Anfordern

Anfordern is a German verb meaning to request or to requisition something from another party, typically in formal or administrative contexts. It is a separable-prefix verb formed from the verb fordern with the prefix an-. In the present tense, the prefix is separated: Ich fordere die Unterlagen an. In other tenses, the construction follows the same rule (Wir fordern die Unterlagen an; Wir forderten die Unterlagen an). The past participle is angefordert and is used with the auxiliary haben: Wir haben die Unterlagen angefordert.

Usage and context:

Anfordern is commonly used with documents, information, or proof that one expects to be supplied or delivered by another entity. Typical objects include Unterlagen (documents), Informationen (information), Belege (receipts or evidence), or Stellungnahmen (statements).

Difference from related terms:

Anfordern conveys a formal or official act of requesting something to be provided. It is more formal than simply fordern (to demand or request in a general sense) and is common in administrative, legal, or procurement contexts.

Noun form:

The related noun is Anforderung (die Anforderung), meaning a demand or requirement. A common collocation is eine Anforderung stellen (to make a request or set a requirement).

Examples:

- Die Behörde fordert die Unterlagen angefordert? The correct form is: Die Behörde hat die Unterlagen angefordert.

- Wir fordern die Berichte an, damit die Prüfung beginnen kann.

- Die Anforderung nach Belegen wurde gestern gestellt.