request / order
Loading your saved state.
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.
please
Bitte normally formulates a polite request for a specific action. An Aufforderung refers to the direct appeal itself and can range from polite to strict depending on the situation. Use „bitte“ when making a friendly request and „Aufforderung“ when describing the nature or force of the appeal.
Die Aufforderung, vor der Tür zu warten, kam von der Empfangskraft.
The request to wait outside the door came from the receptionist.
Bitte warten Sie vor der Tür.
Please wait outside the door.
