German Phrase
Schau nach dem 'M' oder 'Subway'-Schild.
Meaning
The sentence tells someone to look for a sign that either shows the letter “M” or the word “Subway”. It’s a practical instruction you might hear while navigating public transport or a shopping mall.
When to use
Use this phrase when giving directions in a city where signs use the letter “M” for the metro or the English word “Subway”. It’s common for tourists asking locals for help finding a station or entrance.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Schaunachdem'M'oder'Subway'-Schild
schauen nach + Dativ
The verb *schauen* can be followed by the preposition *nach* to mean ‘look for’. *nach* always governs the dative case.
Dativ article *dem*
Because *nach* requires dative, the masculine/neuter article changes from *der* (nominative) to *dem*.
Quotation marks
Single quotes are used here to highlight the exact symbols on the sign (M, Subway).
Hyphenated compound *Subway‑Schild*
When a foreign word modifies a German noun, a hyphen links them, keeping the foreign word unchanged.
Conjunction *oder*
*oder* connects two alternatives and does not affect case.
🗨In Conversation
Entschuldigung, wo ist die nächste U‑Bahn‑Station?
Excuse me, where is the nearest subway station?
Schau nach dem 'M' oder 'Subway'-Schild, das ist das Zeichen für die Station.
Look for the ‘M’ or ‘Subway’ sign, that’s the marker for the station.
✕Common Mistakes
Schau auf dem 'M' oder 'Subway'-Schild.
The verb *schauen* uses *nach* for ‘look for’; *auf* would change the meaning to ‘look at’.
Schau nach den 'M' oder 'Subway'-Schild.
*nach* requires dative, so the article must be *dem*, not accusative *den*.
Schau nach dem 'M' oder 'Subway' Schild.
When a foreign word modifies a German noun, a hyphen is needed to keep the foreign word unchanged.
↔Alternatives
Sieh nach dem 'M' oder dem 'Subway'-Schild.
Check for the ‘M’ or the ‘Subway’ sign.
Achte auf das 'M' oder das 'Subway'-Schild.
Pay attention to the ‘M’ or ‘Subway’ sign.
Finde das Schild mit dem 'M' oder 'Subway'.
Find the sign with the ‘M’ or ‘Subway’.
Cultural Tip
In many German cities the metro is marked with an “U” (U‑Bahn) or an “S” (S‑Bahn), but in places like Munich the letter “M” is used for the Stadtbahn. Some newer stations also display the English word “Subway” to help international travelers. When you see either symbol, you’re at the right entrance.