Comment vont-ils aller en Allemagne ? (How are they going to Germany?)

Johnny L.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Comment vont-ils aller en Allemagne ? (How are they going to Germany?)

I just learned "Comment vont-ils aller en Allemagne ?" Why is aller necessary here? Why can't it just be "Comment vont-ils en Allemagne ?" Thanks
Asked 8 years ago
LauraNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer
Bonjour Johnny,

You can say that, but the meaning is slightly different.

Comment vont-ils en Allemagne = How are they going to Germany?

Comment vont-ils aller en Allemagne = How are they going to go to Germany?
Dragana E.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

the english here is: how are they going to Germany?

why is it not: how are they going to go to Germany?

Johnny L.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

There is madness in my line of questioning. My intention was to ask whether aller is needed because "Comment vont-ils en Allemagne ?" might mean "How are they DOING in Germany?" and does not mean "how are they GOING to Germany?"

Comment vont-ils aller en Allemagne ? (How are they going to Germany?)

I just learned "Comment vont-ils aller en Allemagne ?" Why is aller necessary here? Why can't it just be "Comment vont-ils en Allemagne ?" Thanks

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Let me take a look at that...