German Phrase
Kinder unter 5 fahren kostenlos.
Meaning
The sentence states that children younger than five years old can travel without paying. It is a typical wording you’ll see on public‑transport tickets, amusement‑park signs, or when a service provider explains its pricing policy.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are informing someone about a free‑ticket policy, reading a sign at a train station, or answering a question about whether a child needs a ticket.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Kinderunter5fahrenkostenlos
Kinder
Plural noun meaning 'children'. In German nouns are capitalized.
unter
Preposition meaning 'under' or 'below'. With numbers it indicates an age limit.
5
Cardinal number. In spoken German the digit is often read as 'fünf'.
fahren
Verb 'to travel/ride' in present tense, third‑person plural (they ride).
kostenlos
Adverb/adjective meaning 'free of charge'. Can also be expressed as 'gratis' or 'umsonst'.
🗨In Conversation
Fahren Kinder unter 5 hier kostenlos?
Do children under 5 ride for free here?
Ja, Kinder unter 5 fahren kostenlos.
Yes, children under 5 ride for free.
✕Common Mistakes
Kinder unter 5 Jahre fahren kostenlos.
The word 'Jahre' is redundant after a numeral; German usually says just 'unter 5' or 'unter fünf Jahren'.
Kinder bis 5 fahren kostenlos.
Using 'bis' (up to) changes the meaning slightly and sounds less natural in this context; 'unter' is the standard way to express an age limit.
Kinder unter 5 fahren kostenfrei.
While 'kostenfrei' is correct, pairing it with 'fahren' can feel formal; 'kostenlos' or 'gratis' is more common in everyday speech.
↔Alternatives
Kinder bis 5 Jahre fahren gratis.
Children up to 5 years ride for free.
Kinder unter fünf Jahren fahren kostenlos.
Children under five years ride free of charge.
Kinder bis zum Alter von 5 Jahren fahren umsonst.
Children up to the age of 5 ride for free.
Cultural Tip
In most German states public transport offers free travel for kids up to 5 or 6 years old, but the exact age limit can vary by city or company. Some operators require the child to be accompanied by a ticket‑holding adult, while others issue a separate free‑ticket. Always check the local policy, especially when traveling across state borders.