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befragen

to question, to survey, to consult

verb be-FRAH-gen Rare
Communication Speech

Usage Note

befragen is a neutral and common verb for asking questions in a structured way — polling, surveying, or interviewing. 'Die Bürger wurden befragt' (The citizens were surveyed). More formal and thorough than fragen (to ask) — it implies a process rather than a single question.

Examples

"Hundert Studierende wurden zu ihrem Medienkonsum befragt."

Natural Translation

A hundred students were surveyed about their media consumption.

Literal Translation

Hundred students were about their media-consumption questioned.

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