In 15 Seconds
- Used for inquiring about dimensions or clothing sizes while shopping.
- Combines the verb 'fragen' with the preposition 'nach' plus dative.
- Essential for retail interactions and ensuring items fit correctly.
Meaning
This phrase is exactly what you say when you're at a store and need to find out if those jeans come in your size. It's the act of inquiring about dimensions, whether for a t-shirt, a pair of shoes, or even a new sofa.
Key Examples
3 of 6At a clothing store
Ich muss die Verkäuferin nach der Größe fragen.
I have to ask the saleswoman for the size.
Buying shoes for a friend
Kannst du bitte nach der Größe fragen?
Can you please ask for the size?
In a high-end boutique
Darf ich höflich nach der Größe fragen?
May I politely ask for the size?
Cultural Background
Germans rely heavily on DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung) standards. Sizing is expected to be consistent, and if it isn't, customers will likely 'nach der Größe fragen' to express confusion. In the US, sizes are in inches, whereas in Germany, they are in centimeters. This leads to many expats having to 'nach der Größe fragen' frequently to convert measurements. Italian sizes are often smaller than German sizes. A German 'Größe 38' might be an Italian 'Größe 42'. This makes 'nach der Größe fragen' essential when traveling between these countries. In Japan, sizing is often 'One Size Fits All' or much smaller than European standards. A German traveler would definitely need to 'nach der Größe fragen' to find 'Western' sizes.
Use 'Nummer' for shoes
While 'Größe' works for shoes, Germans often say 'Welche Nummer haben Sie?' when referring to shoe sizes.
Dative Case
Always remember that 'nach' forces 'die Größe' to become 'der Größe'. This is a common test question!
In 15 Seconds
- Used for inquiring about dimensions or clothing sizes while shopping.
- Combines the verb 'fragen' with the preposition 'nach' plus dative.
- Essential for retail interactions and ensuring items fit correctly.
What It Means
nach der Größe fragen is your bread and butter for shopping. It literally means to inquire about the size of something. In German, you don't just 'ask the size'; you 'ask after' it. It’s a standard way to express that you need more information about measurements before you buy.
How To Use It
You use the verb fragen combined with the preposition nach. Because nach always takes the dative case, die Größe becomes der Größe. It’s a fixed package deal. You can use it as a full sentence or part of a longer thought. Just remember to keep nach and Größe together like best friends.
When To Use It
Use this anytime you are in a retail environment. It works perfectly at a clothing boutique, a shoe store, or a furniture warehouse. You might also use it when talking to a friend about a gift. If you're unsure if a rug will fit your living room, you'll need to nach der Größe fragen at the hardware store. It’s practical, direct, and very common.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this phrase when asking about a person’s height. If you want to know how tall someone is, ask Wie groß bist du?. Using nach der Größe fragen for a person makes them sound like an object or a piece of luggage. Also, avoid it if you are asking for the price; that’s a different conversation entirely. Don't be that person who gets measurements and costs mixed up!
Cultural Background
Germans value precision and efficiency. When you nach der Größe fragen, expect a specific number. While 'S, M, L' are common, many German stores still use European numeric sizes (like 38 or 52). Being specific is seen as being prepared. It’s not just small talk; it’s a mission to find the perfect fit. Shopping is serious business here!
Common Variations
You might hear nach der Schuhgröße fragen specifically for shoes. Another common one is die Größe wissen wollen (to want to know the size). If you are feeling extra polite, you might say darf ich nach der Größe fragen?. It adds a nice layer of German 'Höflichkeit' (politeness) to your shopping trip.
Usage Notes
This phrase is incredibly versatile and works in almost any retail or practical context. Just keep an eye on your dative endings!
Use 'Nummer' for shoes
While 'Größe' works for shoes, Germans often say 'Welche Nummer haben Sie?' when referring to shoe sizes.
Dative Case
Always remember that 'nach' forces 'die Größe' to become 'der Größe'. This is a common test question!
Examples
6Ich muss die Verkäuferin nach der Größe fragen.
I have to ask the saleswoman for the size.
A standard everyday use of the phrase in a retail setting.
Kannst du bitte nach der Größe fragen?
Can you please ask for the size?
Asking a companion to help out with a simple request.
Darf ich höflich nach der Größe fragen?
May I politely ask for the size?
Using 'darf ich' makes the inquiry more formal and respectful.
Frag mal nach der Größe, wenn du da bist!
Ask for the size when you're there!
Short, imperative form used in casual messaging.
Soll ich nach der Größe der Pizza fragen oder uns überraschen lassen?
Should I ask about the size of the pizza or should we be surprised?
A lighthearted way to use the phrase outside of clothing.
Ich habe vergessen, nach der Größe zu fragen.
I forgot to ask for the size.
Expressing regret over a small shopping mistake.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct preposition and article.
Ich frage ______ ______ Größe.
The verb 'fragen' requires 'nach', and 'nach' requires the dative case. 'Die Größe' becomes 'der Größe'.
Which sentence is correct for asking about shoe size?
Which one would you say in a shop?
Compound nouns like 'Schuhgröße' follow the same rules as 'Größe'.
Complete the dialogue.
Kunde: Entschuldigung, ich ______ ______ ______ ______ fragen.
This is the most polite and grammatically correct way to start the inquiry.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesIch frage ______ ______ Größe.
The verb 'fragen' requires 'nach', and 'nach' requires the dative case. 'Die Größe' becomes 'der Größe'.
Which one would you say in a shop?
Compound nouns like 'Schuhgröße' follow the same rules as 'Größe'.
Kunde: Entschuldigung, ich ______ ______ ______ ______ fragen.
This is the most polite and grammatically correct way to start the inquiry.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, 'um etwas bitten' is for requesting an object, but 'nach etwas fragen' is for requesting information. Since size is information, use 'nach'.
No, it can be used for anything with dimensions: tables, rooms, even the 'size' of a company.
You can say 'Ich frage nach der Größe 40' or 'Haben Sie das in Größe M?'.
'Größe' is the general size (S, M, L), while 'Maß' refers to specific measurements in cm.
Yes, it is a standard part of the shopping process in Germany.
Yes, 'nach der Dateigröße fragen' is correct, though 'Wie groß ist die Datei?' is more common.
You can say: 'Ich kenne meine deutsche Größe nicht. Können Sie messen?'
Yes, 'nach' is a strictly dative preposition in German.
Only if you are discussing the size of a team or a project. 'Darf ich nach der Größe des Teams fragen?'
The opposite is 'klein'. You would still 'nach der Größe fragen' even if you want something small.
Related Phrases
etwas anprobieren
similarto try something on
die Passform prüfen
specialized formto check the fit
eine Nummer größer
builds onone size larger
