Ernaartoe

Ernaartoe is a Dutch locational expression used to indicate movement toward a place that has already been mentioned or is understood from context. It combines er, a deictic element meaning there, with naartoe, a directional suffix meaning toward there. In standard Dutch, the form is usually written as two separate words (er naartoe), though some sources occasionally list a compound form (ernaartoe) in informal or descriptive contexts.

Usage and function. Ernaartoe functions as a directional particle or adverb in sentences with verbs of motion. It refers back to a previously identified destination rather than naming it explicitly. It can appear with a variety of verbs of movement, such as gaan (to go), lopen (to walk), brengen (to bring), or wijzen to indicate the target location. It is common in both spoken and written Dutch and can be used in the present, past, or future tenses, in affirmative or imperative clauses.

Examples. We gaan ernaartoe om de tentoonstelling te zien. Hij liep ernaartoe en keek door het raam. Ga ernaartoe als je de kaart hebt. In questions, waar ga je naartoe? is a typical way to ask for the destination, with naartoe serving the same directional function as ernaartoe in affirmative statements.

Etymology and related forms. Er comes from a demonstrative pronoun meaning there, while naartoe is a directional suffix formed from toe (to) plus a locative element. Related Dutch directional expressions include daarheen (to there) and na dit or naar dit?, which share the same general function of signaling destination in relation to discourse.

See also: Dutch grammar, deictic expressions, motion verbs.