German word

Bergbahn

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈbɛʁkˌbaːn/

Meaning

  • feminine nounmountain railway

Example

Im Winter sind die Bergbahnen oft geschlossen.

In winter, mountain railways are often closed.

Illustration for Bergbahn (mountain railway)

More examples

Viele Touristen nutzen die Bergbahn, um schnell den Gipfel zu erreichen.

Many tourists use the mountain railway to reach the summit quickly.

Core concept

A mountain transport line that lifts travelers from the valley into higher terrain, whether it runs on tracks or hangs from a cable.

Common phrases

  • Bergbahn nutzen

    use the mountain railway

  • Betrieb der Bergbahn

    operation of the mountain railway

Similar words

Seilbahn: A cableway that carries cabins or vehicles overhead between stations.
Standseilbahn: A funicular railway whose cars are hauled by cable along a steep slope.
Zahnradbahn: A railway that climbs steep slopes using a rack rail and cogged wheels.
Gondelbahn: A gondola lift that carries several passengers in suspended cabins.

Definition in German

Eine Bahn zum Transport von der Talstation zur Bergstation, betrieben als Standseilbahn, Zahnradbahn oder Seilbahn.

Word origin

Bergbahn is a compound of Berg and Bahn; Bahn developed from the sense of a path or route to include rail and other transport lines.

Usage tips

  • Bergbahn is broader than English 'mountain railway' because it can include a Seilbahn, usually translated as 'cable car' or 'cableway'.

Other meanings

  • cable carnoun

Opposites

  • Fußwegfootpathnoun
  • Autoverkehrcar trafficnoun

Related words

  • Bergbahnfahrtmountain railway ridenoun
  • Bergbahnnetzmountain railway networknoun

Word lists with this word