Bahnsteig
/ˈbaːnʃtaɪ̯k/
The German word for platform is Bahnsteig.
Bahnsteig is used specifically to refer to a railway platform, whereas the English word 'platform' in a computing context is often borrowed directly as Plattform in German.
Meaning: computing: a specific operating system or environment, a specific type of computer or microprocessor (noun)
Which one should you use?
Use Bahnsteig when you are talking about a train station platform. For a political platform or an elevated structure, you may use Das Podium. For computing platforms, use the borrowed term Plattform.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Swiss German, the word Der Perron is used predominantly to mean platform.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Bahnsteig is Bahnsteige, and the genitive singular form is Bahnsteigs.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbaːnʃtaɪ̯k/
Did you know?
- While Bahnsteig refers to the platform itself, Germans often use the word Gleis (track) when asking which platform a train arrives on.
- The term Steig in Bahnsteig is also found in the word Bergsteiger, meaning 'mountain climber', as it refers to the act of ascending or traversing a path.
- The Swiss German word Perron is borrowed from the French word 'perron', reflecting the deep linguistic influence of French in the western parts of Switzerland.
Examples in context
- Ihr Zug geht von Bahnsteig 10.Your train leaves from Platform 10.This sentence is useful for identifying which platform a train departs from using Bahnsteig.Tatoeba #593616 by samueldora, translation #70550 by CN
- Ich soll sie auf Bahnsteig 8 treffen.I am to meet her on Platform 8.This sentence is useful for describing a meeting point on a specific platform using Bahnsteig.Tatoeba #742289 by Dejo, translation #321578 by Dejo
- Er ging auf dem Bahnsteig auf und ab.He was walking up and down the station platform.This sentence is useful for describing movement on a station platform using Bahnsteig.Tatoeba #1038864 by Manfredo, translation #292596 by sundown
- Ich habe meine Dienstleistungen auf einer Online-Plattform angeboten.I offered my services on an online platform.
- Der Politiker sprach standhaft von seinem Podium.The politician spoke steadfastly from his podium.
- Wir treffen uns am Bahnhof auf dem Bahnsteig.We are meeting at the train station on the platform.
- Warte auf dem Perron, bis der Zug kommt.Wait on the platform until the train arrives.
- 40 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Julia are at the train station.
- LukasWelchen Bahnsteig hat der Zug nach Berlin?Which platform does the train to Berlin have?
- JuliaEr fährt von Bahnsteig 4 ab.It departs from platform 4.
- LukasDanke, Julia! Beeilen wir uns.Thanks, Julia! Let's hurry.
- JuliaJa, Lukas, schnell zum Bahnsteig!Yes, Lukas, quickly to the platform!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Bahnsteig, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
