Questions with wo-compounds
A2 · Elementary · Cases & Verbs
The rule
worauf, womit, wofür for things.
How it works
Wo-compounds (woran, worauf, womit, wofür, worüber) are used to ask about things after a preposition. They replace a preposition plus a question word for a thing. For people, you use the preposition with wen or wem: Mit wem sprichst du? The wo-compound is placed at the start of the question.
When to use it
Ask about things with wo- + preposition, such as worauf (on what) or womit (with what).
Use cases
- Asking about a topic: Worüber sprecht ihr?
- Asking what something is used for: Wofür brauchst du das?
- Asking what someone is waiting for: Worauf wartest du?
Examples
- Worauf wartest du? – What are you waiting for?
- Woran denkst du gerade? – What are you thinking about right now?
- Womit bezahlst du? – How are you paying?
- Wofür interessierst du dich? – What are you interested in?
Common mistake
Using a preposition before was: "Mit was" is wrong; "Womit" is right.
Memory tip
For things, use wo + preposition: womit, worüber, woran.