German word

Hauptbahnhof

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈhaʊ̯ptˌbaːnhoːf/

Meaning

  • masculine nounmain station

Example

Ich warte am Hauptbahnhof.

I am waiting at the main station.

Illustration for Hauptbahnhof (main station)

More examples

Vor dem Hauptbahnhof gibt es einen Taxistand.

There is a taxi stand in front of the main station.

Core concept

A city's central rail hub where multiple lines converge and trains arrive, depart, or connect.

Common phrases

  • am Hauptbahnhof

    at the main station

  • zum Hauptbahnhof

    to the main station

  • vor dem Hauptbahnhof

    in front of the main station

Similar words

Bahnhof: A railway station where passenger trains arrive and depart.
Hbf: An abbreviation for a city's main railway station, used in timetables and signs.
U-Bahnhof: A station served by underground trains.
S-Bahnhof: A station served by urban or suburban S-Bahn trains.

Definition in German

Der wichtigste Bahnhof einer Stadt, an dem verschiedene Bahnlinien zusammentreffen und viele Verbindungen starten oder enden.

Word origin

Hauptbahnhof combines Haupt, meaning 'main', with Bahnhof, meaning 'railway station'; Bahnhof itself combines Bahn, 'railway', and Hof, 'yard'.

Usage tips

  • Hauptbahnhof is masculine, with the forms der Hauptbahnhof and die Hauptbahnhöfe.

Related words

  • Hauptbahnhofsanbindungconnection to the main stationnoun
  • Hauptbahnhofshallemain station hallnoun

Word lists with this word