Meaning
An informal question about someone's origin.
Cultural Background
In Germany, it is common to answer with your federal state (e.g., 'Ich komme aus Bayern') if you are speaking to another German, but with your country if speaking to a foreigner. Austrians are very proud of their specific valley or region. They might answer with a very specific village name first. Because Switzerland has four national languages, 'Woher kommst du?' often leads to a discussion about which 'Kanton' (canton) someone is from and which language they speak.
The Split Trick
If 'Woher' feels too formal, split it: 'Wo kommst du her?'. It makes you sound like a native speaker instantly.
Country Articles
Most countries don't need an article (Ich komme aus Deutschland), but some do (Ich komme aus {der|f} Schweiz). Learn these exceptions early!
Meaning
An informal question about someone's origin.
The Split Trick
If 'Woher' feels too formal, split it: 'Wo kommst du her?'. It makes you sound like a native speaker instantly.
Country Articles
Most countries don't need an article (Ich komme aus Deutschland), but some do (Ich komme aus {der|f} Schweiz). Learn these exceptions early!
Be Specific
If you are from a famous city like London or New York, just say the city. If not, say the country.
Test Yourself
Complete the question.
Woher _______ du?
The subject is 'du', so the verb 'kommen' must end in '-st'.
Which is the correct formal version?
Asking a teacher where they are from:
'Sie' is the formal pronoun used for teachers and strangers.
Match the question to the answer.
1. Woher kommst du? 2. Wo wohnst du?
'Woher' asks for origin (aus), 'Wo' asks for current location (in).
Fill in the missing word.
A: Woher kommst du? B: Ich komme ____ Polen.
We use 'aus' to indicate the country or city of origin.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesWoher _______ du?
The subject is 'du', so the verb 'kommen' must end in '-st'.
Asking a teacher where they are from:
'Sie' is the formal pronoun used for teachers and strangers.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
'Woher' asks for origin (aus), 'Wo' asks for current location (in).
A: Woher kommst du? B: Ich komme ____ Polen.
We use 'aus' to indicate the country or city of origin.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsIt is grammatically possible but sounds very non-native. 'Woher kommst du?' is the standard idiom.
Neither is 'better', but 'Wo kommst du her?' is much more common in casual spoken German.
You can say: 'Ich komme ursprünglich aus Italien, aber ich lebe in Deutschland.'
Yes, 'aus' is the required preposition for origin from a country, city, or building.
In a social setting like a party, no. In a professional setting, wait for a natural break in conversation.
'Woher' is the standard. 'Von wo' is regional (Southern Germany/Austria) and less formal.
Related Phrases
Wo wohnst du?
similarWhere do you live?
Was ist deine Heimat?
builds onWhat is your homeland?
Woher stammst du?
specialized formWhere do you stem from?
