German Phrase
Die U-Bahn eignet sich gut für längere Strecken.
Meaning
The sentence states that the subway is a suitable means of transport when you have to travel longer distances within a city. It emphasizes convenience and efficiency for extended routes.
When to use
Use this phrase when discussing public transport options, comparing the subway with buses or trams, or recommending the U‑Bahn for trips that cover several stops or districts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
DieU-BahneignetsichgutfürlängereStrecken
Reflexives Verb: sich eignen
The verb 'sich eignen' is reflexive; the subject and the reflexive pronoun refer to the same thing. It means 'to be suitable for'.
Adverbial phrase: gut für
'gut für' is a common collocation meaning 'good for' and introduces the purpose or suitability.
Comparative adjective: längere
'längere' is the comparative form of 'lang' and modifies the plural noun 'Strecken'.
Noun compound: U-Bahn
'U-Bahn' is a short form of 'Untergrundbahn' and is always feminine (die U‑Bahn).
🗨In Conversation
Ich muss von Charlottenburg nach Kreuzberg fahren. Was ist am schnellsten?
I have to go from Charlottenburg to Kreuzberg. What’s the fastest?
Die U-Bahn eignet sich gut für längere Strecken, also nimm am besten die Linie U2.
The subway is suitable for longer distances, so you should take line U2.
✕Common Mistakes
Die U-Bahn eignet gut für längere Strecken.
The reflexive pronoun 'sich' is required; without it the verb is incomplete.
Die U-Bahn eignet sich gut für langer Strecken.
The adjective must agree in case, number, and gender; 'Strecken' is plural, so use the comparative 'längere'.
Die U-Bahn ist gut für längere Strecken.
While understandable, the idiomatic construction uses the reflexive verb 'sich eignen'.
↔Alternatives
Die U-Bahn ist gut für lange Strecken geeignet.
The subway is good for long routes.
Man kann die U-Bahn gut für weite Strecken nutzen.
One can use the subway well for far distances.
Für längere Strecken eignet sich die U‑Bahn besonders gut.
For longer distances, the subway is especially suitable.
Cultural Tip
In German cities the U‑Bahn (underground railway) is often the fastest way to cover long intra‑city trips because it avoids traffic. However, in smaller towns the term may refer to a light rail or tram system, so always check the local network. The phrase 'sich gut eignen' sounds neutral and is appropriate in both formal and informal conversation.