German Phrase
Halt bitte an der nächsten Station.
Meaning
This phrase is a direct and polite request for someone to stop a vehicle, typically a bus or train, at the upcoming station. It's used when you want to alight at the next designated stop. The inclusion of "bitte" makes it a polite command.
When to use
You would use this phrase when you are on public transport (like a bus or tram) and you need to signal to the driver that you wish to get off at the very next stop. It's a common way to request a stop if there isn't an automatic stop button or if you want to ensure the driver knows your intention.
✦Grammar Breakdown
HaltbitteandernächstenStation
Halt (Imperative)
"Halt" is the informal singular imperative form of the verb "halten" (to stop/to hold). It's used when addressing one person informally. For formal address, you would use "Halten Sie".
bitte
"Bitte" means "please" and is crucial for politeness in German requests. Placing it after the verb is common and natural.
an (Preposition)
"An" is a two-way preposition. Here, it indicates a location (where to stop), so it takes the dative case. "An der Station" means "at the station".
der nächsten Station (Dative Case)
"Station" is a feminine noun. In the dative case, the definite article becomes "der" and the adjective "nächste" (next) takes the ending "-n" ("nächsten").
🗨In Conversation
Entschuldigen Sie, fährt dieser Bus zum Hauptbahnhof?
Excuse me, does this bus go to the main station?
Ja, aber Sie müssen an der nächsten Station umsteigen. Halt bitte an der nächsten Station.
Yes, but you need to change at the next station. Please stop at the next station.
✕Common Mistakes
Stopp bitte an der nächsten Station.
"Halt" is the correct imperative form of "halten" (to stop) in this context, not the English loanword "Stopp".
Halt bitte in der nächsten Station.
"An" is used for stopping *at* a station or stop, not "in" (which implies inside).
Halt bitte an die nächste Station.
The preposition "an" in this context indicates a fixed location (where to stop), so it takes the dative case. Therefore, "der nächsten Station" is correct.
↔Alternatives
Könnten Sie bitte an der nächsten Haltestelle halten?
Could you please stop at the next stop?
Ich möchte bitte an der nächsten Station aussteigen.
I would like to get off at the next station, please.
Nächste Haltestelle, bitte.
Next stop, please.
Cultural Tip
In Germany, public transport is generally very efficient. While this phrase is understood, many buses and trams have stop buttons. It's considered polite to press the button well in advance of your desired stop. If there's no button, a clear "Halt bitte an der nächsten Station" or "Nächste Haltestelle, bitte" is appropriate, but usually said clearly and not shouted. Direct commands like "Halt!" without "bitte" can sound impolite.