request / order
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request / order
A clear and direct request or order to a person to carry out a specific action. The urgency can range from a polite invitation to a strict order.
Die letzte Mahnung enthielt die Aufforderung, den Betrag sofort zu bezahlen.
The final reminder contained the request to pay the amount immediately.
The word is derived from the separable verb 'auffordern' (to ask/request/order someone to do something). The ending '-ung' turns the verb into a noun that describes the action or the result.
Er hat mich aufgefordert, leiser zu sein.
He asked me to be quieter.
Very often, an 'Aufforderung' (request/order) is connected with an infinitive construction with 'zu' (to) to describe what is supposed to be done.
Sie erhielt die Aufforderung, ihre Dokumente persönlich abzuholen.
She received the request to pick up her documents in person.
Common fixed expressions are 'einer Aufforderung nachkommen' (to comply with a request/order) or 'eine Aufforderung ignorieren' (to ignore a request/order). Depending on the context, there may be, for example, a 'Zahlungsaufforderung' (payment request) or a 'Tanzaufforderung' (invitation to dance).
Bitte kommen Sie unserer Aufforderung nach, den Fragebogen auszufüllen.
Please comply with our request to fill out the questionnaire.
requirement / request
'Anforderung' and 'Aufforderung' look very similar, but they do not mean the same thing. An 'Anforderung' is usually a requirement that must be fulfilled, or in formal cases the request to receive something. An 'Aufforderung' is directed at a person and tells them that they should do something. It can sound polite or very firm. The risk of confusion is high because both words have to do with a demand or request. Remember: an 'Anforderung' often appears in rules or descriptions; an 'Aufforderung' is something you hear or read as a direct instruction to act.
Nach dem Gespräch bekommen wir die Aufforderung, die Unterlagen sofort zu schicken.
After the meeting, we receive the request to send the documents immediately.
Für die Reise ist ein gültiger Pass eine wichtige Anforderung.
For the trip, a valid passport is an important requirement.