Auf welche Schule gehst du
The English phrase "what school you go to" is expressed in German as Auf welche Schule gehst du.
This phrase is used to ask someone which educational institution they attend. Depending on the level of education, a person might respond with a Grundschule (elementary school), a Realschule (intermediate secondary school), a Gymnasium (college-preparatory school) or a Universität (university).
Which one should you use?
While Auf welche Schule gehst du is the standard way to ask this, you may also hear Was für eine Schule besuchst du, which means "What kind of school do you attend". Using the verb besuchen (to visit/attend) is a slightly more formal way to ask the same question than using gehen (to go).
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the formal version, you must use the pronoun Sie instead of the informal du when addressing adults or strangers.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly say Welche Schule gehst du. In German, you must include the preposition auf and say auf welche Schule to express attending a school.
Did you know?
- In Germany, the specific school a student attends, such as a Gymnasium or Realschule, often determines their entire future career path from a very young age.
- While English speakers 'go to' school, the German preposition auf literally means 'on', making the phrase sound like you are walking 'on which school'.
- The German word for 'you', du, is a close relative of the archaic English word 'thou'.
Examples in context
- Auf welche Schule gehst du gerade?What school do you go to right now?
Example conversation
Two teenagers are chatting at a park.
- LauraHallo Lukas, auf welche Schule gehst du?Hello Lukas, what school do you go to?
- LukasIch gehe auf das Gymnasium in der Stadt.I go to the grammar school in the city.
- LauraDas ist eine sehr gute Schule.That is a very good school.
- LukasJa, die Lehrer dort sind nett.Yes, the teachers there are nice.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Schule, auf, du, welche, CC BY-SA 4.0.
