German Prepositions

When going into buildings, “to” translates as “in”. Remember: Use “in” to express to go somewhere Inside.

Also when expressing to go to certain areas or countries, the correct translation of “to” would be "in"


I go to the movies. – Ich gehe ins Kino.
I go to the office. – Ich gehe ins Büro.

I go to Switzerland. – Ich gehe in die Schweiz.
I go to the Alps. – Ich gehe in die Alpen.




Use “Auf” When Going to Institutions

When visiting an institution, “to” mostly translates as “auf”.

“Auf” might be easier to understand when used for climbing a mountain or going on an island, since it literally means “on top of”

I will fly to an island. – Ich werde auf eine Insel fliegen.
I go to the post office. – Ich gehe auf die Post.
I go to the bank. – Ich gehe auf die Bank.
I have to go the town hall. – Ich muss aufs Rathaus.




Difference Between “Zu” and “Nach”

When traveling to different countries and visiting different cities, “to” is translated as “nach”.
Also when going home, German speakers use “nach” to express “to”.

I go to Germany. – Ich gehe nach Deutschland.
I go to Rome. - Ich gehe nach Rom.
I go home. – Ich gehe nach Hause.
BUT: I am at home. – Ich bin zu Hause.



The preposition “zu” is used to express “to” when visiting people or stores, buildings with a recognizable name.

I go to my friend. – Ich gehe zu meinem Freund.
I go to my parents. – Ich gehe zu meinen Eltern.
I go to Walmart. – Ich gehe zu Walmart.



References:
http://josefine-koehn-haskins.suite101.com/how-to-say-go-to-in-german-a175661
http://german.about.com/library/weekly/aa061900a.htm