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 nachfragen
to ask
Both verbs refer to obtaining information by asking questions. Nachfragen usually emphasizes an additional question, follow-up question, or clarification. Erfragen puts more emphasis on the result: a specific piece of information is deliberately found out.
erfragen
Beim Kunden erfragte ich die genaue Lieferadresse.
I asked the customer for the exact delivery address.
nachfragen
Weil die Lieferzeit unklar war, fragte ich beim Kunden noch einmal nach.
Because the delivery time was unclear, I asked the customer again.
In real life
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