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German Phrase

Gehst du zu Fuß zur Schule?

/ɡeːst duː tsuː fuːs t͡suː ˈʃuːlə/
Meaning"Do you walk to school?"
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Meaning

The sentence asks whether the listener walks to school instead of using a bike, bus, or car. It is a neutral, everyday question that can be used in casual conversation or when discussing daily routines.

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When to use

Use this question when you want to know how someone gets to school, for example during a break, in a language‑learning class, or when planning a school‑run. It works both with children and adults.

✦Grammar Breakdown

GehstduzuFußzurSchule?

1

Verb‑First Question

In yes/no questions the finite verb moves to the first position (V1), so 'gehst' precedes the subject 'du'.

2

zu Fuß

The fixed expression 'zu Fuß' means 'on foot' and always stays together; it does not change with case.

3

zur = zu + der

‘zur’ is the contraction of the preposition ‘zu’ + the feminine dative article ‘der’, used before ‘Schule’ (feminine).

4

Verb conjugation

‘gehen’ is conjugated as ‘gehst’ for the 2nd person singular (du) in the present tense.

🗨In Conversation

A

Gehst du zu Fuß zur Schule?

Do you walk to school?

Ja, ich gehe jeden Morgen zu Fuß. Und du?

Yes, I walk every morning. And you?

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Gehst du zu Fuß in die Schule?

    ‘zu Fuß’ already expresses the means of transport, so the preposition ‘in’ is redundant; use ‘zur Schule’ instead.

  • Gehst du zu Fuß zu die Schule?

    The preposition ‘zu’ requires the dative case; the correct contraction is ‘zur’ (zu + der).

  • Gehst du zu Fuß gehen zur Schule?

    Avoid repeating the verb ‘gehen’; the idiom ‘zu Fuß’ already contains the idea of walking.

↔Alternatives

  • Läufst du zur Schule?

    Do you run to school?

  • Gehst du zu Fuß in die Schule?

    Do you walk into the school?

  • Fährst du mit dem Bus zur Schule?

    Do you take the bus to school?

de

Cultural Tip

In many German towns, especially in smaller cities and villages, walking to school is common and often encouraged for health and environmental reasons. However, in larger cities the distance can be considerable, so students usually take public transport or a bike. When asking the question, keep a friendly tone; Germans may answer with a short ‘Ja’ or ‘Nein’ followed by a brief explanation.