In German
Wo
Meaning: where
Formal or informal? “Wo” asks about a place. “Woher” asks where someone comes from, and “wohin” asks where someone is going.
Example sentences
WoistderBahnhof?
Where is the train station?
Wowohnstdu?
Where do you live?
Woherkommstdu?
Where are you from?
Grammar note
“Wo” is a question word, so the verb comes second: “Wo wohnst du?”. Use “Woher” for origin and “Wohin” for direction, as in “Wohin gehst du?”.
Common mistake
Don't mix up “wo”, “woher” and “wohin”. “Woher kommst du?” asks where you're from, while “Wohin gehst du?” asks where you're going.
Quick check
Which German question word means “where”?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between “wo”, “woher” and “wohin”?
“Wo” asks where something is, “woher” asks where it comes from, and “wohin” asks where it's going.
How do you ask where the bathroom is?
“Wo ist die Toilette?”, a common phrase when you travel.