verb
to request, to urge
B1
auffordern: to request or to urge someone to do something. It is a separable verb (auffordern → du forderst auf). Auxiliary: haben; perfect: aufgefordert. Regular (weak) and non-reflexive. Commonly takes a direct object (jemanden auffordern) and can introduce clauses: jemanden auffordern, etwas zu tun.
Examples
Der Lehrer forderte die Schüler auf, leiser zu sprechen, weil der Prüfer schon anwesend war.
The teacher urged the students to speak more quietly because the examiner was already present.
Ich fordere dich auf, die Aufgabe zu lösen.
I urge you to solve the task.
Der Lehrer fordert die Schüler auf, ihre Hausaufgaben zu zeigen.
The teacher asks the students to show their homework.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture a person holding up a sign saying 'Please' and asking someone politely to act.
Think 'offer' + 'dern' — imagine someone offering a request.
Notes
A separable, regular (weak) verb. Used for formal requests or demands; in spoken language can be milder or stronger depending on context.