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German Phrase

Ja, wohin willst du gehen?

/jaː ˈvoːhɪn vɪlst duː ˈɡeːən/
Meaning"Yes, where do you want to go?"
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Meaning

The sentence means “Yes, where do you want to go?” It is a friendly follow‑up after someone has expressed a desire to do something, asking for the specific destination.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you have already agreed to do something together and you need to know the other person’s intended destination – for example, planning a walk, a trip, or deciding which café to visit.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Ja,wohinwillstdugehen?

1

Ja (affirmation)

Ja means “yes” and is used to confirm or agree before a follow‑up question.

2

wohin (directional ‘where’)

Wohin asks for a destination or direction, as opposed to wo which asks for a location.

3

willst (2nd‑person singular of wollen)

Willst is the present‑tense form of wollen (to want) for “you”.

4

Verb‑second (V2) rule

In German main clauses the finite verb occupies the second position; in a wh‑question the wh‑word counts as the first element, so the verb follows it (wohin willst …).

5

Infinitive placement

The infinitive gehen stays at the end of the clause after the subject and any other elements.

🗨In Conversation

A

Möchtest du heute Abend etwas unternehmen?

Do you want to do something tonight?

Ja, wohin willst du gehen?

Yes, where do you want to go?

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ja, wo willst du gehen?

    “wo” asks for a location, not a direction. Use “wohin” when you’re talking about going somewhere.

  • Ja, wohin du willst gehen?

    In a wh‑question the finite verb must come right after the wh‑word (V2 rule).

  • Ja, willst du gehen?

    The verb “willst” must stay before the subject in a question; “willst du gehen?” is correct, but “willst du gehen?” without “wohin” changes the meaning.

↔Alternatives

  • Ja, wohin möchtest du gehen?

    Yes, where would you like to go?

  • Ja, wohin sollen wir gehen?

    Yes, where shall we go?

  • Ja, wohin willst du denn gehen?

    Yes, where exactly do you want to go?

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Cultural Tip

German speakers often appreciate directness, so asking “wohin willst du gehen?” is perfectly natural. Adding “ja” at the start signals that you’re on board with the plan. In more formal settings you might replace “willst” with the softer “möchtest”. Also, remember that “wohin” is used for movement toward a place, while “wo” asks about a static location.