German Question Words: “Wer?” and “Wo?” – no two question words are confused quite as often by English-speakers learning German as these two. The reason, of course, is because they mean the exact opposite of what they sound like:

“Wer ist Angela Merkel?” – “Who is Angela Merkel?”
“Wo ist der Fernsehturm?” – “Where is the television tower?”

In those examples it’s pretty obvious from context, but if someone asks “Wo ist Brad Pitt?” you’re stuck with just the question stewing in its own juices, and you need to know the question word.

A good way to practice this is to constantly ask yourself “Wer ist das?” when seeing people and “Wo ist das?” with places on your next stroll through the city or when reading a magazine. Practice makes perfect!