nach, zu or in?
a2All three can mean 'to'. nach goes with cities and countries without an article, zu with people and institutions, in (+ accusative) with countries that take an article and whenever you go inside.
nach
Cities, countries without an article, compass directions. Always with the dative.
Wir fahren nach Hamburg.We're going to Hamburg.
zu
People, shops, institutions - the destination you head for. With the dative.
Ich gehe zum Arzt.I'm going to the doctor.
in
Countries with an article (in die Schweiz) and anywhere you go inside. Direction = accusative.
Wir fliegen in die Türkei.We're flying to Turkey.
The mistake
Ich fahre nach die Schweiz.
Ich fahre in die Schweiz.
Countries that carry an article (die Schweiz, die Türkei, die USA, der Iran) take „in“ + accusative.
Rule of thumb
„nach Hause“ and „zu Hause“ are fixed: nach Hause = heading home, zu Hause = at home.
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