German Phrase
Der U-Bahn-Eingang ist auf der anderen Straßenseite.
Meaning
This phrase literally translates to 'The subway entrance is on the other side of the street.' It's a straightforward way to give directions, indicating that the entrance to the underground train system is across the road from the current location. 'U-Bahn' is the common term for subway or metro in German-speaking countries.
When to use
You would typically use this phrase when giving directions to someone looking for a subway station, or when asking for directions yourself and someone points it out. It's a very practical and common expression in urban environments, especially in cities with extensive public transport networks like Berlin or Munich.
✦Grammar Breakdown
DerU-Bahn-EingangistaufderanderenStraßenseite
Der (definite article)
'Der' is the masculine nominative definite article. Here, it agrees with 'U-Bahn-Eingang', which is a masculine noun.
U-Bahn-Eingang (compound noun)
This is a compound noun formed from 'U-Bahn' (subway) and 'Eingang' (entrance). In German, the gender of a compound noun is determined by its last component, so 'der Eingang' makes 'der U-Bahn-Eingang' masculine.
ist (verb 'sein')
'Ist' is the third-person singular form of the verb 'sein' (to be). It's used here to indicate the location of the subway entrance.
auf (preposition)
'Auf' is a two-way preposition. When indicating a static location (where something is), it takes the dative case. Here, it means 'on' or 'on top of'.
der anderen Straßenseite (dative case)
Because 'auf' is used with a static location, 'Straßenseite' (street side) is in the dative case. 'Straßenseite' is feminine, so the definite article becomes 'der' in the dative. The adjective 'andere' (other) also takes the dative feminine ending '-n'.
🗨In Conversation
Entschuldigen Sie, wo ist der U-Bahn-Eingang?
Excuse me, where is the subway entrance?
Der U-Bahn-Eingang ist auf der anderen Straßenseite.
The subway entrance is on the other side of the street.
✕Common Mistakes
Der U-Bahn-Eingang hat auf der anderen Straßenseite.
Using 'haben' (to have) instead of 'sein' (to be) for location is incorrect. In German, 'sein' is used to express location.
Der U-Bahn-Eingang ist in der anderen Straßenseite.
While 'in' means 'in' or 'inside', 'auf' (on/upon) is the correct preposition when referring to being 'on' a street or side of a street.
Der U-Bahn-Eingang ist auf dem anderen Straßenseite.
'Straßenseite' is feminine, so the dative article should be 'der', not 'dem' (masculine/neuter dative).
↔Alternatives
Der U-Bahn-Eingang ist drüben.
The subway entrance is over there.
Sie finden den U-Bahn-Eingang gegenüber.
You'll find the subway entrance opposite.
Der Eingang zur U-Bahn befindet sich auf der gegenüberliegenden Straßenseite.
The entrance to the subway is located on the opposite side of the street.
Cultural Tip
Germans are generally quite direct when giving directions, so don't be surprised by straightforward instructions. Public transportation, especially the 'U-Bahn' (subway) and 'S-Bahn' (suburban train), is highly efficient and widely used. Knowing how to ask for and understand directions to these stations is crucial for navigating German cities. Always remember that 'U-Bahn' refers specifically to the underground system, distinct from 'S-Bahn' which often runs above ground and connects to surrounding areas.