to inquire
Loading your saved state.
to inquire
To ask a formal or polite question in order to obtain information, an offer, or permission.
Wir sollten bei der Fluggesellschaft anfragen, ob noch Plätze frei sind.
We should inquire with the airline whether there are still seats available.
'Anfragen' (to inquire) is a separable verb. The prefix 'an-' goes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Ich frage morgen bei der Personalabteilung an.
I will inquire with the HR department tomorrow.
Normally, you 'anfragen bei' a person or institution. This construction with the preposition 'bei' (with/at) is very typical for this verb.
Haben Sie schon bei der zuständigen Behörde angefragt?
Have you already inquired with the responsible authority?
'Anfragen' (to inquire) is used for polite and formal requests, especially in business or official contexts. It sounds more formal than the simple verb 'fragen' (to ask).
Wir möchten anfragen, ob eine Besichtigung des Objekts möglich wäre.
We would like to inquire whether a viewing of the property would be possible.
to ask
Fragen is the general form used to obtain information. Anfragen sounds more formal and is often used with a company or institution, especially in writing. Use fragen for a direct, everyday question; for a polite, formal inquiry, anfragen is more appropriate.
Ich frage beim Hotel schriftlich an, ob am Wochenende ein Zimmer frei ist.
I write to the hotel to inquire whether a room is available for the weekend.
Ich frage an der Rezeption, ob am Wochenende ein Zimmer frei ist.
I ask at the front desk whether a room is available for the weekend.
