How to ask questions in German

The idea

In a yes/no question, put the conjugated verb first. In a question with a question word, place that word first and the conjugated verb second. Useful words include wer (who), was (what), wo (where), woher (from where) and wann (when).

Examples to say aloud

• Wohnst du hier?
  Do you live here?
• Wo wohnst du?
  Where do you live?
• Woher kommen Sie?
  Where are you from?

A common mistake

Use wo for location and woher for origin. German questions do not need the English helper “do”.

Try it yourself

Ask “Where do you live?” informally.

Make your attempt, then open the explanation.

Keep practising

Try KLAR’s first three A1 lessons without signing up. These quick guides are supplementary practice and do not represent a complete A1 course.