German Phrase
Sie zeigen, wie man zu den Bahnsteigen kommt.
Meaning
This phrase means 'They show how one gets to the platforms.' It's a common way to describe someone or something (like signs) providing directions. The structure 'wie man... kommt' is a general way to express 'how to get somewhere' or 'how one does something'.
When to use
You would use this phrase when referring to people, signs, or maps that are providing directions, especially in a public transport setting like a train station. For example, if someone asks how to find the platforms, you might say this referring to the station staff or the information boards.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Siezeigenwie manzu denBahnsteigenkommt
Sie (formal/plural)
'Sie' can mean 'you' (formal singular or plural) or 'they'. Here, it means 'they', referring to an unspecified group or implicitly to signs/staff.
zeigen
This is the verb 'to show'. It's conjugated for 'Sie' (they/you formal).
wie man...
'Wie man...' translates to 'how one...' or 'how to...'. It's a common construction for giving general instructions or describing a process.
zu den
'Zu' is a preposition meaning 'to' or 'towards'. It always takes the dative case. 'Den' is the dative plural definite article.
Bahnsteigen
'Bahnsteig' means 'platform'. In the dative plural, it becomes 'Bahnsteigen', often adding an '-n' if the plural form doesn't already end in one.
kommt
This is the conjugated form of 'kommen' (to come/get). In a subordinate clause introduced by 'wie man', the conjugated verb always goes at the very end.
🗨In Conversation
Entschuldigen Sie, wo sind die Bahnsteige?
Excuse me, where are the platforms?
Folgen Sie einfach den Schildern. Sie zeigen, wie man zu den Bahnsteigen kommt.
Just follow the signs. They show how to get to the platforms.
✕Common Mistakes
Sie zeigen, wie man geht zu den Bahnsteigen.
The verb 'kommen' (to come/get) is typically used with 'zu' for reaching a destination, not 'gehen' (to go) in this context. Also, the word order for 'wie man' clauses is verb at the end.
Sie zeigen, wie man kommt zu den Bahnsteigen.
In a subordinate clause introduced by 'wie man', the conjugated verb ('kommt') must go at the very end of the clause. The preposition 'zu' precedes the noun phrase.
↔Alternatives
Sie erklären den Weg zu den Bahnsteigen.
They explain the way to the platforms.
Sie weisen den Weg zu den Bahnsteigen.
They point the way to the platforms.
Die Schilder zeigen den Weg zu den Bahnsteigen.
The signs show the way to the platforms.
Cultural Tip
In Germany, public transport systems are generally very well-organized and signposted. People tend to be direct when giving directions, so don't be surprised if explanations are concise. 'Bahnsteig' (platform) is a crucial word to know when navigating train stations, and understanding how to ask or refer to directions is key for smooth travel.