Related phrase guide
German phrases for the train station
Find the right Gleis, handle Verspätung, and recover from a missed connection in German.
Continue preparingBack to train cancellation scenario
Train cancellation prep
German phrases when your train is cancelled
A practical sheet for Zugausfall: Ersatzverbindung, Gleis changes, missed connections, and Verspätungsbescheinigung.
Content verified June 2026
Interactive practice
Rehearse this conversation with choices, feedback, and grammar notes — not just the phrase sheet.
Bring
- Ticket or booking on your phone
- Destination city and connection details
- Employer contact if you need delay proof
Expect
- Mein Zug ist ausgefallen.
- Der Ersatz-ICE fährt von Gleis …
- Das wird knapp in Hannover.
- Möchten Sie eine Verspätungsbescheinigung?
- Sonst noch etwas?
Useful phrases
Stay calm and use railway vocabulary
ausgefallen, Ersatzverbindung, and Anschlusszug are the words DB staff use — mirror them.
Mein Zug ist ausgefallen. Gibt es eine Ersatzverbindung?
My train was cancelled. Is there a replacement connection?
Von welchem Gleis fährt der Ersatzzug ab?
From which platform does the replacement train depart?
Was passiert, wenn ich den Anschlusszug verpasse?
What happens if I miss the connecting train?
Ja, bitte. Ich brauche eine Verspätungsbescheinigung.
Yes, please. I need a delay certificate.
Rescue phrases
- Könnten Sie das bitte noch einmal langsam sagen?
- Können Sie das bitte wiederholen?
- Was bedeutet Ersatzverbindung?
Common questions
FAQ
Short answers for the questions people ask before this appointment.
How do I say my train was cancelled in German?+
Say Mein Zug nach [city] ist ausgefallen.
What is an Ersatzverbindung?+
A replacement connection — the alternative route DB offers when your train is cancelled.
What if I miss my connecting train?+
Ask Was passiert, wenn ich den Anschlusszug verpasse? Rebooking is usually free after Ausfall.
Should I get a Verspätungsbescheinigung?+
Yes if your employer needs proof. Say Ja, bitte when offered.
Take it with you
Print or save the offline pocket card with the key lines for appointment day.
Open pocket cardKeep preparing
Related German practice
Move between the phrase guide, appointment checklist, and the conversations that usually come next.
Related phrase guide
German phrases for dining at a restaurant
Order dinner, handle allergies, and ask for the bill with natural restaurant German.
Continue preparingRelated phrase guide
German phrases for picking up a parcel
Pick up a Paket with the right ID, tracking number, and counter phrases.
Continue preparingWas this accurate?
Help us keep phrases aligned with real appointments in Germany.