to (direction)

Expressing Movement and Direction in German

In German, there isn't just one word for "to." The preposition you choose depends on whether you are entering a space, going to an event, approaching a boundary, or visiting a person. Most of these prepositions use the Accusative case when indicating movement from one place to another.

1. Using in + Accusative (Entering a Space)

Use in when the destination is an enclosed space or a place you physically enter. If you would describe being there using in + Dative, you move toward it using in + Accusative.

• Sie geht ins (in das) Kino. (She is going to the movie theater.)
• Ich gehe in die Kirche. (I am going into the church.)
• Wir gehen in den Zoo. (We are going to the zoo.)

Note: Ich gehe in die Kirche implies you are going inside. If you are just heading toward the building, you would use zu.

2. Using auf + Accusative (Surfaces and Institutions)

Use auf for movement toward open spaces, horizontal surfaces, or specific public institutions and events.

• Open spaces: Die Kinder gehen auf die Straße. (The children are going onto the street.)
• Events: Er geht auf eine Party / auf eine Hochzeit. (He is going to a party / to a wedding.)
• Public buildings: Ich gehe auf die Bank / auf die Post. (I am going to the bank / to the post office.)

3. Using an + Accusative (Boundaries and Water)

Use an when moving toward a precise point, a limit, or a body of water (where you stop at the edge).

• Wir fahren ans (an das) Meer. (We are going to the sea.)
• Er geht an den Tisch. (He goes to the table.)
• Sie geht ans Fenster. (She goes to the window.)

4. Using zu + Dative (Direction and People)

The preposition zu is very common in everyday German. It focuses on the general direction rather than the act of entering. Crucially, it is always used for people.

• People/Workplaces: Ich gehe zu meinem Onkel / zum Bäcker. (I am going to my uncle's / to the baker's.)
• General direction: Die Straßenbahn fährt zum Bahnhof. (The streetcar goes to the train station.)

5. Geographical Destinations

When traveling to cities or countries, the rule depends on the article:

• nach: Used for cities and countries without articles.
  Ich fliege nach Berlin / nach Frankreich. (I am flying to Berlin / to France.)
• in + Accusative: Used for countries with articles (feminine, masculine, or plural).
  Wir reisen in die Schweiz / in die USA. (We are traveling to Switzerland / to the USA.)

For specific landscapes:

• Mountains: in die Alpen (into the Alps).
• Lakes: an den Bodensee (to Lake Constance).