B1 Formal Speech
„Er fragte von ungefähr."
He happened to ask.
What does „Er fragte von ungefähr." mean in German?
„Er fragte von ungefähr." means "He happened to ask.." Literally: "He asked from approximately.."
Literal Translation
"He asked from approximately."
Er He
fragte asked
von from
ungefähr approximately
English Equivalent
"He asked casually."
This English idiom conveys the same meaning as the German expression.
Grammar Notes
'von ungefähr' = by chance
When is this idiom used?
Formal
This expression is used in formal or literary German, often found in written texts and speeches.
Quick Quiz — Test Yourself
Test your knowledge of Er fragte von ungefähr.
Related Idioms
„Er brach kurz ab."
He stopped short.
„Unter anderem sagte er."
Among other things he said.
„Er drückt sich geläufig aus."
He has a ready flow of language.
„Was brummst du in den Bart?"
What are you muttering about?
„Er redet von der Leber weg."
He speaks bluntly.
„Er redet aus dem Stegreif."
He speaks off-hand.
