means today and angekommen means arrived. Die Luftpost is nominative because it is the subject; ist angekommen is the perfect of a movement verb and uses sein.
Ich wähle die Luftpost für den Brief.
I choose airmail for the letter.
Ich wähle means I choose, für means for, and der Brief means the letter. Die Luftpost is accusative because it is the object of wählen; für den Brief is also accusative because für always takes the accusative.
Der Brief kommt mit Luftpost.
The letter comes by airmail.
Der Brief means the letter and kommt means comes. Mit Luftpost is dative because mit always takes the dative; the noun has no visible ending because it is feminine mass noun.
Die Kosten der Luftpost sind hoch.
The costs of airmail are high.
Die Kosten means the costs and hoch means high. Der Luftpost is genitive because it specifies which costs; with a feminine noun, only the article changes to der.
der Matrose — sailor
Matrose is a weak masculine noun: use -en in every case except nominative singular. It normally refers to a sailor who works as part of a ship's crew.
Der Matrose arbeitet auf einem großen Schiff.
The sailor works on a large ship.
arbeitet means works, großen Schiff means large ship, and auf means on. Der Matrose is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb arbeitet stands in position two.
Der Kapitän ruft den Matrosen.
The captain calls the sailor.
der Kapitän is the captain and ruft means calls. Den Matrosen is accusative because rufen takes a direct object; this weak masculine noun changes from der Matrose to den Matrosen.
Die Köchin gibt dem Matrosen eine warme Suppe.
The cook gives the sailor a warm soup.
die Köchin is the cook, gibt means gives, and warme Suppe means warm soup. Dem Matrosen is dative because he receives something, and the weak ending -en remains visible.
Das Fahrrad des Matrosen steht im Hafen.
The sailor's bicycle is in the harbour.
das Fahrrad is the bicycle, steht means is standing, and Hafen means harbour. Des Matrosen is genitive because it shows possession.
Viele Matrosen schlafen in dieser Kabine.
Many sailors sleep in this cabin.
Viele means many, schlafen means sleep, and Kabine means cabin. Viele Matrosen is plural nominative because it is the subject; the plural ends in -en.
die Meerenge — strait, narrow sea passage
A Meerenge is narrower than an ordinary part of the sea and lies between areas of land. Do not confuse it with die Küste, which means coast.
Die Meerenge ist an dieser Stelle sehr schmal.
The strait is very narrow at this point.
an dieser Stelle means at this point, and schmal means narrow. Die Meerenge is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb ist is in position two.
Die Schiffe durchqueren die Meerenge.
The ships cross the strait.
die Schiffe means the ships, and durchqueren means to cross. Die Meerenge is accusative because durchqueren takes a direct object.
Die Fähre nähert sich der Meerenge.
The ferry is approaching the strait.
die Fähre means the ferry, and nähert sich means is approaching. Der Meerenge is dative because sich nähern requires a dative object; the reflexive pronoun sich belongs to the verb.
Die Breite der Meerenge beträgt nur zwei Kilometer.
The width of the strait is only two kilometres.
die Breite means the width, beträgt means measures, and nur zwei Kilometer means only two kilometres. Der Meerenge is genitive after Breite to mean “the width of the strait”.
Viele Meerengen sind wichtige Schifffahrtswege.
Many straits are important shipping routes.
viele means many, wichtig means important, and Schifffahrtswege means shipping routes. Meerenge takes the plural ending -n, and the plural noun phrase is nominative because it is the subject.
die Meeresküste — sea coast, coastline
Meeresküste is a compound meaning the coast beside the sea. In everyday speech, Küste may be more common.
Die Meeresküste ist hier besonders schön.
The sea coast is especially beautiful here.
hier means here, and besonders schön means especially beautiful. Die Meeresküste is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Wir erkunden die Meeresküste.
We are exploring the sea coast.
erkunden means to explore. Die Meeresküste is accusative because erkunden takes a direct object; the finite verb erkunden is in position two.
Wir wohnen an der Meeresküste.
We live on the sea coast.
wohnen means to live. Der Meeresküste is dative because an describes a fixed location; for movement towards the coast, use an die Meeresküste.
Die Schönheit der Meeresküste zieht viele Besucher an.
The beauty of the sea coast attracts many visitors.
die Schönheit means the beauty, zieht ... an means attracts, and Besucher means visitors. Der Meeresküste is genitive after Schönheit; the separable verb zieht ... an places zieht in position two and an at the end.
Die Meeresküsten Europas sind sehr unterschiedlich.
Europe’s sea coasts are very different.
Europas means of Europe, and unterschiedlich means different. Meeresküsten is plural nominative because it is the subject; the plural ending is -n.
navigieren — to navigate, to find one's way
Navigieren is a regular weak verb and normally takes haben in the perfect. It can take a vehicle or route as an accusative object, and it is also used for using a navigation system.
Der Kapitän navigiert das Schiff sicher durch den Hafen.
The captain navigates the ship safely through the harbour.
der Kapitän is the captain, das Schiff is the ship, sicher means safely, and der Hafen is the harbour. Das Schiff is accusative because navigieren takes the thing being navigated as a direct object; the finite verb navigiert stands in position two.
Wir haben das Boot mit dem Handy navigiert.
We navigated the boat with the phone.
das Boot is the boat, mit dem Handy means with the mobile phone, and haben means have. Das Boot is accusative as the direct object, while mit takes the dative; haben is in position two and navigiert goes to the end.
Früher navigierte sie nur mit einer Papierkarte.
In the past, she navigated only with a paper map.
früher means in the past, nur means only, and eine Papierkarte is a paper map. The weak-verb form navigierte is the finite verb in position two; mit forces the dative, shown by einer.
Navigier das Auto bis zum Bahnhof!
Navigate the car as far as the station!
das Auto is the car, bis zum Bahnhof means as far as the station, and Bahnhof means station. Navigier is a direct du command, and das Auto is accusative because it is the direct object; the subject du is omitted.
Wenn er die Strecke selbst navigieren könnte, wäre er entspannter.
If he could navigate the route himself, he would be more relaxed.
die Strecke is the route, selbst means himself, and entspannter means more relaxed. The subordinate-clause verb navigieren goes to the end after wenn; die Strecke is accusative because it is the direct object.
Morgen wird das System den Fahrer durch die Stadt navigieren.
Tomorrow the system will navigate the driver through the city.
morgen means tomorrow, das System is the system, der Fahrer is the driver, and durch die Stadt means through the city. Wird is in position two and the infinitive navigieren goes to the end; durch takes the accusative.
die Orientierung — orientation, sense of direction; guidance, direction
This sense is about knowing your position and direction, especially in an unfamiliar place. The expression die Orientierung verlieren means to lose one's bearings, literally to lose orientation.
Die Orientierung im Wald ist schwierig.
Finding one's way in the forest is difficult.
der Wald means forest, and schwierig means difficult. Die Orientierung is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Ich verliere die Orientierung.
I lose my bearings.
verlieren means to lose. Die Orientierung is accusative because it is the direct object of verlieren; the finite verb verliere stands in position two.
Mit der Orientierung im Gelände habe ich Probleme.
I have problems with finding my way in the terrain.
mit means with, das Gelände means terrain, and Probleme haben means to have problems. Mit der Orientierung is dative because mit requires the dative; the verb phrase habe ... Probleme has the finite verb in position two.
Die Verbesserung der Orientierung braucht Zeit.
Improving one's ability to find one's way takes time.
die Verbesserung means the improvement, braucht means needs, and Zeit means time. Der Orientierung is genitive after die Verbesserung to show what is being improved; braucht stands in position two.
Moderne Karten bieten verschiedene Orientierungen.
Modern maps offer different forms of orientation.
moderne Karten means modern maps, bieten means offer, and verschiedene means different. Orientierungen is plural and accusative because it is the direct object of bieten.
Die Beratung gibt Jugendlichen berufliche Orientierung.
The counseling gives young people career guidance.
die Beratung means the counseling, Jugendliche means young people, and beruflich means career-related. Jugendlichen is dative because geben gives something to someone, while berufliche Orientierung is the accusative thing given.
Der Kurs hilft bei der Orientierung im Studium.
The course helps with finding one's way in university studies.
der Kurs means the course, hilft means helps, and das Studium means university studies. Bei requires the dative, so der Orientierung is dative; the phrase im Studium means in one's studies and hilft is in position two.
das Quartier — accommodation, quarters; neighbourhood, district
Quartier is often used for temporary accommodation, especially in travel or organised groups. In everyday speech, Unterkunft is also common for accommodation.
Das Quartier liegt nahe am Bahnhof.
The accommodation is near the railway station.
liegen means to be located, nahe means near, and der Bahnhof means railway station. Das Quartier is nominative as the subject; am Bahnhof is dative after the contraction an dem, and liegt is in position two.
Wir suchen ein Quartier für drei Nächte.
We are looking for accommodation for three nights.
suchen means to look for, für means for, and drei Nächte means three nights. ein Quartier is accusative because suchen takes a direct object; für drei Nächte is also accusative after für.
In dem Quartier gibt es eine kleine Küche.
There is a small kitchen in the accommodation.
geben in es gibt means there is or there are, and eine kleine Küche means a small kitchen. dem Quartier is dative because in describes location, not movement; in es gibt, the thing that exists is accusative.
Die Lage des Quartiers ist sehr ruhig.
The location of the accommodation is very quiet.
die Lage means location, and ruhig means quiet. des Quartiers is genitive after die Lage to show which location is meant; the verb ist stands in position two.
Die Quartiere für die Gäste sind schon vorbereitet.
The accommodation for the guests is already prepared.
die Gäste means guests, schon means already, and vorbereitet means prepared. Quartiere is plural nominative as the subject, and sind agrees with it; vorbereitet goes to the end in this passive-like description.
Nach der Reise brauchen wir ein neues Quartier.
After the trip, we need new accommodation.
nach der Reise means after the trip, brauchen means to need, and neu means new. der Reise is dative after nach, while ein neues Quartier is accusative because it is the object of brauchen.
Das alte Quartier hat viele kleine Cafés.
The old neighbourhood has many small cafés.
alt means old, viele means many, and kleine Cafés means small cafés. Das alte Quartier is nominative as the subject, while viele kleine Cafés is accusative after hat.
Wir treffen uns heute in einem lebhaften Quartier.
We are meeting today in a lively neighbourhood.
sich treffen means to meet, heute means today, and lebhaft means lively. einem Quartier is dative because in expresses location here; treffen is in position two and uns is the reflexive pronoun.
die Rast — rest; break
Rast is somewhat more formal or literary than Pause and is especially common for a break during a journey or walk. The usual expression is eine Rast machen.
Die Rast tut uns gut.
The rest does us good.
tut uns gut means does us good. Die Rast is nominative because it is the subject, and tut is the finite verb in position two.
Wir machen eine kurze Rast.
We are taking a short break.
wir means we, machen means make or take, and kurz means short. Eine Rast is accusative because the expression eine Rast machen uses it as its direct object.
Nach zwei Stunden brauchen wir eine Rast.
After two hours, we need a rest.
nach zwei Stunden means after two hours, and brauchen means need. The noun Rast is accusative after eine; this example fills the dative slot through zwei Stunden after nach, not through the headword itself.
Die Dauer der Rast beträgt zehn Minuten.
The length of the break is ten minutes.
die Dauer means the length, and beträgt means amounts to. Der Rast is genitive and means of the break; it specifies the length.
Auf der Reise machten wir mehrere Rasten.
We took several breaks on the journey.
auf der Reise means on the journey, and mehrere means several. Rasten is plural and is the accusative object of machten; der Reise is dative because auf describes a location here.
die Regionalbahn — regional train
A Regionalbahn is local or regional rail transport, usually slower and less expensive than an express train. The compound combines regional (regional) with Bahn (railway or train).
Die Regionalbahn fährt um sieben Uhr ab.
The regional train leaves at seven o'clock.
fährt ab means leaves or departs, and um sieben Uhr means at seven o'clock. Die Regionalbahn is nominative because it is the subject; the separable verb abfahren splits, with fährt in position two and ab at the end.
Ich nehme die Regionalbahn nach Bonn.
I am taking the regional train to Bonn.
nehme means take, and nach Bonn means to Bonn. Die Regionalbahn is accusative because nehmen takes a direct object; the feminine article is die in both nominative and accusative.
Wir fahren mit der Regionalbahn nach Mainz.
We are travelling to Mainz by regional train.
fahren means travel or go by vehicle, and nach Mainz means to Mainz. Mit always takes the dative, so der Regionalbahn is dative; nach marks the destination and takes no article here.
Die Verspätung der Regionalbahn beträgt zehn Minuten.
The regional train's delay is ten minutes.
die Verspätung means the delay, and beträgt means amounts to or is. Der Regionalbahn is genitive because it shows which train has the delay; the feminine genitive article is der.
Die Regionalbahnen sind heute besonders voll.
The regional trains are especially crowded today.
besonders voll means especially crowded, and heute means today. Regionalbahnen is plural nominative because it is the subject; the plural ending -en is added to Regionalbahn.
die Reiseplanung — travel planning; trip planning
This abstract noun comes from Reiseplan, travel plan, and describes the process rather than one finished plan. It is often used for organising transport, accommodation and dates before a journey.
Die Reiseplanung dauert mehrere Wochen.
The travel planning takes several weeks.
dauern means to take time, and mehrere Wochen means several weeks. Die Reiseplanung is nominative because it is the subject, while mehrere Wochen is an accusative expression of duration.
Wir beginnen die Reiseplanung im Januar.
We begin the travel planning in January.
beginnen means to begin, and im Januar means in January. Die Reiseplanung is accusative because beginnen takes a direct object; the feminine article looks the same in nominative and accusative.
Wir widmen der Reiseplanung viel Zeit.
We devote a lot of time to the travel planning.
widmen means to devote or dedicate, and viel Zeit means a lot of time. Der Reiseplanung is dative because widmen requires a dative recipient or target; the feminine article changes from die to der.
Die Kosten der Reiseplanung sind höher als erwartet.
The costs of the travel planning are higher than expected.
die Kosten means the costs, höher means higher, and erwartet means expected. Der Reiseplanung is genitive because it specifies which costs are meant; feminine nouns show this mainly through the article.
Die Reiseplanungen für den Sommer sind fast fertig.
The travel plans for the summer are almost finished.
für den Sommer means for the summer, and fast fertig means almost finished. Die Reiseplanungen is plural with -en; sind is the plural form of sein and stands in position two.
der Schienenersatzverkehr — rail-replacement service
This long compound means Schienen plus Ersatz plus Verkehr: transport replacing rail service. It is normally a singular mass noun with no plural, and it often refers to replacement buses.
Der Schienenersatzverkehr fährt ab acht Uhr.
The rail-replacement service runs from eight o’clock.
fährt means runs or travels, and ab acht Uhr means from eight o’clock. Der Schienenersatzverkehr is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb fährt stands in position two.
Die Bahn organisiert den Schienenersatzverkehr.
The railway company organises the replacement service.
die Bahn means the railway company or rail service, and organisiert means organises. Den Schienenersatzverkehr is accusative because it is the direct object of organisieren; the finite verb is in position two.
Wir fahren mit dem Schienenersatzverkehr.
We are travelling by the rail-replacement service.
wir fahren means we are travelling, and mit means by or with. Mit always takes the dative, so the masculine article is dem in dem Schienenersatzverkehr.
Die Kosten des Schienenersatzverkehrs übernimmt die Bahn.
The railway company covers the costs of the replacement service.
die Kosten means the costs, and übernimmt means takes over or covers. Des Schienenersatzverkehrs is genitive and means “of the replacement service”; the finite verb übernimmt is in position two.
Heute gibt es Schienenersatzverkehr.
Today there is a rail-replacement service.
heute means today, and gibt es means there is. Schienenersatzverkehr is used without an article here as a mass noun; after es gibt, the service is grammatically an accusative object, although the uncountable noun has no visible ending.
der Steward — steward; male flight attendant
Steward is a male service worker on a plane or ship. In modern German, Flugbegleiter is often preferred for a male flight attendant, while Steward is still understood.
Der Steward begrüßt die Passagiere.
The steward welcomes the passengers.
begrüßt means welcomes, and die Passagiere are the passengers. Der Steward is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb begrüßt stands in position two.
Ich rufe den Steward.
I call the steward.
rufe means call. den Steward is accusative because it is the direct object of rufen; the masculine article changes from der to den, while the loanword itself does not change.
Ich spreche mit dem Steward.
I speak with the steward.
spreche means speak, and mit means with. dem Steward is dative because mit always takes the dative; the finite verb spreche is in position two.
Die Hilfe des Stewards war freundlich.
The steward's help was friendly.
die Hilfe means the help, and freundlich means friendly. des Stewards is genitive because it shows whose help it was; the article des marks the genitive, with no extra ending on Steward.
Die Stewards verteilen Getränke.
The stewards hand out drinks.
verteilen means hand out or distribute, and Getränke are drinks. Die Stewards is the plural subject, and the plural form is made with -s; the finite verb verteilen stands in position two.
die Tageskarte — day ticket; daily menu; daily menu
In transport, die Tageskarte is a ticket valid for one day. In a restaurant, it can also mean the menu or special dishes offered for that day, so context is important.
Die Tageskarte gilt bis Mitternacht.
The day ticket is valid until midnight.
gilt means is valid and bis Mitternacht means until midnight. Die Tageskarte is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb gilt stands in position two.
Ich kaufe eine Tageskarte für den Bus.
I am buying a day ticket for the bus.
kaufe means am buying, für means for, and der Bus means the bus. eine Tageskarte is accusative because kaufen takes a direct object; für den Bus is also accusative because für always governs accusative.
Mit der Tageskarte fahren wir durch die Stadt.
With the day ticket, we travel through the city.
mit means with, fahren means travel, and durch die Stadt means through the city. der Tageskarte is dative because mit always takes dative; durch die Stadt is accusative because durch takes accusative.
Der Preis der Tageskarte beträgt acht Euro.
The price of the day ticket is eight euros.
der Preis means the price and beträgt means amounts to. der Tageskarte is genitive because it identifies whose price it is; the finite verb beträgt is in position two.
Die Tageskarten sind am Automaten erhältlich.
The day tickets are available at the ticket machine.
sind means are, am Automaten means at the ticket machine, and erhältlich means available. Tageskarten is plural and the subject; am Automaten is dative because an describes a fixed location here.
Was steht heute auf der Tageskarte?
What is on the daily menu today?
heute means today and steht means is written or listed. auf der Tageskarte is dative because auf describes a fixed location on the menu; the question word was stands first and steht follows in position two.
Die Suppe von der Tageskarte schmeckt gut.
The soup from the daily menu tastes good.
die Suppe means the soup, von means from, and schmeckt gut means tastes good. von der Tageskarte is dative because von always takes dative; the whole phrase modifies die Suppe.
der Tourismus — tourism
Tourismus is normally a mass noun, so the singular is much more common than Tourismen. It refers both to holiday travel in general and to the tourism industry.
Der Tourismus ist für die Insel sehr wichtig.
Tourism is very important for the island.
wichtig means important, and die Insel is the island. Der Tourismus is nominative because it is the subject, and für die Insel is accusative because für always takes the accusative.
Die Stadt fördert den Tourismus.
The city promotes tourism.
die Stadt is the city, and fördert means promotes or supports. Den Tourismus is accusative because fördern takes a direct object; the finite verb fördert is in position two.
Viele Menschen leben vom Tourismus.
Many people make a living from tourism.
viele Menschen means many people, and leben means live. Vom is short for von dem and forces the dative; Tourismus has no visible article ending here because it is an uncountable activity.
Die Folgen des Tourismus sind nicht immer positiv.
The effects of tourism are not always positive.
die Folgen means the effects, and nicht immer positiv means not always positive. Des Tourismus is genitive because it identifies whose effects they are; the verb sind agrees with plural Folgen.
Verschiedene Tourismen haben unterschiedliche Ziele.
Different forms of tourism have different aims.
verschiedene means different, and unterschiedliche Ziele means different aims. Tourismen is plural and nominative as the subject; this plural is used for distinct forms of tourism.
der Wanderer — hiker, walker, wanderer
Der Wanderer is a person who goes hiking, not simply anyone who walks somewhere. It is a weak masculine noun: say der Wanderer, but den Wanderer, dem Wanderer, and des Wanderers.
Der Wanderer trägt einen schweren Rucksack.
The hiker is carrying a heavy backpack.
trägt means is carrying, einen schweren Rucksack means a heavy backpack, and schwer means heavy. Der Wanderer is nominative as the subject; this weak masculine noun has no extra ending in the nominative.
Ich sehe den Wanderer dort vorne.
I can see the hiker up ahead.
ich sehe means I see, dort vorne means up ahead, and vorne means at the front. Den Wanderer is accusative because it is the object of sehen; a weak masculine noun adds -n outside the nominative.
Wir helfen dem Wanderer mit der Karte.
We help the hiker with the map.
helfen means to help and die Karte means the map. Dem Wanderer is dative because helfen takes a dative person; the noun therefore has -n, and mit der Karte is also dative after mit.
Der Rucksack des Wanderers ist sehr alt.
The hiker's backpack is very old.
der Rucksack means the backpack, alt means old, and sehr means very. Des Wanderers is genitive because it shows possession; unlike the other oblique forms, this weak masculine noun uses -s here.
Die Wanderer machen eine kurze Pause.
The hikers are taking a short break.
machen means make or take, eine kurze Pause means a short break, and kurz means short. Die Wanderer is plural and has the same noun shape as singular der Wanderer, so the article and verb are important clues.
die Wandertour — hiking tour; walking trip
A Wandertour is usually a planned walk with a route and a destination, often longer than an ordinary walk. The compound combines wandern, to hike, with die Tour, trip or tour.
Die Wandertour beginnt um acht Uhr.
The hiking tour starts at eight o'clock.
beginnen means to start, and um acht Uhr means at eight o'clock. Die Wandertour is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb beginnt stands in position two.
Wir planen eine Wandertour durch den Wald.
We are planning a hiking tour through the forest.
planen means to plan, durch means through, and der Wald means the forest. eine Wandertour is accusative because planen takes an accusative object; durch den Wald is also accusative because durch always takes the accusative.
Bei der Wandertour habe ich viele Fotos gemacht.
I took many photos during the hiking tour.
bei means during or at, viele Fotos means many photos, and gemacht means taken or made. bei der Wandertour is dative because bei always takes the dative; the perfect-tense verb has habe in position two and gemacht at the end.
Die Länge der Wandertour beträgt zwölf Kilometer.
The length of the hiking tour is twelve kilometres.
die Länge means the length, betragen means to amount to, and zwölf Kilometer means twelve kilometres. der Wandertour is genitive because it specifies the length of which tour; the finite verb beträgt is in position two.
Im Sommer machen wir mehrere Wandertouren.
In summer we go on several hiking tours.
im Sommer means in summer and mehrere means several. mehrere Wandertouren is accusative because machen takes the object in this expression; the plural ending is -en.
der Zimmerservice — room service
Zimmerservice is normally a mass noun, so it usually has no plural. It can mean the service itself or the staff and system that bring something to a guest's room.
Der Zimmerservice ist rund um die Uhr erreichbar.
Room service can be reached around the clock.
rund um die Uhr means around the clock and erreichbar means available or reachable. Der Zimmerservice is nominative as the subject, and the finite verb ist is in position two.
Ich bestelle den Zimmerservice.
I am ordering room service.
bestellen means to order. Den Zimmerservice is accusative because bestellen takes a direct object; the finite verb bestelle stands in position two.
Wir geben dem Zimmerservice die Zimmernummer.
We give room service the room number.
geben means to give and die Zimmernummer means the room number. Dem Zimmerservice is dative because it is the recipient, while die Zimmernummer is the accusative thing given.
Die Telefonnummer des Zimmerservices steht auf der Karte.
The room service telephone number is on the card.
die Telefonnummer means telephone number, steht means is written or stands, and auf der Karte means on the card. Des Zimmerservices is genitive because it identifies which telephone number; the borrowed noun takes -s.
Zimmerservice ist in diesem Hotel inklusive.
Room service is included in this hotel.
inklusive means included and in diesem Hotel means in this hotel. Zimmerservice is normally a mass noun with no regular plural, so it is used without an article here.
der Zoll — customs; tariff, duty; inch
When der Zoll means customs duties, its plural is die Zölle. The customs authority can also be called der Zoll, while the unit of length has the unchanged plural Zoll, as in zwei Zoll.
Der Zoll kontrolliert die Koffer.
Customs is checking the suitcases.
kontrolliert means checks and die Koffer means the suitcases. Der Zoll is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb kontrolliert is in position two.
Wir müssen am Flughafen den Zoll passieren.
We have to pass through customs at the airport.
der Flughafen means the airport, passieren means to pass through, and müssen means have to. Den Zoll is accusative because it is the direct object of passieren; the infinitive goes to the end after the modal verb.
Ich frage beim Zoll nach den Gebühren.
I ask customs about the fees.
fragen means to ask and die Gebühren means the fees. Beim Zoll means bei dem Zoll, so bei forces dative; nach also takes dative, and the separable verb nachfragen places frage in position two and nach at the end.
Die Entscheidung des Zolls dauert lange.
The customs decision is taking a long time.
die Entscheidung means the decision and dauert lange means takes a long time. Des Zolls is genitive because it identifies whose decision it is; the finite verb dauert is in position two.
Die neuen Zölle verteuern die Waren.
The new tariffs make the goods more expensive.
neuen means new, verteuern means make more expensive, and die Waren means the goods. Zölle is the plural for tariffs and is nominative here because it is the subject; die Waren is accusative as the direct object.
Der Zoll am Flughafen öffnet meinen Koffer.
The customs officer at the airport opens my suitcase.
am Flughafen means at the airport, öffnet means opens, and meinen Koffer means my suitcase. Here der Zoll means the customs authority or officers and is nominative; meinen Koffer is accusative because it is the object.
Der Bildschirm ist fünf Zoll groß.
The screen is five inches in size.
der Bildschirm means the screen, fünf means five, and groß means large or in size. After a number, the measurement word is usually unchanged as Zoll; ist is in position two and groß stands at the end of the predicate.
Das Kabel ist drei Zoll lang.
The cable is three inches long.
das Kabel means the cable, drei means three, and lang means long. Drei Zoll is a measurement phrase with no plural ending; lang is a predicative adjective and therefore has no adjective ending.
zurückkehren — to return, to come back
zurückkehren is more formal and less conversational than zurückkommen. It can describe returning to a place or returning to a previous situation.
Nach vielen Jahren kehrt sie in ihre Heimat zurück.
After many years, she returns to her homeland.
nach vielen Jahren means after many years, and die Heimat means homeland. in ihre Heimat is accusative because it expresses movement into a place; kehrt is in position two and the prefix zurück closes the main clause.
Er ist nach Deutschland zurückgekehrt.
He returned to Germany.
Deutschland is Germany. nach Deutschland expresses direction, and zurückgekehrt takes sein in the perfect because the verb describes a return; the Partizip II stands at the end.
Der Wissenschaftler kehrte später in die Stadt zurück.
The scientist returned to the city later.
der Wissenschaftler is the scientist, später means later, and die Stadt is the city. in die Stadt is accusative because it expresses movement; the finite past form kehrte is in position two and zurück is at the end.
Kehr bald zurück!
Come back soon!
bald means soon. This is a singular command with omitted du; the imperative kehr comes first and the separable prefix zurück goes to the end.
Ich würde gern in meine Heimat zurückkehren.
I would like to return to my homeland.
gern means gladly or would like to, and die Heimat means homeland. in meine Heimat is accusative because it expresses movement; würde marks the conditional and the complete infinitive zurückkehren stands at the end.
Nach dem Krieg werden viele Familien in ihre Dörfer zurückkehren.
After the war, many families will return to their villages.
der Krieg is the war, viele Familien means many families, and das Dorf is a village. in ihre Dörfer is accusative because it expresses movement into the villages; werden is in position two and zurückkehren is the final infinitive.