German word

Schiene

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʃiːnə/

Meaning

  • feminine nounrail

Example

Die Schiene ist rostig.

The rail is rusty.

Illustration for Schiene (rail)

More examples

Man brachte die Gespräche wieder auf die Schiene.

The talks were put back on track.

Core concept

A slim hard guide that carries motion along a fixed path or holds a body part steady.

Common phrases

  • auf die Schiene bringen

    put ___ on track

  • auf die Schiene kommen

    get on track

  • von der Schiene abkommen

    get off track

Similar words

Gleis: A railway track section where trains arrive and depart, often marked by a number.
Bahn: The railway system or train service considered as a whole.
Schwelle: A wooden or concrete support beneath rails that keeps them in position.
Gips: A plaster cast that keeps a broken body part firm and still.

Definition in German

Ein schmales, meist starres Teil aus Metall oder Holz, das Bewegung stützt oder führt; besonders das Profil, auf dem Züge laufen.

Word origin

The German noun developed from Old High German scina and Middle High German schiene, originally referring to a thin strip or splint.

Usage tips

  • Schiene usually means an individual rail, whereas Gleis commonly means the complete railway track or route.

Other meanings

  • splintnoun

Related words

  • Schienenverkehrrail transportnoun
  • Schienennetzrail networknoun
  • Schienenersatzverkehrrail replacement servicenoun

Word lists with this word