die  Anfrage

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʔanfʁaːɡə/

🔍 What does 'die Anfrage' mean?

Die Anfrage (feminine noun) means an inquiry, request, or query, especially one that is formal or official, asking for information, an offer, or clarification. It's commonly used in business, administrative, or formal contexts.

Unlike a simple Frage (question), an Anfrage often implies a more specific purpose and expects a more detailed or binding response.

• Example 1: Eine Anfrage nach einem freien Hotelzimmer. (An inquiry about a free hotel room.)
• Example 2: Eine Anfrage bei einer Behörde bezüglich eines Antrags. (An inquiry to an authority regarding an application.)
• Example 3: Eine Anfrage an einen Lieferanten für ein Preisangebot. (A request to a supplier for a price quote.)

⚠️ Don't confuse it with a simple Frage (e.g., „Wie spät ist es?“ - “What time is it?”). An Anfrage is more structured and targeted.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📐 Grammar Deep Dive: Declining 'die Anfrage'

The word "Anfrage" is a feminine noun. Therefore, the article is always "die". Here are the declension tables:

📝 Example Sentences

• Wir haben Ihre Anfrage erhalten und werden sie schnellstmöglich bearbeiten. (We have received your inquiry and will process it as soon as possible. - Accusative Singular)
• Aufgrund zahlreicher Anfragen sind die Tickets leider ausverkauft. (Due to numerous inquiries, the tickets are unfortunately sold out. - Genitive Plural, often paraphrased with 'von' + Dative)
• Bitte senden Sie Ihre Anfrage schriftlich an die zuständige Abteilung. (Please send your inquiry in writing to the responsible department. - Accusative Singular)
• Mit freundlichen Grüßen bezüglich Ihrer Anfrage vom 10. Mai. (Sincerely regarding your inquiry of May 10th. - Genitive Singular, formal)

💡 When to use 'Anfrage'?

Die Anfrage is typically used in the following situations:

• Business communication: When seeking information about products, services, prices, or availability (e.g., Preisanfrage - price inquiry, Buchungsanfrage - booking inquiry).
• Official/Administrative context: For official requests to government offices or institutions (e.g., Antragsanfrage - application inquiry, Akteneinsichtsanfrage - request to inspect files).
• Formal requests: When a simple question would be too informal, and you need to formulate a structured request for information.
• Journalism/Research: Presseanfragen (press inquiries) or academic inquiries for data or statements.

Difference from "Frage":

A Frage (question) is more general and can be informal ("Hast du kurz Zeit?" - “Do you have a moment?”). An Anfrage is more specific, often written, more formal, and aims for concrete information or action ("Hiermit stellen wir eine Anfrage bezüglich der Lieferzeiten." - “We hereby submit an inquiry regarding delivery times.”).

Typical Collocations:

• eine Anfrage stellen / einreichen / senden (to make / submit / send an inquiry)
• eine Anfrage beantworten / bearbeiten (to answer / process an inquiry)
• eine schriftliche / mündliche / formelle / unverbindliche Anfrage (a written / oral / formal / non-binding inquiry)

🧠 Mnemonics for 'die Anfrage'

For the article 'die': Remember that an Anfrage is often a kind of Bitte (request) or seeks Auskunft (information) – both are also feminine words starting with 'die'. Think of an inquiry as knocking 'an' (on) a door to ask a 'Frage' (question). A door is 'die Tür' in German, helping you remember 'die Anfrage'.

For the meaning: Imagine you need specific information and must formally 'anklopfen' (knock on) and ask a Frage (question). This action forms an An-frage (inquiry/request).

↔️ Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Similar sounding words:

• Abfrage (die): Often refers to querying data from a system (e.g., database query - Datenbankabfrage).

😂 A little joke about 'Anfrage'

German: Fragt der Chef den neuen Mitarbeiter: "Haben Sie schon die Lieferantenanfrage fertig gemacht?" Antwortet der Mitarbeiter: "Nein, Chef, aber ich habe schon mal höflich bei Google angefragt, wo ich die Lieferanten finde!"

English Translation: The boss asks the new employee: "Have you finished the supplier inquiry yet?" The employee replies: "No, boss, but I've already politely inquired on Google where to find the suppliers!"

📜 An inquiry in verse

German:
Ein Brieflein fein, mit Worten klar,
eine Anfrage ist nun da.
Man bittet höflich um Bericht,
erwartet Antwort, schnell und schlicht.
Ob Preis, ob Zeit, ob Ort, ob Sinn –
die Anfrage bringt's an den Beginn.

English Translation:
A little letter, fine and clear,
an inquiry is now here.
One politely asks for a report,
expecting an answer, quick and short.
Be it price, or time, or place, or sense –
the inquiry makes it all commence.

❓ Riddle Time: What am I?

German:
Ich bin kein Befehl, doch ich will was wissen.
Ich klopfe oft an, ganz offiziell und beflissen.
Im Geschäft und im Amt bin ich oft zu Haus,
und warte geduldig auf Antwort und Schmaus (an Information).

Wer bin ich?

English Translation:
I am not a command, yet I want to know.
I often knock, quite official and eager, you know.
In business and office, I'm often found,
waiting patiently for an answer profound (of information).

What am I?

Solution: die Anfrage (the inquiry/request)

🧩 Word Origins & Trivia

Word Composition:

The word "Anfrage" is composed of:

• Prefix "an-": Indicates direction towards or approaching someone/something.
• Root word "Frage": Meaning 'question'.

So, literally: A question that is brought 'to' or 'towards' someone.

Trivia:

In the German parliamentary system, there are specific types of inquiries like the "Große Anfrage" (major interpellation) or "Kleine Anfrage" (minor interpellation/written question), which members of parliament use to question the government. This highlights the formal nature often associated with the word.