trap question
die Fangfrage, die Fangfragen
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trap question
A cleverly worded question intended to lead someone into giving a false or unintended answer.
Mit der Fangfrage „Hast du endlich aufgehört zu schummeln?“ wollte er sie dazu bringen, früheres Schummeln zuzugeben.
With the trap question “Have you finally stopped cheating?” he wanted to get her to admit that she had cheated in the past.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Fangfragen |
| genitive | der Fangfrage |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Fangfrage | die Fangfragen |
| accusative | die Fangfrage | die Fangfragen |
| dative | der Fangfrage | den Fangfragen |
| genitive | der Fangfrage | der Fangfragen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
“Fangfrage” consists of “Fang” (catch) and “Frage” (question). The element “Fang” helps you remember the word: in a sense, the question is meant to catch someone.
Bei dieser Fangfrage musste ich an eine Falle denken und antwortete vorsichtig.
This trap question made me think of a snare, so I answered carefully.
The typical expression for asking such a question is “eine Fangfrage stellen” (to ask a trap question). “Jemandem eine Fangfrage stellen” (to ask someone a trap question) also names the person being addressed; that person is in the dative case.
Die Journalistin stellte dem Minister eine Fangfrage.
The journalist asked the minister a trap question.
If the question actually deceives someone, the expression “auf eine Fangfrage hereinfallen” (to fall for a trap question) is appropriate. After “auf” (onto) in this expression, the accusative case is used.
Trotz seiner Vorsicht fiel er auf die Fangfrage herein.
Despite his caution, he fell for the trap question.
