When to use “zu” and “nach” in German

Are you a German student struggling with properly using "zu" and "nach"? This article will provide all the information necessary to clear up any confusion. 

Reason for confusing “zu” and “nach”

It's understandable why students may struggle with using "zu" and "nach" correctly since both prepositions can be translated to English as "to” This lack of distinction makes it challenging for learners to grasp the appropriate usage. However, we'll delve deeper into their differences so that you gain a better understanding of when to use each one. Don't worry; with practice, you will master these prepositions quickly!

Recommended study materials on the topic:

1. A-Grammar: Practice German grammar German (incl. answers)

2. B-Grammar: Practice German grammar German (incl. answers)

3. German self-study book for A1-B1  (incl. answers)

4. Accusative or Dative wheel 

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The German preposition “nach”

Great job! As discussed earlier, "nach" translates to "to". It's important to note that it always requires a Dative object. However, in the examples below, you'll see that none require an article, making identifying the Dative tricky. When referring to geographical destinations in German, "nach" is commonly used, as shown on this list. 

1. Continents

   It's important to remember that when indicating movement towards a continent in German, the word "nach" is always necessary.

   For example:

   Familie Schneider zieht nach Amerika. → The Schneider family moves to America.

   Frau Müller reist nach Asien. → Mrs. Müller travels to Asia.

2. Countries 

   Another instance where you'll frequently employ the preposition "nach" is when indicating movement towards a country. It's important to note that this only pertains to countries with a neuter gender, which comprises most nations.

   For example: 

   Morgen fahren wir nach Frankreich. → We're going to France tomorrow.

   Franz reist nach Spanien. → Franz travels to Spain.

   BEWARE: If you intend to travel towards a country that is masculine (such as der Vatican), feminine (like die Turkei) or plural (including die USA), it's important to note that "nach" cannot be used.

   For example: 

   Ich fliege in die USA. → I fly to the USA.

   Wir fahren in die Türkei. → We're going to Turkey.

3. Cities

   If you intend to convey that you are heading towards a particular city, "nach" is the appropriate term.

   For example: 

   Am Wochenende fahren wir nach Berlin. → We're going to Berlin at the weekend.

   Frank fliegt morgen nach Madrid. → Frank flies to Madrid tomorrow.

4. Single island

   Using " nach " is also possible when referring to a solitary island. 

   For example:

   Wir fliegen jedes Jahr nach Mallorca. → We fly to Mallorca every year.

   Er reist im Januar nach Kreta. → He travels to Crete in January.

   However, if you use the word island “Insel” before the name of the actual island, you cannot use “nach” but instead must use “auf”. 

   For example:

   Wir fliegen jedes Jahr auf die Insel Mallorca. → We fly to the island of Mallorca every year.

   Er reist im Januar auf die Insel Kreta. → He travels to the island of Crete in January.

5. Nach Hause

   There is a special circumstance that deviates from the previously stated guidelines. This applies when you wish to communicate your relocation to your own home in German.

   For example: 

   Ich gehe nach Hause. → I go home.

   Er geht zu Jana nach Hause. → He goes home to Jana.

The German preposition “zu”

It's worth noting that the word "zu" translates to "to". Whenever this preposition is used, it requires a Dative object. Now, in German, you only use this preposition in the following situations:

1. Persons 

If you want to express that you move towards any person, you must always use the preposition “zu” in German. 

For example: 

Ich gehe zu meinen Eltern. → I go to my parents.

Wir fahren zu meinem Freund. → We're going to my friend's.

2. All other places.

To express your movement towards any location beyond the ones specified in the "nach" section, you must use "zu" in German. 

For example: 

Der Krankenwagen fährt zum (zu dem) Krankenhaus. → The ambulance drives to the hospital.

Peter geht am Samstag zum Friseur. → Peter goes to the hairdresser on Saturday.

3. In the direction of something

When moving toward the direction of a place/position you will also use “zu”. 

For example: 

Der Mann geht zum Fenster, weil er es schließen will. → The man goes to the window because he wants to close it.

Ich gehe schnell zum Bahnhof, damit ich meinen Zug nicht verpasse. → I hurry to the train station so I don't miss my train.

Conclusion

After reading this article, I hope you finally understood when to use “nach” and “zu” in German. 

You should also check out the difference between “werden”, “wurden”, “worden” or “würden”.

Bis bald!

Steffie

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