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German Phrase

Wo hast du die Jacke her?

/voː hast duː diː ˈjakə heːɐ̯/

Meaning"Where did you get the jacket?"

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Meaning

This question asks where the listener obtained the jacket, i.e., the place or source from which they got it. It is informal and focuses on the origin rather than the price or brand.

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When to use

Use this phrase in casual conversation with friends, family, or acquaintances when you notice someone’s jacket and want to know where they picked it up. It’s best suited for spoken German and informal settings.

✦Grammar Breakdown

WohastdudieJackeher?

1

Wo (question word)

‘Wo’ asks for a location or place and is used at the beginning of a question.

2

Verb‑Particle Construction (hast … her)

‘her’ is a directional particle meaning ‘from here/there’. In colloquial German it pairs with verbs of acquisition to ask where something came from.

3

Word Order (V2)

German main clauses have the finite verb in second position; the particle ‘her’ stays at the end of the clause.

4

Definite Article with Feminine Noun

‘die Jacke’ uses the feminine definite article ‘die’ in accusative, matching the direct object.

🗨In Conversation

A

Wo hast du die Jacke her?

Where did you get the jacket?

Ich habe sie auf dem Flohmarkt in Berlin gekauft.

I bought it at the flea market in Berlin.

B

✕Common Mistakes

Wo hast du die Jacke von?
‘von’ is not used after ‘Wo’ to ask origin; the correct particle is ‘her’ or the single word ‘woher’.
Wo hast du die Jacke?
Missing the verb‑particle ‘her’ at the end makes the sentence sound incomplete in colloquial speech.
Wo hast du der Jacke her?
If you change the gender incorrectly (e.g., *‘der Jacke’*), the case no longer matches the accusative object.

↔Alternatives

Woher hast du die Jacke?
Where did you get the jacket?
Wo hast du die Jacke gekauft?
Where did you buy the jacket?
Woher kommt deine Jacke?
Where does your jacket come from?

Cultural Tip

In standard German the more formal version is ‘Woher hast du die Jacke?’. The ‘Wo … her?’ construction is very common in spoken language, especially in northern Germany, and gives the question a relaxed, friendly tone. Avoid using ‘von’ after ‘Wo’ (e.g., *‘Wo von hast du die Jacke?’*) – it sounds ungrammatical.