Dictionary
English - German

Where

(h)wɛr
Extremely common
200 - 300
200 - 300
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

wo, wohin, woher

Where meanings in German

wo

Example:
Where are you from?
Woher kommst du?
Where is the nearest supermarket?
Wo ist der nächste Supermarkt?
Usage: informalContext: Asking about a location or origin
Note: Used in everyday conversation

wohin

Example:
Where are you going?
Wohin gehst du?
Where should I put this?
Wohin soll ich das legen?
Usage: informalContext: Asking about a destination or direction
Note: Implies movement or direction

woher

Example:
Where did you come from?
Woher kommst du?
Where did you get that information from?
Woher hast du diese Informationen?
Usage: informalContext: Asking about the origin or source
Note: Indicates the starting point or source of something

Where's synonyms

whereabouts

Refers to the location or position of someone or something.
Example: Do you know his whereabouts?
Note: Slightly more formal and specific than 'where'.

whither

Asking about the direction or destination of someone or something.
Example: Whither are you going?
Note: More poetic or old-fashioned compared to 'where'.

whence

Asking about the place or source from which someone or something originates.
Example: Whence did you come?
Note: Emphasizes the starting point or origin, different from 'where' which focuses on current location.

whereto

Inquiring about the destination or purpose of an action or movement.
Example: Whereto shall we go next?
Note: Indicates the intended direction or goal, similar to 'whither' but more about purpose.

Where expressions, common phrases

Where are you from?

This phrase is used to ask about a person's place of origin or hometown.
Example: Where are you from? I'm from Brazil.
Note: The word 'where' is used to inquire about a specific location or origin.

Where are we going?

This phrase is used to ask about the destination or location of a future activity or event.
Example: Where are we going on vacation? Have you decided yet?
Note: The word 'where' is used to inquire about a future destination.

Where is the nearest restroom?

This phrase is used to ask about the location of a specific place or object.
Example: Excuse me, where is the nearest restroom? I need to use it urgently.
Note: The word 'where' is used to inquire about a specific location or object.

Where did you go?

This phrase is used to ask about a person's past location or destination.
Example: I haven't seen you in a while. Where did you go last weekend?
Note: The word 'where' is used to inquire about a past location or destination.

Where on earth

This phrase is used for emphasis when expressing surprise or disbelief about a location or source.
Example: Where on earth did you find that rare book? It's amazing!
Note: The addition of 'on earth' adds emphasis to the question.

Where there's a will, there's a way

This phrase means that if someone is determined to do something, they will find a way to accomplish it.
Example: I know this project is challenging, but remember, where there's a will, there's a way.
Note: The phrase uses 'where' metaphorically to imply a connection between determination and finding a solution.

Where do you stand?

This phrase is used to ask about a person's position or opinion on a particular issue.
Example: In this debate, where do you stand? Are you in favor of the proposal or against it?
Note: The word 'where' is used to inquire about someone's stance or viewpoint on a topic.

Where everyday (slang) expressions

Where it's at

This phrase is used to indicate that something is exciting, popular, or enjoyable. It implies that a particular place or event is the center of action or the best location to be in at the moment.
Example: The party tonight is where it's at.
Note: The slang term 'where it's at' emphasizes the happening or desirable nature of a specific location or event, whereas the word 'where' simply indicates a place or location.

Where the rubber meets the road

This expression is used to refer to the point at which a theory or idea is put to a practical test or where actual performance matters. It signifies the critical or crucial moment in a situation.
Example: Let's see how well you can perform when we get to where the rubber meets the road.
Note: The slang term 'where the rubber meets the road' metaphorically alludes to the practical application or real-world effectiveness of something, unlike the literal meaning of the word 'where'.

Where's the beef?

This phrase originates from a Wendy's advertisement in the 1980s and is used to question the substantive value or content of something. It is often used to challenge empty promises or superficial statements and demand evidence of substance.
Example: You promised a lot, but where's the beef?
Note: This slang term conveys skepticism about the actual substance or value of a claim or proposition, whereas the word 'where' typically focuses on physical location.

Where the wind blows

This expression means to act based on impulse or to be flexible and open to various possibilities. It suggests going with the flow and adapting to circumstances rather than having a fixed direction or plan.
Example: I don't have a set plan; I just go where the wind blows.
Note: The slang term 'where the wind blows' emphasizes spontaneity and adaptability in decision-making, contrasting with the fixed direction or location indicated by the word 'where'.

Where it cracks

This slang term refers to a point of vulnerability or weakness in a system, relationship, or situation. It is often used to describe someone who identifies and takes advantage of others' vulnerabilities or shortcomings.
Example: She knows where it cracks in our group and always exploits it.
Note: The expression 'where it cracks' highlights vulnerability or weakness, contrasted with the neutral indication of location provided by the word 'where'.

Where - Examples

Where are you going?
Wohin gehst du?
I don't know where he is.
Ich weiß nicht, wo er ist.
Where is the nearest gas station?
Wo ist die nächste Tankstelle?

Where grammar

Where - Subordinating conjunction (Subordinating conjunction) / Wh-adverb (Wh-adverb)
Lemma: where
Conjugations
Adverb (Adverb): where
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): wheres
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): where
Syllables, Separation and Stress
where Contains 1 syllables: where
Phonetic transcription: ˈ(h)wer
where , ˈ(h)wer (The red syllable is stressed)

Where - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
where: 200 - 300 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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