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German Phrase

Zu wissen, wohin's geht, ist wichtig.

/tsuː ˈvɪsn̩ ˈvoːhɪns ˈɡeːt ɪst ˈvɪçtɪç/
Meaning"Knowing where it's going is important."
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Meaning

The sentence states that having knowledge about the direction or destination of something is important. It can refer to literal travel, a project’s progress, or even personal life goals.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you want to stress the importance of understanding the future direction of a plan, a journey, or a development. It works well in both casual conversation and more reflective discussions.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Zuwissen,wohin'sgeht,istwichtig.

1

Infinitiv mit zu

The infinitive clause 'zu wissen' functions as the subject of the sentence and requires the particle 'zu' before the verb.

2

Nebensatz mit 'wohin'

The subordinate clause 'wohin's geht' answers the question 'where is it going?' and is introduced by the interrogative adverb 'wohin'.

3

Kontraktion 'wohin's'

In spoken German 'wohin es' is often contracted to 'wohin's'; this is informal and should be avoided in formal writing.

4

Kommasetzung

Both the infinitive clause and the subordinate clause are set off by commas when they appear at the beginning of a main clause.

🗨In Conversation

A

Zu wissen, wohin's geht, ist wichtig, bevor wir das Projekt starten.

Knowing where it's going is important before we start the project.

Stimmt, sonst laufen wir Gefahr, im Kreis zu drehen.

Exactly, otherwise we risk going around in circles.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Zu wissen, wohin geht es, ist wichtig.

    The correct order is 'wohin es geht'; the verb must follow the subject in a subordinate clause.

  • Zu wissen wohin's geht ist wichtig.

    Both the infinitive clause and the subordinate clause need commas when they precede the main clause.

  • Zu wissen, wohin's geht, ist wichtig.

    In formal contexts, avoid the contraction and write 'wohin es geht'.

↔Alternatives

  • Es ist wichtig zu wissen, wohin es geht.

    It is important to know where it is going.

  • Wissen, wohin es geht, ist wichtig.

    Knowing where it goes is important.

  • Man muss wissen, wohin es geht, das ist wichtig.

    One must know where it goes; that is important.

de

Cultural Tip

The contraction 'wohin's' is typical of everyday spoken German, especially in northern Germany. In formal writing or presentations, use the full form 'wohin es'. Also, German places a strong emphasis on correct comma placement in complex sentences, so be sure to include the commas as shown.