01
erfragen
to inquire
To obtain or find out specific information by asking targeted questions.
example
Die genauen Öffnungszeiten des Museums können Sie telefonisch erfragen.
You can inquire about the museum's exact opening hours by phone.
erfragen
to inquire / find out
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Meanings
Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Erfragen' (to inquire / find out by asking) is an inseparable verb with the prefix 'er-'. This prefix often emphasizes the successful result of an action. You do not just ask; you also receive an answer or information through asking.
EXAMPLE
Nach langem Warten konnte ich endlich den Status meiner Bewerbung erfragen.
After a long wait, I was finally able to inquire about the status of my application.
Typical information
One typically uses 'erfragen' (to inquire) for specific information that one needs. Common objects are: the price, the way, an appointment, details, or an address.
EXAMPLE
Könnten Sie für mich bitte den genauen Preis erfragen?
Could you please inquire about the exact price for me?
Sentence structure with 'bei'
If you want to specify where or from whom you receive the information, you often use the preposition 'bei' followed by the dative.
EXAMPLE
Ich muss die Details noch bei der Personalabteilung erfragen.
I still need to inquire about the details with the HR department.
Compare with
erfragen vs fragen
to ask
'fragen' and 'erfragen' both have to do with wanting to get information. 'fragen' is the normal, general word: you ask a question or ask about something. 'erfragen' is more specific and sounds a little more formal. It means that you find out a particular piece of information by asking targeted questions. Learners may confuse the words because questions are asked in both cases. In practice: you ask a person something; you 'erfragt' a piece of information, for example an address, a name, or a price.
erfragen
Bei der Bewerbung erfragte ich zuerst die genaue Adresse des Büros.
When applying, I first asked for the exact address of the office.
fragen
Zu Hause fragte sie die Kinder, ob sie ihre Hausaufgaben gemacht hatten.
At home, she asked the children whether they had done their homework.
In real life
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