to request
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to request
To ask for something in a polite, formal, or emphatic way. It expresses an urgent or respectful wish.
Für die Planung erbitten wir Ihre Rückmeldung bis Ende der Woche.
For planning purposes, we request your response by the end of the week.
'Erbitten' (to request) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'er-' always remains attached to the stem 'bitten' (to ask/request) and gives the verb a more formal and more emphatic character.
Die Organisation erbat in einem Brief Spenden für ihr neues Projekt.
The organization requested donations for its new project in a letter.
This verb belongs to a very formal register and is used almost exclusively in written language, for example in official letters, emails, or applications.
Wir erbitten Ihre Zustimmung zu dem vorliegenden Plan.
We request your approval of the present plan.
You can either use a direct accusative object or use the preposition 'um' (for) with the accusative. Both constructions are correct and very formal.
Der Anwalt erbat weitere Informationen zum Fall.
The lawyer requested further information about the case.
to ask / request
With „bitten“, you express a neutral and polite wish. „Erbitten“ conveys the same basic idea, but sounds more formal, respectful, or emphatic. „Bitten“ is suitable for an ordinary request; „erbitten“ can be used for an especially emphatic wish.
Wegen der nahen Frist erbitte ich eine schnelle Antwort auf meine Frage.
Because the deadline is approaching, I request a quick answer to my question.
Ich bitte Sie um eine schnelle Antwort auf meine Frage.
I am asking you for a quick answer to my question.
