Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| zu | /t͡suː/ (standard) /t͡sə/ |
| in | /ʔɪn/ |
zu is used to indicate movement toward a person, a specific point or an event. It can also function as an infinitive marker, where it is placed immediately before an infinitive verb, often at the end of a clause. For the purpose of expressing 'in order to', the construction um … zu is used.
Which one should you use?
The choice of preposition depends on your destination. Use zu when the destination is a person, a specific point or an event. Use nach when indicating direction toward cities, countries or regions. Use in when the destination is a building or an enclosed space.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Austrian dialect, the preposition auf can be used to express the idea of 'to'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The preposition zu always takes the dative case. It frequently contracts with definite articles: it combines with the masculine or neuter article dem to form zum, and it combines with the feminine article der to form zur.
How do you pronounce it?
/tsuː/
Did you know?
- The German preposition zu is a direct linguistic relative of the English words 'to' and 'too'.
- In certain parts of Austria, you might hear people use 'auf' to mean 'to' in contexts where Standard German would use 'zu'.
Examples in context
- Er kam zu mir.He came to see me.This example shows how to use zu when moving toward a person.Tatoeba #610626 by Dejo, translation #297579 by CK
- Er hat zu tun.He has things to do.This example shows zu used in a context involving things to do.Tatoeba #1270437 by Esperantostern, translation #11718573 by Nuel
- Hörst du ihm zu?Are you listening to him?This example shows how zu can be part of a separable verb in the context of listening.Tatoeba #522563 by samueldora, translation #69011 by CH
- Ich gehe zum Bahnhof.I am going to the train station.
- Wir fahren zum Arzt.We are going to the doctor.
- Er läuft zur Schule.He is walking to school.
- Der Kuchen ist für dich.The cake is for you.
- Das Geschenk ist für meine Mutter.The gift is for my mother.
- Ich schreibe einen Brief an meinen Chef.I am writing a letter to my boss.
- Ich gehe zu Anna.I am going to Anna's place.
- Wir fahren zu Oma.We are going to Grandma's.
- Er kommt zu mir ins Büro.He is coming to my office.
- Ich habe ein Geschenk für dich.I have a gift for you.
- Die Blumen sind für meine Freundin.The flowers are for my girlfriend.
- Ich fliege nach BerlinI'm flying to Berlin
- 9196 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Hannah are talking about their plans for the afternoon.
- JulianGehst du heute noch zu deiner Oma?Are you still going to your grandma's today?
- HannahJa, ich fahre gleich zu ihr.Yes, I'm going to her now.
- JulianSoll ich dich zum Bahnhof begleiten?Should I accompany you to the station?
- HannahNein, ich gehe direkt zu Fuß.No, I'm going directly on foot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “to” translations and entries zu, in, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries in, zu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
