The German word for station is die Station.
It’s used for everything from train platforms to hospital departments to radio channels. And while the spelling looks the same as in English, the usage in German has its own rhythm and range.

It’s one of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German—a reliable vocabulary “stop” you’ll want to make.

Gender and Pronunciation

It’s a feminine noun: die Station.
Looking to get gender right more often? Our video lesson can help you spot and remember the patterns that matter.

Pronunciation:
Station is pronounced [shtah-tsee-OWN]

• “shta” like “stop”

• “tsee” like “see” with a “t”

• “OWN” rhymes with “zone”
  Three syllables: SHTAH-tsee-OWN

Example sentences

Die nächste Station ist Hauptbahnhof.

The next stop is central station.

Er liegt auf der Intensivstation.

He’s in the intensive care unit.

Sie hört gern klassische Musik auf dieser Station.

She likes listening to classical music on that radio station.

Nuance and usage tips

🚉 In public transportation, Station refers to a stop or station—especially in subways, trams, and city trains. You’ll often hear U-Bahn-Station or Haltestelle used interchangeably, though Haltestelle usually means “stop,” while Station feels more formal or urban.

🏥 In hospitals, Station refers to a ward or department, like Kinderstation (pediatrics ward) or Unfallstation (trauma unit). It’s the place patients are assigned when staying overnight.

📻 In media, Station can refer to a radio or TV channel, although Sender is more common for broadcasters. Still, eine neue Station finden may pop up in older contexts or when tuning analog devices.

🧗 In events or exercises (like obstacle courses, games, or scavenger hunts), each stage may be called a Station—a place where one specific task is completed before moving on.

How does this word come up in real conversations?

"An welcher Station müssen wir aussteigen?"

Which station do we have to get off at?

"Meine Oma liegt auf Station B4."

My grandma is in ward B4.

"Wir treffen uns an der nächsten Station."

Let’s meet at the next station.

Sample Dialogue (Beginner Level)

Lena: Wo steigen wir aus?
Tim: An der nächsten Station. Da ist die Uni.
Lena: Perfekt. Ich muss eh zur Bibliothek.
Tim: Dann fahren wir zusammen.

Translation:
Lena: Where are we getting off?
Tim: At the next station. That’s where the university is.
Lena: Perfect. I need to go to the library anyway.
Tim: Then let’s ride together.

Grammatical case examples

Nominative:
Die Station ist nur zwei Minuten entfernt.

The station is only two minutes away.

Accusative:
Wir verlassen die Station in fünf Minuten.

We’re leaving the station in five minutes.

Dative:
Er arbeitet auf der Station für innere Medizin.

He works in the internal medicine department.

Genitive:
Die Lage der Station ist zentral.

The location of the station is central.

Other ways to say station in German

While Station is a broad and common way to say station in German, there are several more specific alternatives depending on the situation. For train and bus stops, Bahnhof (train station) and Haltestelle (stop) are often used. In broadcasting, Sender is the preferred word for a radio or TV station. In sports or fitness routines, Übungspunkt or Posten may sometimes replace Station, but Station is still the go-to word for multi-step tasks or game stops. In hospitals, Abteilung may be used more formally for administrative departments, while Station refers to where patients actually stay.

Word variations and tidbits

You’ll encounter Station in many compound nouns: Tankstation (fuel station), Feuerwache-Station (fire station), Notfallstation (emergency ward), or Versorgungsstation (supply post). German board games and team challenges often use Station 1, Station 2, etc., for checkpoints or levels. And if you’re traveling by public transport, keep an ear out for An der nächsten Station bitte aussteigen—a phrase you’ll hear again and again.

🧠 Fun fact: The word Station comes from Latin statio, meaning “standing place” or “post.” While English uses it in many of the same ways, German has fully embraced it for everything from hospitals to obstacle courses—making it a real linguistic multitool.

📘 Duden entry for Station
🎥 Want to make each stop on your language journey count? Our free video course teaches the top 1000 German nouns—with examples and context at every Station.

Ready for more German Words of the Day?
Do you know what Stellung means? It’s about more than just where you stand.
And what about Stiefel? You’ll need them before heading out to any Station.