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German Phrase

Wo ist das nächste WLAN?

/voː ɪst das ˈnɛːçstə ˈveːˈʔeːlˈʔaːn/
Meaning"Where is the nearest Wi‑Fi?"
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Meaning

The sentence asks for the location of the closest Wi‑Fi hotspot. It is a practical, everyday question you might use in cafés, airports, hotels, or any public place where you need an internet connection.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you are traveling, studying, or working on the go and need to find a free or public Wi‑Fi network. It works in both formal and informal settings, but you can soften it with 'Könnten Sie mir bitte sagen…' in more polite contexts.

✦Grammar Breakdown

WoistdasnächsteWLAN?

1

Wo (where)

Interrogative adverb used to ask about location.

2

ist (is)

3rd person singular of the verb 'sein' (to be).

3

das nächste

Neuter nominative form of 'nah' with the comparative suffix '-ste', meaning 'the nearest' or 'the next'.

4

WLAN

A loanword from English (Wireless LAN) that is the standard German term for Wi‑Fi.

5

Question word order

In German yes‑no and wh‑questions, the verb moves to the second position, directly after the interrogative word.

🗨In Conversation

A

Entschuldigung, wo ist das nächste WLAN?

Excuse me, where is the nearest Wi‑Fi?

Gleich dort drüben, neben dem Bücherregal.

Right over there, next to the bookshelf.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Wo ist das nächste Wi‑Fi?

    In German the standard term is 'WLAN'; mixing English can sound unnatural.

  • Wo das nächste WLAN ist?

    The verb must come right after the question word; 'Wo das nächste WLAN ist?' is incorrect word order.

  • Wo ist das nächster WLAN?

    Because 'WLAN' is neuter, the correct adjective ending is '-e' (das nächste), not '-er'.

↔Alternatives

  • Wo finde ich das nächste WLAN?

    Where can I find the nearest Wi‑Fi?

  • Können Sie mir sagen, wo das nächste WLAN ist?

    Can you tell me where the nearest Wi‑Fi is?

  • Gibt es hier in der Nähe ein WLAN?

    Is there a Wi‑Fi nearby?

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Cultural Tip

In Germany, public Wi‑Fi is usually called 'WLAN' rather than 'Wi‑Fi'. Many cafés, libraries, and train stations offer free WLAN, but you may need to ask for a password. Politeness matters: starting with 'Entschuldigung' or 'Bitte' makes the request sound courteous. Also, note that some places have a time limit or require a short registration.