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German Phrase

Jemand fragt nach einem Kollegen.

/ˈjeːmand ˈfʁaːkt naːx ˈaɪ̯nəm ˈkɔlːeːgən/
Meaning"Someone asks about a colleague."
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Meaning

The sentence means 'Someone asks about a colleague.' It is used to describe a situation where a person is inquiring about the whereabouts, status, or information concerning a coworker.

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When to use

Use this sentence when you want to report or describe that a person in a workplace, office, or any professional setting is looking for information about a colleague – for example, when a client calls and wants to speak with a specific employee.

✦Grammar Breakdown

JemandfragtnacheinemKollegen

1

Jemand

Indefinite pronoun meaning 'someone' or 'somebody'.

2

fragt

3rd person singular present of 'fragen' – to ask.

3

nach + Dativ

The preposition 'nach' governs the dative case and is used when asking about a person or thing.

4

einem Kollegen

'Kollegen' is masculine; in the dative singular it becomes 'einem Kollegen'.

🗨In Conversation

A

Entschuldigung, ich suche Herrn Schmidt. Jemand fragt nach einem Kollegen.

Excuse me, I'm looking for Mr. Schmidt. Someone is asking about a colleague.

Er ist gerade im Besprechungsraum. Ich kann ihm ausrichten, dass Sie nach ihm gefragt haben.

He's currently in the meeting room. I can let him know you asked about him.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Jemand fragt über einem Kollegen.

    Use 'nach' (dative) when asking about a person; 'über' is used for topics.

  • Jemand fragt nach einem Kollege.

    The noun must be in dative case after 'nach'.

  • Jemand fragt nach einem Kollege.

    The article and noun must agree in case and gender.

↔Alternatives

  • Jemand erkundigt sich nach einem Kollegen.

    Someone inquires about a colleague.

  • Jemand möchte wissen, wo ein Kollege ist.

    Someone wants to know where a colleague is.

  • Jemand fragt nach dem Verbleib eines Kollegen.

    Someone asks about the whereabouts of a colleague.

de

Cultural Tip

In German workplaces it is common to use the polite form 'Sie' when you do not know the person you are speaking to. The preposition 'nach' is the standard way to ask about a person’s location or status; avoid using 'über' which would imply asking about a topic rather than a person. Also, remember that 'Kollegen' is masculine, so the dative singular form is 'einem Kollegen'.