wo ist
The English phrase "where is" is translated into German as wo ist.
While English uses the word "where" for both static locations and directions, the German wo is strictly used for static locations. If you are asking about movement toward a place, you should use wohin instead.
Which one should you use?
While wo ist is used for singular subjects, you must switch to wo sind if the subject is plural (where are).
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb changes based on the subject. Use wo ist for singular subjects, but use wo sind for plural subjects. Additionally, when addressing someone formally with Sie to ask where they are, you must use the form wo sind Sie.
Did you know?
- While wo ist asks for a specific location, Germans use wo gibt es (literally 'where gives it') to ask if a certain type of place exists in an area, such as 'where is a pharmacy' in a new town.
- In some Southern German and Austrian dialects, wo is used as a relative pronoun meaning 'where' or 'which' in sentences where standard German would require das or welches.
- The German word wo is actually a descendant of the Old High German dative form of the word 'was'.
Examples in context
- Wo ist das Klo?Where is the bathroom?This sentence shows how to use wo ist to ask for the location of a bathroom.Tatoeba #976178 by Esperantostern, translation #2136 by brauliobezerra
- Wo ist das Tor?Where is the gate?This sentence uses wo ist to ask for the location of a gate.Tatoeba #1397546 by Manfredo, translation #687650 by lukaszpp
- Wo ist der Zug?Where is the train?This sentence uses wo ist to ask for the location of a train.Tatoeba #1990116 by Manfredo, translation #1103022 by jamessilver
- Wo liegt das Rathaus?Where is the town hall?
- Wo ist der Park?Where is the park?
- Wo befindet sich der Bahnhof?Where is the train station located?
- Wo ist die nächste Apotheke?Where is the nearest pharmacy?
- Wo is' der nächste Supermarkt?Where is the nearest supermarket?
- Wo isch die nächscht Bank?Where is the nearest bank?
- 495 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Hannah are looking for a nearby cafe.
- FelixHannah, wo ist das Café?Hannah, where is the cafe?
- HannahIch weiß es nicht, Felix.I don't know, Felix.
- FelixWo ist denn die Karte?So where is the map?
- HannahSie liegt in deiner Tasche.It is in your bag.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries wo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
