Wo ist es?
The German phrase for "where is it?" is Wo ist es?
This phrase is a question used to ask for the location of a specific object or place.
Which one should you use?
While English uses the gender-neutral 'it', German requires the pronoun to match the grammatical gender of the noun.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Bavaria, the phrase Wo is (ist) des? is a variation that translates to "Where is that?"
How does it change in a sentence?
If the object being referred to is a masculine noun (like der Schlüssel – the key), you must use Wo ist er? If the object being referred to is a feminine noun (like die Tasche – the bag), you must use Wo ist sie?
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Entschuldigen Sie, können Sie mir sagen, wo das Museum ist?Excuse me, can you tell me where the museum is?
- Kannst du mir sagen, wo die Bushaltestelle ist? Weißt du, wo sie ist?Can you tell me where the bus stop is? Do you know where it is?
- Ich finde mein Buch nicht. Wo ist es?I can't find my book. Where is it?
Example conversation
Felix and Sarah are looking for a missing remote control.
- FelixIch finde die Fernbedienung nicht. Wo ist es?I can't find the remote. Where is it?
- SarahSchau mal unter dem Kissen.Look under the pillow.
- FelixHier ist es nicht. Wo ist es nur?It's not here. Where on earth is it?
- SarahDa ist es! Es lag auf dem Tisch.There it is! It was on the table.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries es, wo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
