Finding another route after a cancelled train | Learn German in English

German lesson set in a contemporary Berlin everyday setting: At a transport station, a passenger asks staff for another route after a cancelled train threatens a connection..

EN → DE / Level: B1

About This Lesson

Use Finding another route after a cancelled train to practice German conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

Mein Zug ist ausgefallen.

mine TSOOK ist OWS-guh-FAH-len. My train has been cancelled.
A

Ich muss bald einen Anschlusszug erreichen.

ikh moos bahlt EYE-nen AHN-shlooss-tsoog er-RYE-khen. I need to catch a connecting train soon.
B

Ich kann Ihnen helfen, eine andere Verbindung zu finden.

ikh kahn EE-nen HEL-fen, EYE-nuh AHN-duh-reh fer-BIN-doong tsoo FIN-den. I can help you find another route.
A

Auf der Anzeigetafel steht, dass ein Schnellzug von einem anderen Bahnsteig abfährt.

owf dair AHN-tsye-guh-tah-fel shtayt, dahss eye-n SHNELL-tsoog fon EYE-nem AHN-duh-ren BAHN-shtyeeg AHP-fairt. The board shows an express train leaving from a different platform.
B

Das könnte klappen, aber ich prüfe, ob Ihre Fahrkarte dafür gültig ist.

dahss KURN-tuh KLAHP-en, AH-ber ikh PROO-fuh, op EE-reh FAHR-kar-tuh dah-FYOOR GUEL-tikh ist. That could work, but I'll check whether your ticket is valid for it.
A

Soll ich diese Fahrkarte weiter benutzen oder eine neue kaufen?

zoll ikh DEE-zuh FAHR-kar-tuh VY-ter beh-NOOT-sen OH-der EYE-nuh NOY-uh KOW-fen? Should I stay with this ticket or get a new one?
B

Sie können diese Fahrkarte benutzen, weil Ihr ursprünglicher Zug ausgefallen ist.

zee KURN-en DEE-zuh FAHR-kar-tuh beh-NOOT-sen, vile EER OOR-shproong-likh-er TSOOK OWS-guh-FAH-len ist. You can use this ticket because your original train was cancelled.
A

Werde ich meinen Anschluss am nächsten Bahnhof noch erreichen?

VAIR-duh ikh MY-nen AHN-shlooss ahm NAYKH-sten BAHN-hohf nokh er-RYE-khen? Will I still make my connection at the next station?
B

Das sollten Sie schaffen, aber gehen Sie jetzt zum Bahnsteig und prüfen Sie das noch einmal, wenn Sie ankommen.

dahss ZOLL-ten zee SHAH-fen, AH-ber GAY-en zee yetst tsoom BAHN-shtyeeg oont PROO-fen zee dahss nokh EYE-nmahl, ven zee AHN-kom-en. You should, but head to the platform now and check again when you arrive.

Word by Word

Mein “Mein” means “my” in “Mein Zug” and identifies the speaker’s train. It is used before the noun it describes. Use “Mein” to identify something belonging to or associated with you, such as in “Mein Zug”.
Zug “Zug” means “train” in “Mein Zug”. It is the vehicle that has been cancelled in this dialogue. Use it with travel information, for example in the phrase “Mein Zug”.
ist “Ist” means “is” in “ist ausgefallen” and helps state the train’s current situation. Together with “ausgefallen”, it describes what has happened to the train. It is also used in statements about a person or thing’s state.
ausgefallen “Ausgefallen” means that the train has been cancelled in “Mein Zug ist ausgefallen”. With “ist”, it describes the cancelled service rather than a person. Use “ist ausgefallen” to report that a scheduled transport service did not run.
Ich “Ich” means “I” in “Ich muss bald einen Anschlusszug erreichen” and “Ich kann Ihnen helfen”. It identifies the person speaking. Use “Ich” as the subject when describing your own need or ability.
muss “Muss” means “must” or “need to” in “Ich muss bald einen Anschlusszug erreichen”. It expresses the speaker’s necessity to catch the connecting train soon. It is used with another verb in the infinitive, such as “erreichen”.
bald “Bald” means “soon” in “Ich muss bald einen Anschlusszug erreichen”. It places the required action in the near future. Use it with an action that needs to happen soon, as in “muss bald ... erreichen”.
einen “Einen” means “a” or “an” before “Anschlusszug” in “einen Anschlusszug erreichen”. It introduces the specific connecting train that the speaker needs to catch. It appears before a singular masculine object in this expression.
Anschlusszug “Anschlusszug” means “connecting train” in “einen Anschlusszug erreichen”. It is the train the speaker needs to catch after the disrupted service. Use it when discussing a train that continues a journey after another train.
erreichen “Erreichen” means “catch” or “reach” in “einen Anschlusszug erreichen”. Here it refers to arriving in time for the connecting train. It follows “muss” as the action that is necessary.
kann “Kann” means “can” in “Ich kann Ihnen helfen”. It expresses the staff member’s ability or willingness to help. It is used with another verb in the infinitive, such as “helfen”.
Ihnen “Ihnen” means formal “you” as the person receiving help in “Ich kann Ihnen helfen”. It addresses the passenger politely. Use it with a service expression such as “Ihnen helfen” when speaking formally to one person.
helfen “Helfen” means “help” in “Ich kann Ihnen helfen”. The person being helped is expressed by “Ihnen” in this dialogue. Use “helfen” with a person and, when relevant, an action or task to be helped with.
eine “Eine” means “a” or “an” before “andere Verbindung” in “eine andere Verbindung zu finden”. It introduces another possible route. It is placed before the noun phrase describing the alternative.
andere “Andere” means “another” or “different” in “eine andere Verbindung”. It marks the route as an alternative to the original one. Use it before a noun when referring to a different available option.
Verbindung “Verbindung” means “route” or “connection” in “eine andere Verbindung zu finden”. Here it refers to another train route for the journey. Use it with travel planning when discussing a possible connection or route.
zu “Zu” marks the infinitive in “zu finden” within “helfen, eine andere Verbindung zu finden”. It connects the action of finding the route with “helfen”. Use “zu” before an infinitive in this kind of dependent construction.
finden “Finden” means “find” in “eine andere Verbindung zu finden”. It describes locating a suitable alternative route. Here it follows “zu” and keeps the object “eine andere Verbindung” before it.
Auf “Auf” means “on” or “at” in “Auf der Anzeigetafel”. It locates the information on the display board. Use it with a place or surface when saying where information appears.
der “Der” means “the” in “der Anzeigetafel”. Together with “Auf”, it forms the phrase “Auf der Anzeigetafel”, meaning on the display board. It introduces the specific board being referred to.
Anzeigetafel “Anzeigetafel” means “display board” in “Auf der Anzeigetafel”. It is the board showing the train information. Use it when referring to posted travel details at a station.
steht “Steht” means “is written” or “is shown” in “Auf der Anzeigetafel steht”. It introduces information displayed on the board. Use “Auf ... steht” to say what information appears in a written display.
dass “Dass” means “that” in “steht, dass ein Schnellzug ... abfährt”. It introduces the information shown on the board. In this construction, the clause after “dass” gives the content of that information.
ein “Ein” means “a” or “an” before “Schnellzug” in “ein Schnellzug ... abfährt”. It introduces the express train mentioned in the displayed information. It appears before the noun that is the subject of the “dass” clause.
Schnellzug “Schnellzug” means “express train” in “ein Schnellzug ... abfährt”. It identifies the alternative train shown on the board. Use it when distinguishing an express service from another train option.
von “Von” means “from” in “von einem anderen Bahnsteig”. It gives the platform from which the express train departs. Use it with the place or point of departure.
einem “Einem” means “a” or “an” in “von einem anderen Bahnsteig”. After “von”, it introduces the departure platform. It belongs to the phrase describing where the train leaves from.
anderen “Anderen” means “different” or “another” in “einem anderen Bahnsteig”. It identifies the platform as different from the one expected or previously considered. Use it before a noun when directing someone to an alternative place.
Bahnsteig “Bahnsteig” means “platform” in “von einem anderen Bahnsteig”. It is the place from which the express train departs. Use it in station directions, such as when telling someone to go to a platform.
abfährt “Abfährt” means “leaves” or “departs” in “ein Schnellzug ... abfährt”. It describes the express train leaving from the other platform. In the “dass” clause, this verb form appears at the end.
Das “Das” means “that” or “it” in “Das könnte klappen”. It refers to the proposed alternative route or train option just mentioned. Use it to point back to a suggestion or situation under discussion.
könnte “Könnte” means “could” in “Das könnte klappen”. It presents the proposed option as a possible solution rather than a certainty. Use it when evaluating whether a plan may work.
klappen “Klappen” means “work out” in “Das könnte klappen”. The expression evaluates the proposed route as potentially successful. Use “klappen” with a plan, arrangement, or solution that may succeed.
aber “Aber” means “but” in “Das könnte klappen, aber ich prüfe ...”. It introduces a qualification: the route may work, but the ticket still needs to be checked. Use it to connect an opposing or limiting point.
prüfe “Prüfe” means “check” in “ich prüfe, ob Ihre Fahrkarte dafür gültig ist”. It says that the staff member will verify the ticket’s validity. Use it when checking information, a document, or a condition.
ob “Ob” means “whether” in “ich prüfe, ob Ihre Fahrkarte dafür gültig ist”. It introduces the question being checked: whether the ticket is valid for the alternative. Use it after verbs such as checking or asking when the answer can be yes or no.
Ihre “Ihre” means formal “your” in “Ihre Fahrkarte”. It identifies the ticket as belonging to the passenger being addressed politely. Use it before a noun when speaking formally to one person about their item.
Fahrkarte “Fahrkarte” means “ticket” in “Ihre Fahrkarte”. It is the travel document whose validity the staff member checks. Use it when discussing a ticket for a journey.
dafür “Dafür” means “for it” or “for that” in “dafür gültig”. It refers to the alternative train or route under discussion. Use it to avoid repeating the option that the ticket may be valid for.
gültig “Gültig” means “valid” in “Ihre Fahrkarte dafür gültig ist”. It describes whether the ticket can be used for the alternative option. The pattern “für etwas gültig” expresses what a ticket or document is valid for.
Soll “Soll” means “should” in “Soll ich diese Fahrkarte weiter benutzen oder eine neue kaufen?”. It asks for advice about which action the speaker ought to take. Use “Soll ich ...?” when asking whether you should do something.
diese “Diese” means “this” in “diese Fahrkarte”. It points to the ticket the speaker already has. Use it before a noun when referring to a specific item that is present or already known.
weiter “Weiter” means “continuing” or “further” in “weiter benutzen”. It shows that the speaker is asking whether to continue using the current ticket. Use it before an action to express continuation.
benutzen “Benutzen” means “use” in “diese Fahrkarte weiter benutzen”. It refers to using the existing ticket for the continuing journey. Use it with a concrete object such as “diese Fahrkarte”.
oder “Oder” means “or” in “weiter benutzen oder eine neue kaufen”. It presents the two alternatives the passenger is considering. Use it to connect alternative actions or choices.
neue “Neue” means “new one” in “eine neue kaufen”. It refers back to a new ticket, with the noun “Fahrkarte” understood from the context. Use this form when contrasting a new item with the one already mentioned.
kaufen “Kaufen” means “buy” in “eine neue kaufen”. It describes obtaining a new ticket as the alternative to continuing to use the current one. Keep the object before it when reusing the pattern “eine neue kaufen”.
Sie “Sie” means formal “you” in “Sie können diese Fahrkarte benutzen”. It identifies the passenger being addressed politely. Use it as the subject when giving formal information or permission.
können “Können” means “can” in “Sie können diese Fahrkarte benutzen”. It gives the passenger permission or says that using the ticket is possible. It is followed by the action verb “benutzen”.
weil “Weil” means “because” in “weil Ihr ursprünglicher Zug ausgefallen ist”. It introduces the reason why the ticket can be used. Use it to connect an action or permission with its reason.
Ihr “Ihr” means formal “your” in “Ihr ursprünglicher Zug”. It identifies the original train as belonging to the passenger being addressed politely. Use it before a noun when speaking formally about the passenger’s item or journey.
ursprünglicher “Ursprünglicher” means “original” in “Ihr ursprünglicher Zug”. It distinguishes the first train from the alternative train being considered. Use it before a noun when referring to the initial option in a changed plan.
Werde “Werde” means “will” in “Werde ich meinen Anschluss ... noch erreichen?”. It asks about the likely future result of the journey. Use “Werde ich ...?” to ask whether you will achieve something later.
meinen “Meinen” means “my” in “meinen Anschluss”. It identifies the connection the speaker needs to make. It appears before the noun describing the speaker’s connection.
Anschluss “Anschluss” means “connection” in “meinen Anschluss ... erreichen”. Here it refers to the next train connection the speaker hopes not to miss. Use it with “erreichen” when asking whether you will make a connection.
am “Am” means “at the” in “am nächsten Bahnhof”. It introduces the station where the connection is expected to be made. It is used here as part of the location phrase “am nächsten Bahnhof”.
nächsten “Nächsten” means “next” in “am nächsten Bahnhof”. It identifies the station that comes next in the journey. Use it before a place noun when referring to the next stop or location.
Bahnhof “Bahnhof” means “station” in “am nächsten Bahnhof”. It is the place where the passenger asks whether the connection can be reached. Use it for a train station in travel directions or plans.
noch “Noch” means “still” in “meinen Anschluss ... noch erreichen”. It asks whether the connection remains possible despite the cancelled train. Use it to express that something may continue to be possible or remain true.
sollten “Sollten” means “should” in “Das sollten Sie schaffen”. It expresses the staff member’s expectation that the passenger will manage to make the connection. Use it when giving a cautious positive assessment or expectation.
schaffen “Schaffen” means “manage” or “make it” in “Das sollten Sie schaffen”. It refers to successfully reaching the connection in time. Use it with an achievable task or deadline when saying that someone will manage it.
gehen “Gehen” means “go” in “gehen Sie jetzt zum Bahnsteig”. With “Sie”, it gives the formal instruction to go to the platform. Use it with “zu” or “zum” to indicate the destination.
jetzt “Jetzt” means “now” in “gehen Sie jetzt zum Bahnsteig”. It tells the passenger that the action should happen immediately. Use it to give a time instruction for an action that should begin at once.
zum “Zum” means “to the” in “zum Bahnsteig”. It introduces the platform as the destination of the movement. Use it before a destination noun in directions such as “gehen Sie ... zum Bahnsteig”.
und “Und” means “and” in “gehen Sie jetzt zum Bahnsteig und prüfen Sie das noch einmal”. It links the instruction to go to the platform with the instruction to check again. Use it to join related actions.
prüfen “Prüfen” means “check” in “prüfen Sie das noch einmal”. It instructs the passenger to verify the information again. Use it with the thing being checked, here “das”, and with “noch einmal” for a repeated check.
einmal “Einmal” means “once” in “noch einmal”. In this expression, it contributes the meaning “one more time” or “again”. Use “noch einmal” when asking someone to repeat or recheck something.
wenn “Wenn” means “when” in “wenn Sie ankommen”. It introduces the time at which the passenger should check again. Use it before a clause describing a future or repeated situation.
ankommen “Ankommen” means “arrive” in “wenn Sie ankommen”. It refers to reaching the next station or destination. Use it in a time expression to say what should happen when someone arrives.

Grammar Points

helfen + Dativ

Ihnen helfen

EE-nen HEL-fen

to help you

The person receiving help is in the dative case: Ihnen means “to you” in formal address.

ausfallen → ausgefallen

ausgefallen

OWS-guh-FAH-len

cancelled; suspended

Separable-prefix verbs place ge between the prefix and the verb stem in the past participle.

German Vocabulary

andere adj
AHN-duh-reh other; another

eine andere Verbindung

Anschlusszug noun
AHN-shlooss-tsoog connecting train

einen Anschlusszug

Anzeigetafel noun
AHN-tsye-guh-tah-fel display board; information board

Auf der Anzeigetafel

ausfallen verb
OWS-fah-len to be cancelled; to be suspended ausgefallen

ist ausgefallen

bald adv
bahlt soon
erreichen verb
er-RYE-khen to catch; to reach

einen Anschlusszug erreichen

finden verb
FIN-den to find

zu finden

helfen verb
HEL-fen to help

Ihnen helfen

Ihnen pron
EE-nen to you; for you
stehen verb
SHTAY-en to stand; to say on a sign or board steht

steht, dass

Verbindung noun
fer-BIN-doong connection; route

eine andere Verbindung

Zug noun
TSOOK train

Mein Zug

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

My train has been cancelled.

Show AnswerMein Zug ist ausgefallen.

I need to catch a connecting train soon.

Show AnswerIch muss bald einen Anschlusszug erreichen.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

to find

Show Answerfinden

connection; route

Show AnswerVerbindung

to help

Show Answerhelfen

to you; for you

Show AnswerIhnen