Umfrage
/ˈʊmˌfʁaːɡə/feminine
The English word 'survey' is translated into German as Umfrage.
Umfrage is a feminine noun used for an examination of the opinions, information of a group. To say 'to conduct a survey', use the phrase eine Umfrage durchführen. Related verbs include befragen and erfragen, which mean to investigate the opinions or experiences of people by asking questions and vermessen, which means to determine the form or borders of.
Meaning: an examination of the opinions, information of a group (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The prefix Um- in Umfrage suggests a sense of 'around' or 'about', implying a questioning around a topic.
Which one should you use?
Use Umfrage for surveys regarding opinions or social data, but use Vermessung for a survey involving land or physical measurements.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Umfrage is Umfragen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʊmˌfʁaːɡə/
Did you know?
- German has a specific term Stimmungsbarometer meaning 'mood barometer'. It is often used in business contexts as a more evocative way to describe a survey meant to gauge the current atmosphere or morale.
- The word befragen can also be used in a police context to mean 'interrogating' a suspect. This creates a sharp contrast between a friendly Umfrage and a formal police questioning.
- If you are conducting a 'market survey' in a business setting, you would likely use the term Marktforschung rather than Marktumfrage, as it implies a deeper scientific investigation.
Examples in context
- Wer hat die Umfrage durchgeführt?Who did the survey?This sentence is useful for asking who carried out the Umfrage.Tatoeba #8496167 by Luiaard, translation #4498031 by CK
- Die Ergebnisse der Umfrage werden zu gegebener Zeit bekannt gegeben.The results of the survey will be announced in due course.This sentence is useful for noting when the results of an Umfrage will be announced.Tatoeba #1906400 by Tamy, translation #44708 by CK
- Eine Umfrage hat ergeben, dass viele Geschäftsleute das Mittagessen auslassen.A survey shows that many businessmen skip lunch.This sentence is useful for showing what an Umfrage has revealed.Tatoeba #1898589 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1898447 by CK
- Die Umfrage hat ergeben, dass 80% der Befragten mit dem neuen Produkt zufrieden sind.The survey revealed that 80% of respondents are satisfied with the new product.
- In dieser Untersuchung wurden die Auswirkungen des Klimawandels auf die örtliche Flora analysiert.This survey analyzed the impacts of climate change on the local flora.
- Die Befragung der Kunden ergab wichtige Erkenntnisse über ihre Kaufgewohnheiten.The survey of customers yielded important insights into their buying habits.
- Ich möchte gerne eine kleine Umfrage unter unseren Freunden machen.I'd like to do a small survey among our friends.
- Hast du schon einmal an einer Befragung zum Thema Reisen teilgenommen?Have you ever participated in a survey about travel?
- Die Erhebung hat gezeigt, dass die Mehrheit der Bürger mit der aktuellen Politik unzufrieden ist.The survey showed that the majority of citizens are dissatisfied with current politics.
- 1 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Laura are discussing a project at work.
- MaximilianHast du die neue Umfrage gelesen, Laura?Have you read the new survey, Laura?
- LauraJa, ich habe die Umfrage gestern ausgefüllt.Yes, I filled out the survey yesterday.
- MaximilianGlaubst du, die Umfrage ist hilfreich?Do you think the survey is helpful?
- LauraJa, ich finde die Umfrage sehr wichtig.Yes, I find the survey very important.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “survey” translations and entries Umfrage, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
