fraglich
questionable
Expresses that something is uncertain, doubtful, or not settled.
EXAMPLE
Es ist fraglich, ob er bei diesem Wetter pünktlich ankommen wird.
It is questionable whether he will arrive on time in this weather.
fraglich
questionable / in question
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Meanings
fraglich
in question
Refers to a specific thing or person that is currently being discussed; the thing concerned.
EXAMPLE
Der fragliche Mitarbeiter hat das Gebäude bereits vor einer Stunde verlassen.
The employee in question left the building an hour ago.
Usage tips
Word family
The word 'fraglich' (questionable/in question) is derived directly from the verb 'fragen' (to ask). It describes something that raises a question or can be called into question.
EXAMPLE
Sein plötzliches Verschwinden ist sehr fraglich.
His sudden disappearance is very questionable.
Context clue
The meaning of 'fraglich' (questionable/in question) depends on its position in the sentence. If it stands before a noun, it means 'betreffend' (concerning/in question), as in 'der fragliche Tag' (the day in question). If it stands with a verb like 'sein' (to be), it means 'unsicher' (uncertain), as in 'es ist fraglich' (it is questionable).
EXAMPLE
Der fragliche Brief wurde nie abgeschickt.
The letter in question was never sent.
Sentence structure with 'ob'
In the meaning 'unsicher' (uncertain), 'fraglich' (questionable) is very often used in the fixed structure 'Es ist fraglich, ob…' (It is questionable whether…) to express doubt.
EXAMPLE
Es ist fraglich, ob das neue Gesetz wirklich eine Verbesserung bringt.
It is questionable whether the new law will really bring an improvement.
Register
In the meaning 'betreffend' (concerning/in question), 'fraglich' (in question) is used mainly in formal contexts, such as administrative language, by the police, or in reports.
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei befragt Zeugen zum fraglichen Zeitpunkt des Unfalls.
The police are questioning witnesses about the time of the accident in question.
Compare with
fraglich vs unsicher
uncertain / insecure
“Unsicher” can mean that a person is not yet certain or does not know how to decide. “Fraglich,” by contrast, describes the matter or decision itself as doubtful or unsettled. Use “unsicher” for your own state and “fraglich” when making a statement about the matter itself.
fraglich
Ob die Reise stattfinden kann, ist wegen des Streiks fraglich.
Whether the trip can go ahead is questionable because of the strike.
unsicher
Ich bin unsicher, ob ich die Reise buchen soll, weil mir noch Informationen fehlen.
I’m uncertain whether I should book the trip because I’m still missing some information.
In real life
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