German Phrase
Wo geht's vom Torbogen lang?
Meaning
Literally, 'Where does it go from the archway?' It is a casual way to ask for directions, asking which way a street, path, or route continues after a known landmark (the Torbogen).
When to use
Use this phrase when you are standing at a recognizable landmark (e.g., a city gate, an arch) and need to know which direction to take to reach your destination. It’s common in everyday conversation, especially in historic city centers.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Wogeht'svomTorbogenlang?
Wo (question word)
Used to ask about a location or direction, similar to English 'where'.
geht's (geht es)
Contraction of 'geht es' (does it go/lead). The verb 'gehen' is used idiomatically to ask about routes.
vom = von dem
A preposition + definite article in dative, indicating the starting point of the movement.
Torbogen (noun)
A masculine noun meaning 'archway' or 'gate arch', takes the dative case after 'von'.
lang (adverbial particle)
Colloquial particle that follows the verb phrase to ask about the way something continues, roughly 'along' or 'to where'.
🗨In Conversation
Entschuldigung, wo geht's vom Torbogen lang?
Excuse me, where does it go from the archway?
Gehen Sie geradeaus, dann rechts abbiegen. Dort finden Sie das Museum.
Go straight ahead, then turn right. The museum is there.
✕Common Mistakes
Wo geht es vom Torbogen lang?
The contraction 'geht's' is the natural spoken form; using the full 'geht es' sounds overly formal.
Wo geht's von der Torbogen lang?
After 'von' you need the dative article; 'vom' (von dem) is correct, not 'von der' which would be feminine.
Wo geht's lang vom Torbogen?
The particle 'lang' stays at the end of the clause; placing it before the noun changes the meaning.
↔Alternatives
Wie komme ich vom Torbogen aus weiter?
How do I continue from the archway?
Welcher Weg führt vom Torbogen zum Marktplatz?
Which way leads from the archway to the market square?
Kann man vom Torbogen aus in die Altstadt gehen?
Can one go into the old town from the archway?
Cultural Tip
In German, asking for directions often uses the verb 'gehen' with the particle 'lang' (e.g., 'Wo geht's ... lang?'). This construction sounds informal and is typical in spoken language, especially in tourist areas. Remember to use the dative case after 'von' (vom) when referring to a location.