to ask
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to ask
To ask an additional question in order to get more information, confirmation, or clarification about a topic.
Ich habe den letzten Punkt nicht ganz verstanden, darf ich da kurz nachfragen?
I didn't quite understand the last point; may I briefly ask about that?
to inquire / request
To inquire whether something (e.g., a product, a service) is present, available, or in demand.
Viele Kunden haben das neue Modell nachgefragt, aber es ist leider ausverkauft.
Many customers have requested the new model, but unfortunately it is sold out.
'Nachfragen' (to ask / inquire) is a separable verb. The prefix 'nach-' comes at the end in a main clause. The prefix reinforces the idea of 'following up' on information or 'adding' a question afterward.
Wenn etwas unklar ist, fragen Sie einfach nach.
If something is unclear, simply ask.
'Nachfragen' (to ask / inquire) is often combined with prepositions. With 'bei jemandem' (with someone; dative), you express where or whom you ask, and with 'nach etwas' (about/for something; dative), what the topic of the question is.
Ich werde morgen bei der Personalabteilung nach dem Stand meiner Bewerbung nachfragen.
I will ask the HR department tomorrow about the status of my application.
In conversations or presentations, 'nachfragen' (to ask) is often used to politely ask for clarification. It is frequently combined with adverbs such as 'kurz' (briefly), 'nochmal' (again), or 'direkt' (directly).
Entschuldigung, ich muss da nochmal kurz nachfragen, um sicherzugehen, dass ich es richtig verstanden habe.
Excuse me, I need to briefly ask about that again to make sure I understood it correctly.
to drill / probe
Nachfragen means asking an additional question for clarification or confirmation. In this context, bohren refers to asking repeatedly and persistently, often because the first answer was evasive or incomplete. Use nachfragen for a normal follow-up question and bohren for persistent questioning.
Weil ich die Adresse nicht verstanden hatte, musste ich noch einmal nachfragen.
Because I hadn't understood the address, I had to ask again.
Weil der Zeuge auswich, bohrte die Reporterin weiter nach dem Grund.
Because the witness was evasive, the reporter kept probing for the reason.
