inquiry / request
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inquiry / request
A question that is asked in order to receive information, an offer, or details.
Wir haben eine Anfrage bezüglich der Lieferzeiten an den Hersteller geschickt.
We sent an inquiry to the manufacturer regarding the delivery times.
The word is made up of the preposition 'an' (to) and the verb 'fragen' (to ask). So an 'Anfrage' (inquiry/request) is literally a question directed 'an' (to) someone.
Ich habe eine Anfrage an den Kundenservice geschickt.
I sent an inquiry to customer service.
Common verbs used with 'Anfrage' (inquiry/request) are 'eine Anfrage stellen' (to make an inquiry), 'eine Anfrage erhalten' (to receive an inquiry), and 'eine Anfrage beantworten' (to respond to an inquiry).
Könnten Sie bitte meine Anfrage so schnell wie möglich beantworten?
Could you please respond to my inquiry as soon as possible?
To name the recipient, use 'eine Anfrage an' + accusative. To name the topic, use 'eine Anfrage zu' + dative or 'eine Anfrage bezüglich' + genitive.
Wir haben eine Anfrage an die Personalabteilung gestellt.
We made an inquiry to the HR department.
The meaning of a formal question in parliament is very specific. You can recognize it from the context when politics, the government, or parliamentary sessions are being discussed.
Die Abgeordnete reichte eine schriftliche Anfrage beim Ministerium ein.
The member of parliament submitted a written question to the ministry.
question
'die Frage' and 'die Anfrage' both have to do with wanting information. 'die Frage' is the general word and fits in almost all conversations. 'die Anfrage' is usually more formal and is often directed to a company, an authority, or an organization. It is often about information, a price, an appointment, or an offer. Learners may confuse the words because every 'Anfrage' can contain a 'Frage'. In conversation with friends, you are more likely to say 'Frage'; in emails, when asking for offers, or in official contacts, 'Anfrage' sounds more natural.
Am Abend schreibt das Hotel eine Anfrage wegen eines freien Zimmers.
In the evening, the hotel writes an inquiry about an available room.
Habt ihr heute noch eine Frage zur Hausaufgabe?
Do you have any more questions about the homework today?