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wenn ich so fragen darf

if you don't mind my asking; if I may put it that way

adverb VEN ikh zo FRAH-gen DARF Rare
Communication Questions

Also means

if I may ask

Usage Note

Wenn ich so fragen darf is a deferential parenthetical that hedges a personal or sensitive question: Wie viel verdienen Sie, wenn ich so fragen darf? It acknowledges the potentially intrusive nature of the enquiry. More formal and more hedged than darf ich fragen; common in interviews and polite professional dialogue.

Examples

"Wie haben Sie das gemeint, wenn ich so fragen darf?"

Natural Translation

What did you mean by that, if you don't mind my asking?

Literal Translation

How have you that meant, if I so ask may?

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