Zug
/t͡suːk/masculine
In German, the English word 'train' is primarily translated as Zug. Wiktionary also lists Eisenbahn.
Meaning: line of connected cars or carriages (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Zug | /t͡suːk/ (standard) /t͡sʊx/ |
masculine |
| Eisenbahn | /ˈaɪ̯zənˌbaːn/ /ˈaɪ̯sɛnˌbaːn/ |
feminine |
The word Zug refers to a specific line of connected cars or carriages. While it is the most common term for a train, it is distinct from the broader railway system.
Which one should you use?
Zug refers specifically to the physical line of cars moving on the tracks. In contrast, Eisenbahn refers to the entire railway system or the institution of the railroad.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Zug is a masculine noun. Its plural form is Züge.
How do you pronounce it?
/tsuːk/
Did you know?
- Long before it meant a locomotive, the word Zug was used to describe the action of pulling fish up from the water with nets.
- The word Zug is also used in chess to describe a 'move', such as in the term Zugzwang where a player is forced to move to their own disadvantage.
- In German, Zug does not just mean a train, but can also refer to a single puff of a cigarette or a draft of air in a room.
Examples in context
- Wo ist der Zug?Where is the train?This sentence is useful for asking about the location of a specific Zug.Tatoeba #1990116 by Manfredo, translation #1103022 by jamessilver
- Der Zug ist da.The train is in.This sentence is useful for stating that a Zug has arrived.Tatoeba #8080986 by Luiaard, translation #326153 by sundown
- Warst du im Zug?Were you on the train?This sentence is useful for asking if someone was traveling inside a Zug.Tatoeba #8308045 by Luiaard, translation #4501255 by CK
- Ich fahre mit dem Zug nach Berlin.I am taking the train to Berlin.
- Die Eisenbahn ist ein wichtiges Transportmittel.The railway is an important means of transportation.
- Ich nehme die Bahn zur Arbeit.I take the train to work.
- Entschuldigung, ich bin spät dran! Kannst du mir sagen, wann der Zug hier ankommt?Sorry, I'm running late! Can you tell me when the train arrives here?
- Mein Zug hat Verspätung. Ich hoffe, das beeinflusst meinen Anschlusszug nicht.My train is delayed. I hope it doesn't affect my connecting train.
- Entschuldigung, gibt es einen Gleiswechsel für den Zug nach Frankfurt?Excuse me, is there a platform change for the train to Frankfurt?
- 1612 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Maximilian are waiting at the railway station.
- LauraKommt der Zug heute pünktlich?Is the train arriving on time today?
- MaximilianJa, ich glaube schon, Maximilian.Yes, I believe so, Maximilian.
- LauraIch sehe den Zug schon dort vorne!I see the train right over there!
- MaximilianDann lass uns schnell einsteigen.Then let's get on quickly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “train” translations and entries Zug, Eisenbahn, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Eisenbahn, Zug, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
