I. Theory
Although gehen usually translates to “to go”, Germans like to convey how they are going and thus, this verb does not cover all contexts of “going” such as flying, sailing, or travelling by car. In these instances, fahren or another more specific verb is used. It is important to note that there is some overlap between these verbs and there are some exceptions.| Wir fahren am Samstag nach Amsterdam. We are going to Amsterdam on Saturday. Gehst du mit dem Hund zum Park? Are you going to the park with the dog? Mein Kind geht noch nicht in die Schule. My child doesn’t go to school yet. |
II. Using Fahren
Fahren is used when one is travelling by vehicle (especially any vehicle with wheels). Therefore, this verb can translate to “run,” “ride,” or “go.”| Der Bus fährt jede Stunde. The bus runs every hour. Fährst du mit dem Zug nach New York? Are you riding the train to New York? Meine Oma fährt nicht mehr. My grandma doesn’t drive anymore. |
III. Using Gehen
Gehen is used to convey going specifically by foot as well as in other habitual/general contexts ex: (go home, go to work, go to school, etc).| Ich gehe um 21 Uhr ins Bett. I go to bed at 9 pm. Musst du morgen zur Arbeit gehen? Do you have to go to work tomorrow? Das Restaurant ist ganz in der Nähe, wir können also zu Fuß dorthin gehen. The restaurant is nearby so we can go on foot. |