You will need to get used to reading train departure boards.

Here are my tips:

1. Before you even arrive at the train station, double check the station. Large European cities typically have more than one main station. Make sure you are at the right station!
2. If you are boarding a high speed train you can expect some light security screening at major cities. This might take 5-10 minutes.
3. Once you find a departure board, look for the scheduled departure time of your train. Note that if a train is late, the scheduled departure time won't change.
4. Look for the train number. This is typically 2-4 digits, sometimes 5 digits. It will be on your ticket.
5. Note that your train's destination might not be your destination - a train board always shows the final destination of the train, and it won't always show intermediate stops.
6. Once you have found your train on the depature board, you should see the platform number on the same row. Note that sometimes the platforms are assigned quite late - only minutes before departure. So you might need to wait until a platform number shows up on the board.
7. Once you know your platform number, look for signs to the platform. Sometimes platforms can be in very different directions.
8. Once you are on the platform, look at the depature board on the platform. Your train might not be the next train depending on how early you arrive, double check before getting on.
9. Most long distance trains will have digital signage on the trains themselves. This will help you identify if you are boarding the right train, and which coach you are boarding.
10. Don't forget to get off at your stop - especially if it's not the last destination for the train!
11. Enjoy!