Gleis
/ɡlaɪ̯s/
The English phrase "train track" is translated into German as Gleis.
Gleis is used to refer to the set of rails that a train travels on. It is also the standard term used to identify a specific track number or platform at a station, such as in the phrase Gleis 4.
Which one should you use?
While English speakers use "track" to refer to the physical rails, German speakers use Gleis to mean both the track assembly and the station platform/track number. If you want to be precise about the actual metal rails themselves, use Schienen instead. For a more formal way to say "train track," you can use Eisenbahngleis.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form is Gleis, and the plural form is Gleise. To express "of the track" (the genitive singular), use des Gleises.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡlaɪ̯s/
Did you know?
- The root of Gleis comes from a Proto-Indo-European word meaning 'to trace' or 'to track'. This links the modern railway term to the ancient act of following a physical trail in the earth.
- In German, the word Gleis is used for both the physical track and the platform number, meaning a traveler does not just wait on a platform but waits on the Gleis itself.
Examples in context
- Der Zug steht schon am Bahngleis. Beeil dich!The train is already at the track. Hurry up!
- Das Gleis ist gesperrt.The track is closed.
- Der Zug fährt auf Gleis vier.The train is traveling on track four.
- Vorsicht, nicht auf das Gleis treten!Careful, do not step on the track!
Example conversation
Maximilian and Julia are waiting at a train station.
- MaximilianAuf welchem Gleis fährt unser Zug?On which track is our train traveling?
- JuliaEr fährt auf Gleis sieben.It is traveling on track seven.
- MaximilianDanke, Julia. Dann lass uns schnell gehen.Thanks, Julia. Then let's go quickly.
- JuliaJa, wir müssen den Zug erwischen.Yes, we have to catch the train.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Gleis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Gleis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
