German word

zum

Pronunciation

IPA/tsʊm/

Meaning

  • prepositionto

Example

Wir fahren zum Bahnhof.

We're going to the station.

Illustration for zum (to)

More examples

Ich gehe zum Arzt.

I'm going to the doctor.

Core concept

A compact pointer leads toward a destination, person, or intended purpose.

Common phrases

  • zum Bahnhof

    to the station

  • zum Arzt

    to the doctor

  • zum Frühstück

    for breakfast

  • zum Geburtstag

    on one's birthday

Similar words

zu: Indicates movement toward a person, building, or other destination.
nach: Indicates movement toward a city, country, or other named place.
in: Indicates movement into the inside of a building, room, or other enclosed space.
zur: Indicates movement toward a destination named with a feminine noun.

Definition in German

Kurzform von zu + dem; verlangt den Dativ und zeigt Richtung, Ziel oder Zweck an.

Word origin

'Zum' is the contraction of the German preposition 'zu' and the dative masculine or neuter definite article 'dem'.

Usage tips

  • Before a feminine singular noun, 'zu dem' becomes 'zur' rather than 'zum', while the plural form is 'zu den'.

Opposites

  • vomfrom thepreposition

Word lists with this word