auffordern

The German verb "auffordern" means "to request," "to prompt," or "to invite (to do something)".

• It is made up of the words:
  • "Forder" (from fordern, meaning "to demand" or "to request")
  • Excluding the prefix "auf" (meaning "up" or indicating direction).

Similar words:

• bitten (to ask, to request politely)
• einladen (to invite)
• fordern (to demand)

Differences:

• auffordern implies a formal or direct request or prompt to take action, often stronger than bitten, which is more polite.
• Unlike einladen, which is specifically inviting someone for an event or occasion, auffordern is more about urging or calling someone to do something (e.g., "jemanden zum Rechtseinhalten auffordern" — to urge someone to obey the law).
• fordern is a stronger demand without the nuance of the urging or encouraging tone that auffordern often has.