Verkehrsmittel
[fɛɐ̯ˈkeːɐ̯sˌmɪtl̩]
The English phrase 'transportation' is translated into German as Verkehrsmittel.
Verkehrsmittel is the standard term for a means of conveyance. When you want to refer specifically to public transportation systems such as buses, trains or trams, the standard phrase is öffentliche Verkehrsmittel.
Meaning: means of conveyance (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Verkehrsmittel is a compound noun. It combines Verkehr, meaning traffic or transport and Mittel, meaning means or medium.
Which one should you use?
The term Beförderung is used in formal contexts to imply the movement of goods or people.
How does it change in a sentence?
Verkehrsmittel is used for both the singular and the plural forms, meaning the word remains identical whether you are talking about one means of transport or many.
Did you know?
- The word Verkehr used in Verkehrsmittel is a double entendre in modern German. While it means 'traffic' in a transport context, it is also the common word for 'sexual intercourse'.
- The word Beförderung can mean 'transportation' of goods, but in a workplace context, it is the primary word for a professional 'promotion'.
- While Verkehrsmittel covers the vehicle, the German language uses a specific term, Fahrgast, to describe a passenger, which literally translates to a 'travel guest'.
Examples in context
- Wir benutzen öffentliche Verkehrsmittel.We use public transportation.This sentence is useful for saying that you use public transportation.Tatoeba #2686491 by kolonjano, translation #2685979 by fekundulo
- Ich hasse die öffentlichen Verkehrsmittel.I hate public transportation.This sentence is useful for expressing a dislike for public transportation.Tatoeba #8511146 by Luiaard, translation #8116750 by Amastan
- Tom nutzt die öffentlichen Verkehrsmittel.Tom uses public transportation.This sentence is useful for stating that someone uses public transportation.Tatoeba #8630545 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5651231 by Mar1L
- Der Transport der Waren erfolgt per Lastwagen.The transportation of goods is done by truck.
- Die öffentlichen Verkehrsmittel in Berlin sind sehr zuverlässig.The public transportation in Berlin is very reliable.
- Wir sind für die Beförderung der Passagiere zuständig.We are responsible for the transportation of passengers.
- Ich reise gerne mit dem Zug.I enjoy traveling by train.
- Autocar
- Zugtrain
- Flugzeugairplane
- Fahrradbicycle
- Schiffship
- mit dem Autoby car
- mit dem Busby bus
- mit der Bahnby train
- mit dem Flugzeugby airplane
- Wo ist der Bahnhof?Where is the train station?
- Wie komme ich zum Flughafen?How do I get to the airport?
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Lukas are discussing how to get to the city center.
- LauraWelches Verkehrsmittel nehmen wir heute?Which means of transportation are we taking today?
- LukasIch glaube, das Fahrrad ist am schnellsten.I think the bicycle is the fastest.
- LauraDas ist ein gutes Verkehrsmittel für diese Strecke.That is a good means of transportation for this route.
- LukasGenau, lass uns direkt losfahren.Exactly, let's leave right away.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Verkehrsmittel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
