German Phrase
Wo ist die nächste Apotheke?
Meaning
The sentence asks for the location of the nearest pharmacy. It is a practical question you’ll use when you need medication, first‑aid supplies, or advice from a pharmacist while you’re out and about.
When to use
Use it in any German‑speaking city or town when you’re looking for a place to buy over‑the‑counter medicine or pick up a prescription. It works equally well in a street, at a train station, or when you’re asking a hotel concierge or a passer‑by.
✦Grammar Breakdown
WoistdienächsteApotheke?
Wo (question word)
‘Wo’ asks for a location. It is used with the verb ‘sein’ (to be) to ask where something is.
ist (sein, 3rd person singular)
‘ist’ is the present‑tense form of ‘sein’ for he/she/it. In questions it stays in the same position as in statements.
die (definite article, fem. nom.)
‘die’ marks a feminine noun in the nominative case. ‘Apotheke’ is feminine, so the article is ‘die’.
nächste (attributive adjective)
When an adjective follows a definite article it takes the weak ending ‘‑e’ (nächste) because the article already shows case, gender and number.
Apotheke (feminine noun)
‘Apotheke’ means ‘pharmacy’. It is a regular feminine noun; its plural is ‘Apotheken’.
🗨In Conversation
Wo ist die nächste Apotheke?
Where is the nearest pharmacy?
Die nächste Apotheke ist gleich um die Ecke, neben dem Supermarkt.
The nearest pharmacy is just around the corner, next to the supermarket.
✕Common Mistakes
Wo ist der nächste Apotheke?
‘Apotheke’ is feminine, so the article must be ‘die’, not ‘der’. The adjective also needs the weak ending ‘‑e’.
Wo ist die nächster Apotheke?
‘Nächster’ is the masculine form; with a feminine noun you need ‘nächste’.
Wo sind die nächste Apotheke?
Because you’re asking about the location of a single place, the verb must be singular ‘ist’, not plural ‘sind’.
↔Alternatives
Wo finde ich die nächste Apotheke?
Where can I find the nearest pharmacy?
Können Sie mir sagen, wo die nächste Apotheke ist?
Can you tell me where the nearest pharmacy is?
Entschuldigung, wo ist die nächste Apotheke?
Excuse me, where is the nearest pharmacy?
Cultural Tip
In Germany pharmacies are marked by a red ‘A’ sign and are usually open from 8 am to 6 pm on weekdays, but they are closed on Sundays and public holidays. If you need medication on a Sunday, look for a ‘Notdienst‑Apotheke’ (emergency pharmacy) – the sign shows a red cross and the opening hours for that day. Remember to use the formal ‘Sie’ when speaking to strangers, especially in a professional setting like a pharmacy.