01
fragen
to ask
To ask a question in order to get information or an answer.
example
Kann ich dich etwas Persönliches fragen?
Can I ask you something personal?
fragen
to ask
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Indirect questions
With 'fragen' (to ask), you can form indirect questions. These are introduced with 'ob' (whether/if, for yes/no questions) or a question word (wie, was, wo). The verb then comes at the end of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Er fragt, ob du heute Abend Zeit hast.
He asks whether you have time tonight.
Accusative object
The person you ask something is always in the accusative. You ask 'jemanden' (someone, accusative), not 'jemandem' (someone, dative).
EXAMPLE
Der Tourist fragt einen Polizisten nach dem Weg.
The tourist asks a police officer for directions.
Fixed preposition
When you inquire about information, you use the fixed combination 'fragen nach' (to ask about) followed by the dative.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat am Telefon nach dir gefragt.
She asked about you on the phone.
Reflexive use
The reflexive verb 'sich fragen' means 'to think about' or 'to want to know'. It is often used to express inner doubts or curiosity.
EXAMPLE
Ich frage mich, warum er nicht geantwortet hat.
I wonder why he didn't answer.
Compare with
fragen vs stellen
to put / to set
'fragen' and 'eine Frage stellen' mean almost the same thing in many situations: you want to get information or an answer. 'fragen' is the normal everyday verb and fits in many different sentences. 'eine Frage stellen' sounds a bit more precise and emphasizes the individual question itself, for example in class, in a meeting, or in a conversation. Learners may confuse the words because in German you do not simply say 'eine Frage fragen'. The natural phrases are: 'jemanden fragen' (to ask someone) or 'eine Frage stellen' (to ask a question).
fragen
Die Familie fragt im Reisebüro nach einem günstigen Zugticket.
The family asks at the travel agency about a cheap train ticket.
stellen
Nach dem Vortrag hat du dem Arzt eine wichtige Frage gestellt.
After the lecture, you asked the doctor an important question.
In real life
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