Wo?

Location or static position — answers often use dative with in, an, bei …

• Wo bist du? — Ich bin in der Küche.

Wohin?

Destination — motion toward a place; often accusative with in, an, auf …

• Wohin gehst du? — Ich gehe in die Küche.

Spoken German

Wo + motion verb appears colloquially; meaning still follows case and preposition.

Practice

For each place noun, say one static sentence (wo) and one motion sentence (wohin) and keep articles consistent.

Practical Examples

1. Wo ist meine Tasche?

• Where is my bag?
• Note: Use "wo" when asking about the current, static location of something or someone.

1. Wohin legst du die Tasche?

• Where are you putting the bag?
• Note: Use "wohin" when asking about the destination or direction of an action.

1. Ich bin im Park.

• I am in the park.
• Note: "Im" (in + dem) indicates a static location (dative case).

1. Wir gehen in den Park.

• We are going into the park.
• Note: "In den" (in + den) indicates movement towards a destination (accusative case).

1. Wo arbeitet er?

• Where does he work?
• Note: "Wo" asks about the place of work (a static location).

1. Wohin fahrt ihr am Wochenende?

• Where are you (plural) driving this weekend?
• Note: "Wohin" asks about the destination of the trip (a direction).

1. Das Bild hängt an der Wand.

• The picture is hanging on the wall.
• Note: "An der" (an + der) indicates a static location (dative case).

1. Ich hänge das Bild an die Wand.

• I am hanging the picture on the wall.
• Note: "An die" (an + die) indicates movement towards a surface (accusative case).

1. Wo warst du gestern Abend?

• Where were you last night?
• Note: "Wo" asks about a past, static location.

1. Wohin möchtest du reisen?

• Where would you like to travel (to)?
• Note: "Wohin" asks about the desired travel destination.

1. Sie ist zu Hause.

• She is at home.
• Note: "Zu Hause" is a fixed expression for being at a static location (home).

1. Wir fahren nach Hause.

• We are driving home.
• Note: "Nach Hause" is a fixed expression for moving towards home (direction).

1. Wo steht das Auto?

• Where is the car standing?
• Note: "Wo" asks about the current, static position of the car.

1. Wohin soll ich das Auto parken?

• Where should I park the car?
• Note: "Wohin" asks about the intended parking spot (direction/destination).

1. Die Schlüssel liegen auf dem Tisch.

• The keys are lying on the table.
• Note: "Auf dem" (auf + dem) indicates a static location (dative case).