German · A2 · Speaking · about 5 min
Name the destination, ask whether a return ticket is available, and check the departure platform.
‘Nach Berlin’ gives the destination. ‘Gleis’ is the platform or track shown on station boards.
Say thisEine Fahrkarte nach Berlin, bitte.
MeaningOne ticket to Berlin, please.
When to use itStart the conversation naturally.
Say thisGibt es eine Rückfahrkarte?
MeaningIs there a return ticket?
When to use itAdd the detail the other person needs.
Say thisVon welchem Gleis fährt der Zug?
MeaningWhich platform does the train leave from?
When to use itFinish with a clear, polite line.
| Say this | Meaning | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Eine Fahrkarte nach Berlin, bitte. | One ticket to Berlin, please. | Start the conversation naturally. |
| Gibt es eine Rückfahrkarte? | Is there a return ticket? | Add the detail the other person needs. |
| Von welchem Gleis fährt der Zug? | Which platform does the train leave from? | Finish with a clear, polite line. |
SituationYou need a one-way ticket to Berlin. Which request is clear?
Say thisEine einfache Fahrkarte nach Berlin, bitte.
Why‘Eine einfache Fahrkarte’ is a one-way ticket; a ‘Hin- und Rückfahrkarte’ includes the return.
SituationYou need to travel today. How do you ask for today's departures?
Say thisWann fährt heute der nächste Zug?
Why‘Heute’ means today; ‘fährt’ asks when the train leaves.
SituationThe board shows a platform change. Which question checks the new platform?
Say thisVon welchem Gleis fährt der Zug jetzt?
Why‘Von welchem Gleis’ asks which platform or track the train now leaves from.
SituationYou have a ticket but need to change trains. How do you ask where?
Say thisWo muss ich umsteigen?
Why‘Umsteigen’ means to change trains; ‘wo’ asks for the place.
SituationThe announcement is unclear. How do you ask whether this train goes to Berlin?
Say thisFährt dieser Zug nach Berlin?
Why‘Fährt dieser Zug nach Berlin?’ checks the destination of this train.
| Situation | Say this | Why |
|---|---|---|
| You need a one-way ticket to Berlin. Which request is clear? | Eine einfache Fahrkarte nach Berlin, bitte. | ‘Eine einfache Fahrkarte’ is a one-way ticket; a ‘Hin- und Rückfahrkarte’ includes the return. |
| You need to travel today. How do you ask for today's departures? | Wann fährt heute der nächste Zug? | ‘Heute’ means today; ‘fährt’ asks when the train leaves. |
| The board shows a platform change. Which question checks the new platform? | Von welchem Gleis fährt der Zug jetzt? | ‘Von welchem Gleis’ asks which platform or track the train now leaves from. |
| You have a ticket but need to change trains. How do you ask where? | Wo muss ich umsteigen? | ‘Umsteigen’ means to change trains; ‘wo’ asks for the place. |
| The announcement is unclear. How do you ask whether this train goes to Berlin? | Fährt dieser Zug nach Berlin? | ‘Fährt dieser Zug nach Berlin?’ checks the destination of this train. |
Name the destination, ask whether a return ticket is available, and check the departure platform.
You need a ticket to Berlin. What do you ask for first?
You need a one-way ticket to Berlin. Which request is clear?
Eine Fahrkarte nach Berlin, bitte.
One ticket to Berlin, please.
Start the conversation naturally.
Gibt es eine Rückfahrkarte?
Is there a return ticket?
Add the detail the other person needs.
Von welchem Gleis fährt der Zug?
Which platform does the train leave from?
Finish with a clear, polite line.