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How to Say ‘Where are you from? (informal)’ in German

Woher kommst du?

voh-HAIR kommst doo

[voh-HAIR kommst doo]

💬 Usage Tip: Woher means "from where", while plain wo only asks "where (located)". The formal version is Woher kommen Sie?.

Phrase Breakdown

Woher

[voh-HAIR]

from where

Used to ask about someone's origin or where they come from.

Example

Woher kommen Sie, wenn ich fragen darf?

Where are you from, if I may ask?

kommst

[kommst]

Come

To arrive or move towards someone or something.

Example

Kommst du mit in eine ruhigere Ecke?

Are you coming to a quieter corner?

[doo]

you (singular/informal)

Used when speaking to one person informally.

Example

Wie fühlst du dich heute Abend?

How do you feel this evening?

Guides for German learners

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