Diese Seite in deiner Sprache

English

فارسی

العربية

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A1 noun 3 Min. Lesezeit

vlak

Jetzt üben

You're learning Slovak, and knowing how to talk about transportation is key. Let's look at 'vlak', the Slovak word for 'train'. It's an A1 level word, meaning it's super common and one of the first words you should learn. § What is 'Vlak'?

Slovak Word

vlak (noun)

Definition

Train

CEFR Level

'Vlak' refers to a railway train. It's a masculine inanimate noun in Slovak, which means it will follow certain grammatical rules when you use it in sentences. Don't worry too much about all the grammar rules right now; focus on understanding the core meaning and how to use it in simple phrases. § How to Use 'Vlak' in Sentences Let's see 'vlak' in action with some practical examples. Pay attention to how the word fits into the sentence.

Idem vlakom do Košíc.

Translation Hint

I am going by train to Košice.

Kedy prichádza vlak?

Translation Hint

When does the train arrive?

Mám rád cestovanie vlakom.

Translation Hint

I like traveling by train.

💡

Notice how 'vlak' changes to 'vlakom' in some examples. This is because of Slovak grammar cases. 'Vlakom' is the instrumental case, used for 'by train' (how you travel). You'll learn more about cases as you progress, but for now, recognize this pattern.

§ Common Phrases with 'Vlak' Here are some useful phrases you might hear or use:

Vlaková stanica: Train station
Rýchlik: Express train
Osobný vlak: Local/passenger train
Cestovný lístok na vlak: Train ticket

§ Similar Words and When to Use 'Vlak' vs. Alternatives While 'vlak' is straightforward, let's consider if there are other words you might confuse it with, or related terms. In Slovak, for physical 'trains' that run on tracks, 'vlak' is usually your go-to word. There aren't many direct synonyms for the vehicle itself that would cause confusion. However, you might encounter other words related to public transport:

Autobus: Bus. This is a completely different mode of transport, running on roads.
Električka: Tram/Streetcar. This runs on tracks, often in cities, but it's generally distinct from a 'vlak' which usually refers to longer-distance or intercity trains. Think of 'električka' as urban rail transit, while 'vlak' is for bigger journeys.
Metro: Subway/Underground. While also a form of rail transport, 'metro' specifically refers to underground trains, which Slovakia only has plans for, not currently in operation in a full system like in other capitals.

So, when do you use 'vlak'? Pretty much anytime you mean a standard railway train. If you're talking about going from one city to another, or even a local train service on a main rail line, 'vlak' is correct. If you're specifically in a city talking about street-level rail, you'd use 'električka'. If you're talking about a bus, it's 'autobus'. 💡

Context is always key! If you see tracks and it's a long set of carriages for travel, it's a 'vlak'.

For example:

Cestujem vlakom z Bratislavy do Popradu.

Translation Hint

I travel by train from Bratislava to Poprad. (Intercity travel = vlak)

Ideme električkou do centra mesta.

Translation Hint

We are going by tram to the city center. (Urban rail = električka)

Mastering 'vlak' will help you immensely when navigating Slovakia. Keep practicing these examples, and you'll be asking for train tickets like a pro in no time!

Teste dich selbst 6 Fragen

listening B2

Listen for information about a train delay.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: Slovenské železnice oznámili meškanie vlaku do Košíc kvôli technickým problémom na trati.