to question
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to question
To not simply accept something as given, but to critically examine and question the background, motives, or legitimacy of it.
Ein guter Journalist muss die Aussagen von Politikern immer kritisch hinterfragen.
A good journalist must always critically question politicians’ statements.
'Hinterfragen' (to question) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'hinter-' remains firmly attached to the verb in all conjugated forms and sentence types. The past participle is formed without 'ge-': 'hinterfragt'.
Sie hat die Entscheidung ihres Chefs hinterfragt.
She questioned her boss’s decision.
The verb 'hinterfragen' (to question) is transitive and always requires a direct object in the accusative. You always question 'etwas' (something).
Wir sollten unsere eigenen Gewohnheiten öfter hinterfragen.
We should question our own habits more often.
'Hinterfragen' (to question) has a rather intellectual or analytical character. It means more than simply 'fragen' (to ask); it implies a deep, critical examination of reasons and motives.
In der Philosophie lernt man, alles zu hinterfragen.
In philosophy, you learn to question everything.
Abstract concepts are often questioned. Typical objects include, for example, 'eine Entscheidung' (a decision), 'eine Regel' (a rule), 'eine Norm' (a norm), 'ein System' (a system), or 'Motive' (motives).
Manchmal ist es notwendig, bestehende Regeln zu hinterfragen.
Sometimes it is necessary to question existing rules.
to check / test
Prüfen can be a neutral check in which the accuracy of a claim is investigated. Hinterfragen is more critical: it also questions the claim’s background or legitimacy. Prüfen is suitable for an objective check, while hinterfragen is more appropriate when there are fundamental doubts.
Die Redaktion hinterfragt die Behauptung, weil der Autor eigene Interessen verfolgt.
The editorial team questions the claim because the author has personal interests at stake.
Die Redaktion prüft, ob die Behauptung durch zuverlässige Quellen belegt ist.
The editorial team checks whether reliable sources support the claim.
