verb
to change trains, to transfer
A2
Umsteigen means to change trains or transfer between vehicles, especially on a journey. It’s a separable strong verb (steig‑, stieg‑, umgestiegen) and uses auxiliary sein in perfect: ich bin umgestiegen. Commonly used with in/auf + accusative (e.g., in einen Zug umsteigen). Not reflexive.
Examples
Sie stieg in Berlin um.
She changed trains in Berlin.
Wir müssen in München umsteigen, um nach Salzburg zu kommen.
We have to transfer in Munich to get to Salzburg.
Ich steige am nächsten Bahnhof um.
I change at the next station.
Details
Mnemonics
imagine stepping (steigen) around (um) from one train to another
think 'um' = 'around' and 'steigen' = 'climb' -> change/climb to another train
Notes
Separable verb: present forms split the prefix (ich steige um). Uses 'sein' in perfect: 'ist umgestiegen'. | Intransitive verb; passive voice forms are not applicable. Conjugation table omits personal (and reflexive) pronouns — only the verb forms/auxiliaries are shown.