query
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inquiry
A targeted question or a series of questions to obtain specific information, often in a formal or technical context.
Die Journalistin stellte eine offizielle Abfrage an das Ministerium.
The journalist submitted an official inquiry to the ministry.
'Abfrage' (query/inquiry) is derived from the separable verb 'abfragen'. The verb means to request specific information from a source (a person, a system). The noun describes the act or result of this process.
Der Lehrer fragt die Vokabeln ab.
The teacher quizzes the vocabulary.
Different verbs are used with 'Abfrage' depending on the context. Common ones are 'eine Abfrage machen' (to do a query/quiz; rather colloquial), 'eine Abfrage starten' (to start/run a query; technical), or 'eine Abfrage stellen' (to submit an inquiry; formal).
Um die Daten zu erhalten, müssen Sie eine Abfrage an die Datenbank starten.
To obtain the data, you have to run a query on the database.
In the field of computer science and data processing, 'Abfrage' (English: query) is a central technical term. In this context, the word is very precise and cannot be replaced by other words.
Diese komplexe Abfrage durchsucht mehrere Tabellen gleichzeitig.
This complex query searches several tables at the same time.
In a school context, 'Abfrage' refers to a small, often oral test that usually does not count as heavily as a major class test. Sometimes it is also called 'mündliche Abfrage' (oral quiz).
Morgen gibt es eine Abfrage zu den unregelmäßigen Verben.
Tomorrow there will be a quiz on the irregular verbs.
question
'die Frage' and 'die Abfrage' both have to do with looking for information. 'die Frage' is the normal word for a single sentence used to ask something you want to know. 'die Abfrage' is more targeted and often more systematic: someone asks for specific information, a computer searches for data, or knowledge is briefly checked at school. Learners may confuse the words because in both cases, questions are being asked. Remember: a 'Frage' can be completely everyday. An 'Abfrage' sounds more planned, technical, or like a check.
Vor der Klassenarbeit macht die Lehrerin eine kurze Abfrage der Vokabeln.
Before the class test, the teacher gives a short vocabulary quiz.
Nach dem Vortrag hatte Tom noch eine Frage zur Anmeldung.
After the presentation, Tom still had a question about registration.