Comment vont-ils aller en Allemagne ? (How are they going to Germany?)

Question

I just learned "Comment vont-ils aller en Allemagne ?"

Why is aller necessary here? Why can't it just be  "Comment vont-ils en Allemagne ?"
Thanks

Accepted Answer

Bonjour Johnny,

You can say that, but the meaning is slightly different.

Comment vont-ils en Allemagne = How are they going to Germany?

Comment vont-ils aller en Allemagne = How are they going to go to Germany?

Answer

the english here is: how are they going to Germany?why is it not: how are they going to go to Germany?

Answer

There is madness in my line of questioning. My intention was to ask whether aller is needed because "Comment vont-ils en Allemagne ?" might mean "How are they DOING in Germany?" and does not mean "how are they GOING to Germany?"