Usage Note
Rolltreppe is the standard German word for an escalator, found in train stations, airports, shopping centres, and hotels. In contrast, Fahrtreppe is a technical synonym but far less common in everyday speech.
Examples
"Die Rolltreppe im Bahnhof war außer Betrieb, daher mussten alle Fahrgäste die Treppe nehmen."
Natural Translation
The escalator in the station was out of service, so all passengers had to take the stairs.
Literal Translation
The escalator in-the station was out-of operation, therefore had to all passengers the staircase take.
Free starter pack
Building your German vocabulary?
Get the 100 most common German words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.
Related Words
Explore German by topic
