die Eisenbahn, -en
railway
Ein Verkehrsmittel, das aus Wagen besteht, die auf Schienen fahren und von einer Lokomotive gezogen werden.
The German word "Eisenbahn" is a compound noun consisting of "Eisen" (iron) and "Bahn" (track or way). It refers to a system of transportation that uses trains running on iron tracks — essentially, it means "railway" or "railroad".
Similar words in German include "Zug" (train), "Bahn" (track), and "Schienenverkehr" (rail transport).
Differences:
- "Zug" specifically refers to a train, the vehicle itself, whereas "Eisenbahn" encompasses the whole railway system.
- "Bahn" is more general and can mean "track" or "way" in various contexts, while "Eisenbahn" is specific to railways.
- "Schienenverkehr" is a broader term that refers to rail transport in general, including light rail, subways, trams, and other rail-based transportation systems. "Eisenbahn" typically refers more specifically to conventional train railways.
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Examples
Eine Eisenbahn kann sehr lang sein.noun
A railway can be very long.
Die Eisenbahn fährt durch die Stadt.noun
The railway goes through the city.
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