fragen
/ˈfʁaːɡən/
To ask in German is to say fragen. Wiktionary also lists stellen.
Meaning: request an answer (verb)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| fragen | /ˈfʁaːɡən/ |
| stellen | /ˈʃtɛlən/ |
The verb fragen is used when you are requesting an answer from someone.
Which one should you use?
While fragen is used to ask a person, the verb stellen is used in the fixed expression eine Frage stellen to mean 'to pose a question'.
How does it change in a sentence?
In a sentence, fragen takes a direct accusative object to indicate the person being asked (jemanden fragen). The simple past form is fragte and the past participle is gefragt.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈfʁaːɡən/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use fragen when they mean 'to ask for something' (requesting an object). In those cases, you should use bitten instead.
Did you know?
- The German verb fragen shares an ancient ancestor with the Icelandic verb fregna, which means 'to hear of' or 'to learn about'.
- The word stellen comes from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to post' or 'to stand', making a question in German something that 'stands' before the listener.
- While fragen means 'to ask', it is often used in the phrase darf ich fragen, which is a polite way to signal that you are about to ask something potentially intrusive.
Examples in context
- Er wird Tom fragen.He will ask Tom.This sentence shows how to use fragen to indicate the person being asked.Tatoeba #10008127 by wolfgangth, translation #2859279 by Amastan
- Er wird sie fragen.He'll ask her.This sentence shows how to use fragen with an object.Tatoeba #13641441 by Naina, translation #8477221 by CH
- Lass uns sie fragen.Let's ask her.This sentence shows how to use fragen in a suggestion.Tatoeba #4560047 by hjoest, translation #4558669 by korobo4ka
- Darf ich Sie etwas fragen?May I ask you something?
- Könnten Sie sich bitte erkundigen?Could you please inquire?
- Kann ich dich etwas fragen?Can I ask you something?
- Würden Sie mir bitte behilflich sein?Could you please assist me?
- Können wir dich um Hilfe bitten?Can we ask you for help?
- Möchten Sie mich nach etwas fragen?Would you like to ask me something?
- 1235 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Lukas are at a cafe and want to know something about the menu.
- HannahIch möchte den Kellner fragen.I want to ask the waiter.
- LukasSoll ich ihn fragen?Should I ask him?
- HannahJa, bitte frag ihn nach dem Preis.Yes, please ask him about the price.
- LukasIch werde ihn gleich fragen.I will ask him in a moment.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ask” translations and entries fragen, stellen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fragen, stellen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
