❓🗣️

How to Say ‘To ask something’ in German

Etwas fragen

ET-vahs FRAH-gen

[ET-vahs FRAH-gen]

💬 Usage Tip: fragen takes the person directly, with no word for "to" in between: ich frage Sie "I ask you". English speakers often try to add one.

Phrase Breakdown

Etwas

[ET-vahs]

something

An unspecified thing.

Example

Wo ist etwas zu essen?

Where is something to eat?

fragen

[FRAH-gen]

ask

Infinitive verb meaning to ask a question; used after modal verbs like 'darf'.

Example

Ich möchte dich etwas fragen.

I'd like to ask you something.

Guides for German learners

Duolingo vs Pimsleur: Tapping on a Screen or Talking Out Loud?Duolingo vs Pimsleur: five minutes of tapping versus thirty minutes of speaking. What each is good at, what each costs, and which to pick for your goal.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Berlin bureaucracy requires real German. This app got me from zero to handling my Anmeldung appointment in three weeks. My coworkers couldn’t believe it.”

Emma L., 27, UX Researcher

“Relocated to Munich with my family. The everyday scenarios — grocery shopping, doctor visits, school meetings — are exactly what we needed to settle in.”

Marcus J., 40, Engineer

“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”

Alex M., 42, Software Engineer