an|fordern
Translation
to request, to demand, to ask for
Examples
Sie können Unterlagen per E-Mail anfordern.
You can request documents by email.
Die Polizei musste Verstärkung anfordern.
The police had to request backup.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) anfordern to request (sth.) You can request the information online.
((sth.)) ((from sb./sth.)) anfordern to request (sth.) from (sb./sth.) I requested the file from the authority.
Similar Words
verlangen (to demand), beantragen (to apply for), bitten um (to ask for)
Etymology
From 'an-' (prefix indicating direction towards) + 'fordern' (to demand, claim). So, to direct a demand at someone.
Memory Tips
It's a separable verb. Think of making a demand ('fordern') 'at' ('an') an institution. The 'an' goes to the end in simple tenses.