Bedeutung
Stating travel plans to the coast.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The 'mare' is the center of Italian summer life. Most Italians have a favorite 'località di mare' they visit every year. In the South, you might hear 'vado a mare'. This is a dialectal influence where the article is dropped. In August, many businesses close entirely so that everyone can 'andare al mare'. This is linked to the Ferragosto holiday. Going 'al mare' often means going to a specific 'bagno' where you rent an umbrella and chair.
The 'Al' Rule
Always remember that 'al' is 'a' + 'il'. If you forget the 'l', you'll sound like you're using a regional dialect.
Don't say 'Vado alla mare'
Even though 'mer' is feminine in French, 'mare' is masculine in Italian. Use 'al', never 'alla'.
Bedeutung
Stating travel plans to the coast.
The 'Al' Rule
Always remember that 'al' is 'a' + 'il'. If you forget the 'l', you'll sound like you're using a regional dialect.
Don't say 'Vado alla mare'
Even though 'mer' is feminine in French, 'mare' is masculine in Italian. Use 'al', never 'alla'.
The August Rule
If you say 'Vado al mare' in August, expect crowds! It's the most popular time for this activity.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the sentence with the correct contraction.
Oggi c'è il sole, vado ___ mare.
The preposition 'a' combines with the masculine article 'il' to form 'al'.
Which sentence is correct for a general trip to the coast?
Choose the best option:
'Vado al mare' is the standard Italian expression for going to the seaside.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Che fai questo weekend? B: ________.
It's the most natural response to a question about weekend plans in summer.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are packing your towel and swimsuit. What do you say?
Towels and swimsuits are for the sea!
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenOggi c'è il sole, vado ___ mare.
The preposition 'a' combines with the masculine article 'il' to form 'al'.
Choose the best option:
'Vado al mare' is the standard Italian expression for going to the seaside.
A: Che fai questo weekend? B: ________.
It's the most natural response to a question about weekend plans in summer.
You are packing your towel and swimsuit. What do you say?
Towels and swimsuits are for the sea!
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenIt's grammatically correct, but 'Vado in spiaggia' is much more common for the physical beach.
'Al' indicates the destination/vicinity. 'In' would mean you are literally inside the water.
It is neutral. You can use it in any situation.
No, for a lake you must say 'Vado al lago'.
You can say 'Vado a Rimini', which implies 'vado al mare' if the city is on the coast.
Usually, yes, but it can also just mean you'll sit by the water or eat at a coastal restaurant.
Use 'Sono andato al mare' (masculine) or 'Sono andata al mare' (feminine).
Yes, 'il mare' is always masculine in Italian.
The plural of 'il mare' is 'i mari', but you rarely say 'vado ai mari'. You'd say 'vado al mare' even if visiting multiple spots.
Not really a single word, but 'scappare al mare' (to escape to the sea) is a common informal way to say it.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Prendere il sole
similarTo sunbathe
Fare il bagno
similarTo go for a swim
Vado in montagna
contrastI am going to the mountains
Andare in vacanza
builds onTo go on holiday
