auf|fordern
Translation
to request, to urge, to ask, to challenge
Examples
Er fordert sie zum Tanzen auf.
He asks her to dance.
Die Polizei fordert die Bürger auf, zu Hause zu bleiben.
The police are urging citizens to stay at home.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) ((to sth.)) to ask/invite sb. to sth. Er fordert sie zum Tanzen auf.
((sb.)) ((to do sth.)) to urge/request sb. to do sth. Die Polizei fordert die Bürger auf, zu Hause zu bleiben.
Similar Words
Synonyms: bitten (to ask), verlangen (to demand); Antonyms: verbieten (to forbid), untersagen (to prohibit)
Etymology
From 'auf-' (up, on) and 'fordern' (to demand). It literally means 'to demand upon' someone, implying a formal request or urge.
Memory Tips
Imagine a referee standing 'auf' (on) the field and 'fordern' (demanding) a player to do something. This conveys the sense of a strong request.