Forespørge

Forespørge is a Danish verb meaning to seek information or to inquire, typically in a formal or official context. It denotes asking for information in advance or seeking clarification before a decision is made.

Etymology: The word is formed from for- (a prefix implying forward) and spørge (to ask). The related noun forespørgsel means an inquiry or information request. Forespørge is widely used in administrative, governmental, and business communications.

Usage: Forespørge is common in formal writing and professional speech. It is usually followed by om or vedrørende to specify the subject: "forespørge om åbningstider" (to inquire about opening hours), "forespørge om status" (to inquire about status). The term carries a sense of formality and pre-emptive information gathering, as opposed to the more casual "spørge." In procurement and public administration, "forespørgsel" is the standard noun for requests for information or bids from suppliers.

See also: forespørgsel (an inquiry); anmodning (a request).