Dictionary
fordern
German → American English
American English
demand
etwas mit Nachdruck verlangen; eine Forderung stellen
Die Gewerkschaft fordert höhere Löhne.Use fordern when someone makes a strong demand or insists on something, often in formal, political, or public contexts. It is stronger than simple requests like bitten.
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Frequently asked questions
What does “fordern” mean in English?
“Fordern” means “to demand,” “to require,” or “to insist on,” depending on context.
How do you use “fordern” in a sentence?
A common pattern is: jemanden etwas fordern or etwas von jemandem fordern. For example: Er fordert bessere Arbeitsbedingungen.
Is “fordern” a polite word?
Not usually. It sounds firm or forceful, so it is often used in formal, public, or confrontational contexts.
What is the difference between “fordern” and “bitten”?
“Bitten” means to ask politely, while “fordern” means to demand something more strongly.