Rolltreppe
/ˈʁɔlˌtʁɛpə/feminine
The English word escalator is Rolltreppe in German. Wiktionary also lists Fahrtreppe.
Meaning: mechanical device (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Rolltreppe | /ˈʁɔlˌtʁɛpə/ | feminine |
| Fahrtreppe | feminine |
The word refers to a mechanical device.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Rolltreppe is a compound made of rollen, meaning to roll and Treppe, meaning stairs.
Which one should you use?
Rolltreppe is the standard and most common term used for an escalator.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʁɔlˌtʁɛpə/
Did you know?
- Unlike English, which uses a brand name 'escalator' as a generic term, Rolltreppe is a purely descriptive compound word.
- In Germany, there is a strong cultural custom of standing on the right side of the Rolltreppe and walking on the left to let others pass.
- The term Rolltreppe may have been influenced by the French phrase escalier roulant, which appeared around the same time at the end of the 19th century.
Examples in context
- Wo ist die Rolltreppe?Where is the escalator?This sentence is useful for asking for the location of the Rolltreppe.Tatoeba #1567206 by Espi, translation #8826845 by sundown
- Die Rolltreppe ist kaputt.The escalator is broken.This sentence is useful for stating that the Rolltreppe is broken.Tatoeba #7740462 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #7737792 by CK
- Plötzlich hielt die Rolltreppe an.The escalator suddenly stopped.This sentence is useful for describing how the Rolltreppe suddenly stopped.Tatoeba #943309 by Sudajaengi, translation #4060435 by B_C
- Die Rolltreppe ist aufgrund von Wartungsarbeiten außer Betrieb.The escalator is out of service due to maintenance work.
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Felix are at a large train station.
- SarahFelix, wo ist die Rolltreppe?Felix, where is the escalator?
- FelixDie Rolltreppe ist dort hinten rechts.The escalator is over there on the right.
- SarahDanke, dann nehmen wir die Rolltreppe.Thanks, then we will take the escalator.
- FelixJa, das ist viel leichter.Yes, that is much easier.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “escalator” translations and entries Rolltreppe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Rolltreppe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
