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B1 adjective #7,000 most common 10 min read

fraglich

Top 7,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips fraglich in 30 Seconds

Explanation fraglich in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use 'fraglich' very often, but it is good to recognize it. Think of it as a fancy way of saying 'I don't know' or 'maybe.' At this stage, you mostly learn words like 'vielleicht' (maybe) or 'ich weiß nicht' (I don't know). 'Fraglich' is related to the word 'Frage' (question), which you definitely know! If someone says 'Es ist fraglich,' they are saying there is a big question mark over the situation. You might hear it in very simple news reports on the radio. Just remember: Fraglich = Question mark. It's about something that is not 100% sure yet. You won't be expected to use it in your own speaking yet, but if you see it, just think 'uncertain.' Focus on the root 'frag-' from 'fragen' (to ask). If something is 'fraglich,' it is 'ask-able' or 'to be asked about.' It's a useful word to start noticing because it appears in many formal signs or simple announcements. For example, 'Der Termin ist fraglich' (The appointment is uncertain).

At the A2 level, you are starting to build more complex sentences. You can use 'fraglich' to express that you are not sure about a plan. Instead of always saying 'Ich bin nicht sicher,' you can try 'Es ist fraglich.' This makes your German sound a bit more advanced. You will mostly use it with the word 'ob' (whether). For example: 'Es ist fraglich, ob das Wetter gut ist.' Remember that after 'ob,' the verb goes to the end! This is a great way to practice your word order. You might also see 'fraglich' in simple stories or news for learners. It often describes if a football match will happen or if a train will be on time. It's a step up from 'vielleicht' because it sounds more like an official doubt rather than just your personal opinion. You should also start to notice that it doesn't change its ending when you use it after 'ist.' 'Das ist fraglich' stays the same for a man, a woman, or a thing. This makes it an easy 'plug-and-play' word for your conversations.

At the B1 level, 'fraglich' becomes a very useful tool for your 'Diskussion' (discussion) and 'Argumentation' (argumentation) skills. You are now expected to express opinions and doubts more clearly. 'Fraglich' allows you to be skeptical in a polite way. In your B1 exam, if you are discussing a topic like 'Should mobile phones be banned in schools?', you could say: 'Es ist fraglich, ob ein Verbot wirklich hilft.' This sounds much more sophisticated than 'Ich denke nicht.' You should also learn the attributive use: 'die fragliche Person' or 'der fragliche Punkt.' This means 'the person/point we are talking about.' It helps you connect your sentences and refer back to things you already mentioned. You will encounter this word frequently in B1 reading texts, especially those about social issues or work. It’s also important to distinguish it from 'fragwürdig' (suspicious). At B1, you should be able to choose between 'fraglich' (uncertain) and 'unsicher' (unsure) depending on whether the doubt is formal or personal. It's a key word for moving from basic communication to professional German.

At the B2 level, you should use 'fraglich' with precision and combine it with intensifiers like 'äußerst,' 'höchst,' or 'stark.' You are expected to handle abstract topics, and 'fraglich' is perfect for this. For example, in a business presentation, you might say: 'Die langfristige Finanzierung dieses Vorhabens ist zum jetzigen Zeitpunkt noch äußerst fraglich.' This shows you can handle professional nuances. You should also be comfortable with the word in different cases, such as 'In der fraglichen Angelegenheit konnte noch keine Einigung erzielt werden.' At this level, you should also understand the difference between 'fraglich' and other synonyms like 'strittig' (in dispute) or 'umstritten' (controversial). 'Fraglich' is about the existence or truth of something, while 'umstritten' is about the public reaction to it. You will see 'fraglich' in complex newspaper editorials and specialized texts. Using it correctly helps you maintain a formal register, which is a key requirement for B2. It's no longer just a word for doubt; it's a word for analytical skepticism.

At the C1 level, 'fraglich' is a staple of your academic and professional vocabulary. You should use it to frame complex hypotheses or to critically evaluate sources. For instance: 'Die Validität der herangezogenen Daten ist insofern fraglich, als dass die Stichprobe zu klein war.' Here, 'fraglich' is used to initiate a detailed critique. You should also be aware of its use in legal and administrative language, where it serves as a precise reference tool ('das fragliche Objekt,' 'die fragliche Amtshandlung'). At C1, you can also use the noun form 'Fraglichkeit' in philosophical or high-level literary contexts to discuss the 'questionability' of existence or values. You should be able to recognize the subtle difference between 'fraglich' and 'problematisch'—where 'fraglich' is about doubt and 'problematisch' is about difficulty. Your usage should be effortless, integrated into complex sentence structures with multiple subordinate clauses. It’s a word that signals a high level of education and a capacity for nuanced, objective thought.

At the C2 level, 'fraglich' is used with absolute mastery, often in stylistic ways to create irony or extreme formal distance. You might use it in a sophisticated essay to deconstruct an argument: 'Dass diese Maßnahmen jemals gefruchtet hätten, darf als höchst fraglich gelten.' The use of 'darf als ... gelten' combined with 'fraglich' shows a command of high-level idiomatic structures. You understand the historical and etymological weight of the word, perhaps even its use in the works of German philosophers like Heidegger, where 'Fraglichkeit' is a central concept of human existence. In professional legal or diplomatic settings, you use 'fraglich' to navigate sensitive topics where direct denial would be too blunt. It becomes a tool for 'Diplomacy in Language.' You can switch between 'fraglich,' 'prekär,' 'dubios,' and 'anfechtbar' with perfect accuracy, knowing exactly how each word will affect the listener's perception. At this level, 'fraglich' is not just a vocabulary item; it is a brush with which you paint shades of meaning in complex linguistic landscapes.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

fraglich in 30 Seconds

Fraglich means 'questionable' or 'doubtful' and is used to express uncertainty about facts or future events.
It is also used to refer to a specific item previously mentioned, translated as 'in question' (e.g., the day in question).
Grammatically, it often introduces an 'ob' (whether) clause where the verb moves to the end of the sentence.
It is more formal and objective than 'zweifelhaft' and lacks the moral judgment of 'fragwürdig' (suspicious).

The German adjective fraglich is a versatile word that English speakers usually translate as 'questionable,' 'doubtful,' or 'uncertain.' At its core, it describes a situation, a fact, or a decision that is not yet settled or whose validity is being challenged. It is derived from the noun Frage (question) and the suffix -lich (similar to -ly or -able), literally meaning 'question-able.' However, its usage goes beyond just having questions; it often implies a degree of skepticism or a formal state of being under discussion. In everyday German, you will encounter it most frequently in the construction 'Es ist fraglich, ob...' (It is doubtful whether...). This is a polite yet firm way to express doubt about a future outcome or the truth of a statement.

Epistemic Doubt: When used to express uncertainty about the truth of a claim. For example, 'Seine Version der Geschichte ist fraglich' (His version of the story is questionable).

Legal and Formal Context: In legal or administrative German, 'fraglich' refers to something that is currently being discussed or is the subject of the current investigation. 'Die fragliche Person' means 'the person in question.'

Ob wir pünktlich ankommen, ist äußerst fraglich.

Beyond these uses, 'fraglich' appears in academic writing to denote topics that require further research. If a scientist says a result is 'fraglich,' they are suggesting that the data might not support the conclusion, or that the methodology was flawed. It is less about 'asking' and more about 'challenging.' In a social context, if someone asks if you are coming to a party and you say 'Das ist noch fraglich,' you are indicating that your attendance depends on factors not yet decided, such as your workload or health. It is a sophisticated way to remain non-committal.

Der Erfolg des Projekts bleibt weiterhin fraglich.

Attributive Usage: When placed before a noun, it often means 'the one we are talking about.' For example, 'am fraglichen Abend' means 'on the evening in question.'

Es ist fraglich, ob diese Methode wirklich funktioniert.

Die Polizei suchte nach dem fraglichen Fahrzeug.

To master this word, think of it as a bridge between a simple 'maybe' and a formal 'under review.' It allows you to express nuance in your skepticism without being overtly rude. It is a staple of news reporting and professional emails where precision and a certain level of detachment are required.

Using fraglich correctly requires understanding its two primary grammatical roles: as a predicative adjective following a verb like sein (to be) or bleiben (to remain), and as an attributive adjective preceding a noun. When used predicatively, it often introduces a subordinate clause starting with ob (whether). This is the most common pattern for expressing doubt. For example: 'Es ist fraglich, ob das Wetter halten wird' (It is doubtful whether the weather will hold). In this structure, 'fraglich' stays in its base form.

Predicative Pattern: [Subject] + [Verb] + fraglich. Example: 'Die Finanzierung ist noch fraglich.' (The funding is still questionable.)

Ob er die Prüfung besteht, ist fraglich.

When used attributively, 'fraglich' must decline to match the gender, case, and number of the noun it modifies. This usage is particularly common in police reports, legal documents, and formal storytelling to refer back to something previously mentioned. For instance, 'der fragliche Zeitpunkt' (the point in time in question) or 'die fragliche Summe' (the sum in question). Here, the word acts as a pointer, identifying the specific item under discussion.

Attributive Pattern: [Article] + [fraglich + ending] + [Noun]. Example: 'Ich habe die fragliche E-Mail nicht erhalten.' (I did not receive the email in question.)

Wir müssen die fraglichen Dokumente prüfen.

Another important nuance is the use of intensifiers. Since 'fraglich' represents a spectrum of doubt, you can use adverbs like höchst (highly), äußerst (extremely), or stark (strongly) to emphasize the uncertainty. 'Es ist höchst fraglich' suggests that the speaker is almost certain that the outcome will be negative or that the claim is false. Conversely, 'etwas fraglich' (somewhat questionable) indicates a milder skepticism.

Es ist äußerst fraglich, ob er die Wahrheit sagt.

Formal Correspondence: In business, you might write: 'Die Umsetzbarkeit des Plans ist fraglich.' (The feasibility of the plan is questionable.)

Die fragliche Entscheidung wurde gestern revidiert.

Ob das Gesetz verfassungskonform ist, bleibt fraglich.

Understanding these patterns allows you to navigate both formal reports and casual conversations where you need to express a 'wait and see' attitude. It is a key building block for B1 learners moving into more complex argumentative German.

You will encounter fraglich in a variety of real-world German contexts, ranging from the evening news to office meetings. Its most prominent home is in journalism and political discourse. News anchors often use it when reporting on unconfirmed reports or upcoming political decisions. For example, 'Es ist fraglich, ob die Koalition bestehen bleibt' (It is questionable whether the coalition will remain). This usage maintains journalistic neutrality while signaling that a situation is unstable.

In the News: Used to describe volatile markets, pending legislation, or the outcome of international summits.

Die Wirksamkeit der neuen Reform ist fraglich.

In the workplace, 'fraglich' is used during project planning or performance reviews. If a manager says, 'Ihre Pünktlichkeit war in der fraglichen Woche nicht optimal,' they are referring specifically to a week that was previously discussed, likely a week where there were issues. In meetings, it serves as a professional way to voice concerns: 'Die Rentabilität dieses Marktes ist für uns noch fraglich.' This sounds much more professional and less aggressive than saying 'I don't think we will make money there.'

Workplace Diplomacy: A tool for expressing professional skepticism without personal bias.

Es ist fraglich, ob wir das Budget einhalten können.

Legal procedurals and crime dramas (like the famous German series Tatort) are also rich with 'fraglich.' Detectives will often refer to 'das fragliche Messer' (the knife in question) or 'die fragliche Tatzeit' (the time of the crime in question). Here, the word acts as a precise linguistic anchor, ensuring everyone knows exactly which piece of evidence or time frame is being analyzed. In academic settings, professors use it to encourage critical thinking. A lecturer might say, 'Ob diese Theorie auf moderne Gesellschaften anwendbar ist, ist fraglich.' This invites students to debate the topic. It signals that there is no consensus, which is a hallmark of higher-level intellectual discussion in Germany.

In der fraglichen Studie wurden nur zehn Probanden getestet.

Daily Life: You might hear it in a shop if a clerk is unsure if an item is in stock: 'Es ist fraglich, ob wir diese Größe noch haben.'

Die Qualität der Ware ist fraglich.

Es bleibt fraglich, wer die Kosten trägt.

By paying attention to these contexts, you'll see that 'fraglich' is a word of precision and professional doubt, essential for anyone living or working in a German-speaking environment.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make with fraglich is confusing it with fragwürdig. While both can be translated as 'questionable,' they carry very different connotations. Fraglich is neutral and relates to uncertainty or being under discussion. Fragwürdig, on the other hand, almost always implies moral dubiousness, shadiness, or something being 'fishy.' If you say a person is 'fraglich,' you mean their presence or role is being discussed. If you say they are 'fragwürdig,' you are suggesting they are untrustworthy or suspicious.

Fraglich vs. Fragwürdig: 'Fraglich' = Uncertain/Subject of talk. 'Fragwürdig' = Suspicious/Morally wrong.

Sein Verhalten war fragwürdig (suspicious), aber seine Anwesenheit war fraglich (uncertain).

Another mistake involves word order and the use of the word ob. Learners often forget that 'fraglich' usually triggers a subordinate clause, which means the verb must go to the very end of that clause. For example, 'Es ist fraglich, ob er kommt' is correct, whereas 'Es ist fraglich, ob er ist kommen' is a common structural error.

Subordinate Clause Error: Remember: 'ob' + subject + [other stuff] + VERB at the end.

Es ist fraglich, ob wir das Ziel erreichen.

Learners also struggle with the attributive endings. Because 'fraglich' often appears in complex legal or formal sentences, the case might be Dative or Genitive, which requires careful attention to the ending. For example, 'In der fraglichen Angelegenheit' (In the matter in question) uses the feminine Dative ending '-en' after the preposition 'in' and the definite article 'der.'

Wegen der fraglichen Summe gab es Streit.

The 'Zweifel' Trap: English speakers often use 'zweifelhaft' for everything. While similar, 'fraglich' is often better for 'yet to be decided' situations, whereas 'zweifelhaft' is purely about doubt.

Es ist fraglich, ob das Sinn ergibt.

Die fragliche Person hat kein Alibi.

Finally, avoid overusing 'fraglich' in very informal settings. In a casual chat with friends, saying 'Es ist fraglich, ob ich Pizza möchte' sounds overly stiff and robotic. It's better to use 'Ich weiß noch nicht' or 'Mal sehen.' Reserve 'fraglich' for when you want to sound precise, professional, or intellectually skeptical.

To expand your vocabulary beyond fraglich, you should consider several synonyms that vary in intensity and context. The most direct synonym is zweifelhaft. While 'fraglich' often implies that something is 'open' or 'under discussion,' 'zweifelhaft' leans more towards 'dubious' or 'unlikely.'

Zweifelhaft: More focus on the feeling of doubt. 'Ein zweifelhafter Ruf' (A dubious reputation).

Sein Erfolg ist zweifelhaft.

Unsicher is another common alternative, meaning 'unsure' or 'uncertain.' It is more general and can be used for feelings, weather, or physical stability. 'Fraglich' is more formal and intellectual than 'unsicher.'

Unsicher: General uncertainty. 'Ich bin mir unsicher.' (I am unsure.)

Die Zukunft der Firma ist unsicher.

For legal or academic contexts, umstritten (controversial/disputed) or strittig (in dispute) are excellent choices. They imply that multiple parties are arguing over the point. 'Eine umstrittene Entscheidung' suggests that many people disagree with it, whereas 'eine fragliche Entscheidung' simply means its validity is being questioned.

Umstritten: Active disagreement. 'Ein umstrittenes Thema' (A controversial topic).

Das ist ein umstrittenes Gesetz.

If you want to say something is 'open' or 'not yet settled,' you can use offen. 'Es ist noch offen, ob...' is very common in project management. Finally, unbeantwortet (unanswered) is used specifically for questions or letters.

Diese Frage bleibt vorerst offen.

Es ist strittig, wer den Schaden bezahlen muss.

Understanding these distinctions helps you sound more like a native speaker who can choose the exact tool for the linguistic job. While 'fraglich' is a great all-rounder, knowing when to switch to 'umstritten' or 'unsicher' shows true B2/C1 mastery.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Die Validität der Ergebnisse ist höchst fraglich."

Neutral

"Es ist fraglich, ob er morgen kommt."

Informal

"Ob das klappt, ist fraglich."

Child friendly

"Es ist fraglich, ob wir heute Eis essen."

Slang

"Echt fraglich, was der da macht."

Fun Fact

While 'fraglich' means doubtful, the related word 'fraglos' means the exact opposite: 'without question' or 'certainly.'

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈfʁaːklɪç/

US /ˈfʁɑːklɪç/

Stress is on the first syllable: FRAG-lich.

Rhymes With

behaglich unsäglich täglich verträglich nachträglich unsaglich beklaglich zusätzlich (near rhyme)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ch' as 'k' (frag-lik).
Pronouncing 'ch' as 'sh' (frag-lish).
Making the 'a' too short.
Confusing the ending with '-ig' (frag-lig).
Stress on the second syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in news and formal texts, easy to recognize from 'Frage'.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct 'ob' clause structure and adjective endings.

Speaking 3/5

Useful for sounding more professional and nuanced.

Listening 3/5

Distinguishing from 'fragwürdig' is key.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Frage fragen ob vielleicht sicher

Learn Next

fragwürdig umstritten zweifelhaft hinterfragen strittig

Advanced

Eruierung Validität Stichhaltigkeit Prekarität Dubios

Grammar to Know

Verb-Final Position in 'ob' Clauses

Es ist fraglich, ob er heute **kommt**.

Adjective Declension (Weak/Strong/Mixed)

Die fraglich**e** Person (Weak after 'die').

Dative Case after 'an'

Am (an dem) fraglich**en** Tag.

Predicative Adjectives don't decline

Das Haus ist fraglich. (Not fragliches).

Genitive Case for Possession

Die Gültigkeit des fraglich**en** Dokuments.

Examples by Level

Das ist fraglich.

That is questionable.

Simple predicative use.

Ob er kommt, ist fraglich.

Whether he is coming is doubtful.

Introductory 'ob' clause.

Ist das fraglich?

Is that questionable?

Question form.

Es bleibt fraglich.

It remains doubtful.

Verb 'bleiben' with adjective.

Der Termin ist fraglich.

The appointment is uncertain.

Noun + sein + fraglich.

Das Wetter ist fraglich.

The weather is questionable.

Subject 'Das Wetter'.

Sein Erfolg ist fraglich.

His success is doubtful.

Possessive pronoun usage.

Es ist alles fraglich.

Everything is questionable.

Use of 'alles'.

Es ist fraglich, ob wir gewinnen.

It is doubtful whether we will win.

Subordinate clause with 'ob'.

Die Antwort ist noch fraglich.

The answer is still questionable.

Use of 'noch' for emphasis.

Ob sie Zeit hat, ist fraglich.

Whether she has time is doubtful.

Clause as subject.

Das ist eine fragliche Sache.

That is a questionable matter.

Attributive use, feminine.

Es ist fraglich, ob der Bus kommt.

It is doubtful whether the bus is coming.

Common daily situation.

Sein Plan ist sehr fraglich.

His plan is very questionable.

Adverb 'sehr' modifying the adjective.

Ob das schmeckt, ist fraglich.

Whether that tastes good is doubtful.

Simple B1-style doubt.

Das Ergebnis bleibt fraglich.

The result remains questionable.

Focus on the state of remaining.

Es ist fraglich, ob diese Methode funktioniert.

It is questionable whether this method works.

Professional doubt.

Die Polizei sucht das fragliche Auto.

The police are looking for the car in question.

Attributive use in a formal context.

Am fraglichen Abend war er zu Hause.

On the evening in question, he was at home.

Dative case after 'am' (an dem).

Es ist höchst fraglich, ob er die Wahrheit sagt.

It is highly doubtful whether he is telling the truth.

Intensifier 'höchst'.

Die Qualität der Produkte ist fraglich.

The quality of the products is questionable.

Genitive plural 'der Produkte'.

In der fraglichen Woche hatte ich Urlaub.

In the week in question, I was on vacation.

Dative feminine ending -en.

Ob das Gesetz hilft, ist fraglich.

Whether the law helps is doubtful.

Abstract topic.

Es bleibt fraglich, wer die Kosten trägt.

It remains questionable who will bear the costs.

Indirect question with 'wer'.

Die Umsetzbarkeit des Projekts ist fraglich.

The feasibility of the project is questionable.

Compound noun 'Umsetzbarkeit'.

Es ist fraglich, inwieweit die Studie repräsentativ ist.

It is questionable to what extent the study is representative.

Use of 'inwieweit' (to what extent).

Die fraglichen Dokumente wurden bereits vernichtet.

The documents in question have already been destroyed.

Passive voice + attributive adjective.

Es ist äußerst fraglich, ob diese Maßnahmen ausreichen.

It is extremely doubtful whether these measures are sufficient.

Intensifier 'äußerst'.

Der Nutzen dieser Reform bleibt fraglich.

The benefit of this reform remains questionable.

Formal vocabulary 'Nutzen', 'Reform'.

Trotz der Beweise ist seine Schuld fraglich.

Despite the evidence, his guilt is questionable.

Preposition 'trotz' with Genitive.

Die fragliche Summe wurde nie überwiesen.

The sum in question was never transferred.

Attributive feminine nominative.

Es ist fraglich, ob der Markt dafür bereit ist.

It is questionable whether the market is ready for it.

Business context.

Die Stichhaltigkeit seiner Argumentation ist fraglich.

The validity/cogency of his argumentation is questionable.

Advanced noun 'Stichhaltigkeit'.

Ob dieser Ansatz universell anwendbar ist, bleibt fraglich.

Whether this approach is universally applicable remains doubtful.

Academic 'universell anwendbar'.

Die fragliche Passage im Vertrag muss überarbeitet werden.

The passage in question in the contract must be revised.

Legal context.

Es ist stark fraglich, ob die Daten korrekt erhoben wurden.

It is strongly questionable whether the data were correctly collected.

Passive subordinate clause.

Die moralische Integrität der fraglichen Person steht zur Debatte.

The moral integrity of the person in question is up for debate.

Idiom 'zur Debatte stehen'.

Es ist fraglich, inwiefern diese Theorie noch haltbar ist.

It is questionable to what extent this theory is still tenable.

Scientific skepticism.

Der Zeitpunkt der Veröffentlichung war strategisch fraglich.

The timing of the publication was strategically questionable.

Adverbial use of 'strategisch'.

Die fragliche Bestimmung wurde vom Gericht aufgehoben.

The provision in question was overturned by the court.

Legal terminology 'Bestimmung', 'aufgehoben'.

Die ontologische Fraglichkeit des Seins ist ein zentrales Thema.

The ontological questionability of being is a central theme.

Philosophical noun form 'Fraglichkeit'.

Dass diese Hypothese einer empirischen Überprüfung standhält, ist fraglich.

That this hypothesis withstands empirical verification is doubtful.

Subject clause starting with 'Dass'.

Die fragliche Kausalität konnte nicht zweifelsfrei nachgewiesen werden.

The causality in question could not be proven beyond doubt.

Scientific/Legal precision.

Es darf als fraglich gelten, ob die Intentionen rein altruistisch waren.

It may be considered doubtful whether the intentions were purely altruistic.

Sophisticated 'darf als ... gelten' structure.

In der fraglichen Epoche wandelten sich die gesellschaftlichen Normen radikal.

In the epoch in question, social norms changed radically.

Historical context.

Die ästhetische Relevanz des fraglichen Werkes ist umstritten.

The aesthetic relevance of the work in question is disputed.

Art criticism context.

Es ist fraglich, ob die semantische Nuancierung hier angemessen ist.

It is questionable whether the semantic nuance is appropriate here.

Linguistic self-reference.

Die fragliche Transaktion wurde von der Aufsichtsbehörde gestoppt.

The transaction in question was stopped by the regulatory authority.

High-level financial German.

Common Collocations

äußerst fraglich

höchst fraglich

der fragliche Zeitpunkt

die fragliche Person

fraglich bleiben

stark fraglich

die fragliche Summe

am fraglichen Tag

in der fraglichen Sache

ethisch fraglich

Common Phrases

Es ist fraglich, ob...

— The standard way to say 'It is doubtful whether...'. Used in almost all contexts.

Es ist fraglich, ob wir pünktlich sind.

Das steht außer Frage.

— The opposite: 'That is out of the question' (meaning it is certain).

Dass er kompetent ist, steht außer Frage.

In fraglicher Weise

— In a questionable manner (less common, usually formal).

Er handelte in fraglicher Weise.

Die fraglichen Umstände

— The circumstances in question.

Wir müssen die fraglichen Umstände prüfen.

Noch fraglich sein

— To be still undecided or uncertain.

Der Termin ist noch fraglich.

Fraglich erscheinen

— To seem questionable.

Sein Alibi erscheint fraglich.

Ein fragliches Vergnügen

— An ironic way to say something wasn't really fun.

Das war ein fragliches Vergnügen.

Die fragliche Stelle

— The passage or position in question.

Lesen Sie die fragliche Stelle laut vor.

Etwas als fraglich bezeichnen

— To label something as questionable.

Der Experte bezeichnete die Daten als fraglich.

Es bleibt abzuwarten, ob...

— Often used alongside fraglich: 'It remains to be seen whether...'.

Es bleibt abzuwarten, ob die Theorie stimmt.

Often Confused With

fraglich vs fragwürdig

Fraglich means uncertain; fragwürdig means suspicious or morally wrong.

fraglich vs gefragt

Fraglich is doubtful; gefragt means popular or in high demand.

fraglich vs fraglos

Fraglich is doubtful; fraglos means 'without question' or 'certainly'.

Idioms & Expressions

"In Frage stellen"

— To call something into question or to challenge it.

Ich möchte deine Autorität nicht in Frage stellen.

Neutral

"Außer Frage stehen"

— To be beyond doubt or indisputable.

Seine Ehrlichkeit steht außer Frage.

Formal

"In Frage kommen"

— To be a possibility or to be considered.

Das kommt für mich nicht in Frage!

Neutral

"Eine Frage des Geschmacks"

— A matter of taste.

Das ist eine Frage des Geschmacks.

Informal

"Keine Frage!"

— Definitely! / No doubt!

Kommst du mit? - Keine Frage!

Informal

"Die Frage aller Fragen"

— The ultimate question.

Das ist die Frage aller Fragen.

Journalistic

"Eine offene Frage"

— An unresolved issue.

Das ist noch eine offene Frage.

Neutral

"Fragen über Fragen"

— So many questions (often expressing overwhelm).

Nach dem Meeting gab es Fragen über Fragen.

Neutral

"Wer nicht fragt, bleibt dumm"

— If you don't ask, you stay stupid (from Sesame Street).

Frag ruhig nach, denn wer nicht fragt, bleibt dumm.

Child-friendly

"Eine Fangfrage stellen"

— To ask a trick question.

Das war eine Fangfrage!

Neutral

Easily Confused

fraglich vs fragwürdig

Both translate as 'questionable'.

Fraglich is about doubt/uncertainty. Fragwürdig is about suspicion/morality. If a plan is 'fraglich,' it might not work. If a plan is 'fragwürdig,' it might be illegal or unethical.

Seine Methoden sind fragwürdig, aber sein Erfolg ist fraglich.

fraglich vs zweifelhaft

Both mean 'doubtful'.

Fraglich often means 'open for discussion' or 'unsettled.' Zweifelhaft often has a negative tone, suggesting you don't believe it at all.

Es ist fraglich, ob er kommt (Maybe he will). Es ist zweifelhaft, ob er kommt (I don't think so).

fraglich vs unsicher

Both mean 'uncertain'.

Unsicher is more personal and general. Fraglich is more formal and specific to a topic or point.

Ich bin unsicher (I feel unsure). Die Lage ist fraglich (The situation is objectively doubtful).

fraglich vs strittig

Both involve doubt.

Strittig means people are actively fighting or arguing about it. Fraglich just means the answer isn't known yet.

Die Schuldfrage ist noch strittig (Lawyers are arguing about it).

fraglich vs offen

Both mean 'not settled'.

Offen is very neutral and often positive (possibilities). Fraglich implies a higher degree of skepticism.

Das Rennen ist noch offen (Anyone can win). Der Sieg ist fraglich (I doubt he will win).

Sentence Patterns

Es ist fraglich, ob [Subjekt] [Verb].

Es ist fraglich, ob es regnet.

[Nomen] ist fraglich.

Der Erfolg ist fraglich.

Am fraglichen [Zeitpunkt]...

Am fraglichen Tag war ich hier.

Es bleibt fraglich, ob...

Es bleibt fraglich, ob wir gewinnen.

Die fragliche [Nomen] wurde [Verb].

Die fragliche Summe wurde bezahlt.

Es ist höchst fraglich, inwieweit...

Es ist höchst fraglich, inwieweit das hilft.

Die [Nomen] der fraglichen Person...

Die Aussage der fraglichen Person war falsch.

Dass [Satz], darf als fraglich gelten.

Dass er lügt, darf als fraglich gelten.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

High in news, legal, and professional contexts; medium in daily speech.

Common Mistakes

Es ist fraglich ob er kommt heute. → Es ist fraglich, ob er heute kommt.
In an 'ob' clause, the verb must go to the end. This is a classic word order mistake for learners.
Sein Charakter ist fraglich. → Sein Charakter ist fragwürdig.
If you mean he is a suspicious person, 'fragwürdig' is the correct word. 'Fraglich' would mean his character is being discussed or is uncertain.
Ich bin fraglich. → Ich bin mir unsicher / Ich habe Zweifel.
You cannot use 'fraglich' to describe your own feeling of being unsure. It describes the situation or the topic, not the person's internal state.
Das fragliche Buch ist sehr gefragt. → Das fragliche Buch ist sehr beliebt / in Mode.
While 'gefragt' can mean 'in demand,' using it right next to 'fraglich' is confusing. Ensure you know the difference between 'doubtful' and 'popular'.
In der fragliche Woche... → In der fraglichen Woche...
After 'in der' (Dative feminine), the adjective must have the '-en' ending.

Tips

Ob-Clause Word Order

Always remember that 'ob' is a subordinating conjunction. This means the conjugated verb must move to the end of the clause. 'Es ist fraglich, ob er *kommt*.' (Correct) vs 'Es ist fraglich, ob er *ist* kommen.' (Incorrect).

Referencing

Use 'fraglich' as a sophisticated way to refer back to a noun. Instead of saying 'the car I mentioned,' say 'das fragliche Auto.' This is very common in B2 and C1 writing.

Avoid 'Fragwürdig'

Be very careful not to use 'fragwürdig' when you mean 'uncertain.' 'Fragwürdig' implies that someone is doing something bad or suspicious. 'Fraglich' is much safer for general doubt.

Business Skepticism

In a German office, 'fraglich' is a polite way to disagree. If you say 'Das ist fraglich,' you are signaling that you need more proof before you agree, which is seen as being thorough.

Intensifiers

Use 'höchst fraglich' to express strong doubt. It’s a very common collocation in German media and sounds very natural.

B1/B2 Exams

In the speaking part of your exam, use 'Es ist fraglich, ob...' to show that you can weigh different sides of an argument. It scores high marks for complexity.

Police Dramas

If you watch 'Tatort' or other German crime shows, listen for 'am fraglichen Abend.' You will hear it almost every episode!

Academic Writing

In essays, 'fraglich' is used to introduce a critique of a theory or a source. It shows that you are thinking critically about the material.

The Question Mark

Visualize the word 'Frage' (question) inside 'fraglich.' If there is a question, it is frag-lich.

Not 'Gefragt'

Don't confuse 'fraglich' with 'gefragt.' 'Gefragt' means people want something (in demand). 'Fraglich' means people doubt something.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Frag' (fragment) of truth. If something is 'fraglich,' you only have a fragment of the truth, so it's doubtful.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant question mark (?) standing on top of a flickering lightbulb. The light is 'fraglich'—it might stay on, or it might go out.

Word Web

Frage fragen fraglich fragwürdig hinterfragen umstritten zweifelhaft unsicher

Challenge

Try to use 'Es ist fraglich, ob...' three times today: once about the weather, once about your dinner plans, and once about a news story.

Word Origin

Derived from the Middle High German 'vrāgen' and Old High German 'frāgēn', meaning to ask.

Original meaning: The suffix '-lich' was added to the stem 'frag-' to create an adjective meaning 'capable of being asked' or 'pertaining to a question.'

Germanic, related to Dutch 'vragen' and English 'pray' (distantly via Latin 'precari').

Cultural Context

Avoid calling a person 'fragwürdig' unless you mean they are suspicious/shady. Use 'fraglich' if you just mean their role is uncertain.

English speakers often use 'questionable' for both 'fraglich' and 'fragwürdig.' In German, you must split these concepts.

Tatort (TV show - uses 'fraglich' for evidence) Sesamstraße ('Wer nicht fragt, bleibt dumm') Heidegger's philosophy of 'Fraglichkeit'

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Law & Police

die fragliche Tatzeit
der fragliche Gegenstand
die fragliche Person
zum fraglichen Zeitpunkt

Business

die fragliche Summe
die Rentabilität ist fraglich
es ist fraglich, ob das Budget reicht
der fragliche Vertrag

Science

die fragliche Hypothese
die Ergebnisse sind fraglich
es ist fraglich, ob die Daten stimmen
eine fragliche Methode

Daily Life

es ist fraglich, ob ich komme
das Wetter ist fraglich
der Termin bleibt fraglich
eine fragliche Entscheidung

Journalism

die fragliche Reform
es ist fraglich, ob der Minister zurücktritt
die fragliche Äußerung
der Erfolg bleibt fraglich

Conversation Starters

"Findest du es fraglich, ob künstliche Intelligenz uns wirklich hilft?"

"Es ist fraglich, ob wir dieses Jahr in den Urlaub fahren können, oder?"

"Was hältst du von der fraglichen Entscheidung des Schiedsrichters?"

"Ist es für dich fraglich, ob man heute noch Fleisch essen sollte?"

"In der fraglichen Situation gestern, hättest du anders reagiert?"

Journal Prompts

Schreibe über eine Entscheidung in deinem Leben, die du heute als fraglich betrachtest.

Es ist fraglich, ob soziale Medien die Welt besser machen. Was ist deine Meinung dazu?

Beschreibe eine fragliche Situation, die du bei der Arbeit oder in der Schule erlebt hast.

Gibt es ein historisches Ereignis, dessen offizieller Bericht dir fraglich erscheint?

Warum ist es manchmal gut, wenn Dinge fraglich bleiben und nicht sofort geklärt werden?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but be careful. 'Die fragliche Person' means 'the person we are talking about' (neutral). If you say 'Er ist fraglich,' it sounds like you are doubting his existence or his role. If you want to say he is a 'shady' person, use 'fragwürdig'.

'Vielleicht' is an adverb meaning 'maybe.' 'Fraglich' is an adjective meaning 'questionable.' You can say 'Vielleicht kommt er' or 'Es ist fraglich, ob er kommt.' The second one is more formal.

No. It can be used alone ('Das ist fraglich') or before a noun ('am fraglichen Tag'). However, when introducing a reason for the doubt, 'ob' is very common.

Mostly, yes. It expresses doubt. However, in legal contexts, it is neutral and just means 'the one currently under discussion.'

It follows standard adjective declension. For example: 'der fragliche Tag' (Masculine Nominative), 'die fragliche Woche' (Feminine Nominative), 'das fragliche Kind' (Neuter Nominative), 'den fraglichen Mann' (Masculine Accusative).

Technically yes, but it is very rare. Usually, you use 'zweifelhaft' or 'fragwürdigerweise' if you want an adverbial meaning. Stick to using 'fraglich' as an adjective.

The noun is 'die Fraglichkeit.' It is mostly used in academic or philosophical writing to discuss the 'uncertainty' or 'questionability' of a concept.

Yes, especially in professional or educated speech. In very casual slang, people might just say 'Keine Ahnung' or 'Mal schauen.'

It is much more common to use 'ob' (whether). Using 'dass' (that) is possible but often sounds like you are saying 'It is doubtful that [this thing which is happening] is true,' which is slightly different.

The most common opposites are 'sicher' (certain), 'gewiss' (sure), or 'unfraglich' (unquestionable).