German Phrase
Finde das Symbol für den Bahnhof.
Meaning
The sentence is a direct command asking someone to locate the pictogram that represents a train station. It is informal (du‑form) and uses the imperative mood, making it suitable for casual instructions or in a classroom setting where the speaker is addressing a peer.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are guiding someone through a map, an app, or a brochure and you need them to point out the train‑station icon. It is also handy in a museum or airport information desk when the visual symbols are displayed.
✦Grammar Breakdown
FindedasSymbolfürdenBahnhof
Imperativ (2. Person Singular)
‘Finde’ is the informal singular imperative of the verb ‘finden’. It is formed by dropping the infinitive ending ‘-en’ and adding an ‘e’ (optional in spoken German).
Accusative Articles
‘das Symbol’ is neuter; the definite article ‘das’ stays the same in accusative. ‘den Bahnhof’ is masculine; the article changes from ‘der’ (nominative) to ‘den’ (accusative) after the preposition ‘für’.
Preposition ‘für’ + Accusative
The preposition ‘für’ always governs the accusative case, so the noun following it must be in accusative (den Bahnhof).
Word Order in Imperatives
In a simple command the verb comes first, followed by the direct object and any prepositional phrase.
🗨In Conversation
Finde das Symbol für den Bahnhof.
Find the symbol for the train station.
Hier, das blaue Zug‑Icon ist es.
Here, the blue train icon is it.
✕Common Mistakes
Finde das Symbol für dem Bahnhof.
‘für’ always takes the accusative, not dative. The correct form is ‘für den Bahnhof’.
Finden Sie das Symbol für den Bahnhof.
This is the formal version; it changes the tone from informal to formal. Use ‘Finde…’ only with friends or peers.
Finde das Symbol für den Bahnhofes.
‘Bahnhof’ does not take a genitive ending after ‘für’. Keep it in the accusative: ‘den Bahnhof’.
↔Alternatives
Suche das Symbol für den Bahnhof.
Search for the symbol for the train station.
Zeig mir das Symbol für den Bahnhof.
Show me the symbol for the train station.
Kannst du das Symbol für den Bahnhof finden?
Can you find the symbol for the train station?
Cultural Tip
In German public signage the train‑station symbol is usually a stylised ‘DB’ logo (Deutsche Bahn) or a simple train silhouette. In larger cities you’ll also see separate symbols for S‑Bahn (white ‘S’ on green) and U‑Bahn (white ‘U’ on blue). Knowing these icons helps you navigate German transport systems quickly.