01
bilden
to form
To form, shape, or put something together; to make up a whole.
example
Die Teilnehmer bildeten einen Kreis, um das Spiel zu beginnen.
The participants formed a circle to start the game.
bilden
to form / educate
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'bilden' (to form/educate) is closely related to the noun 'das Bild' (picture/image) and 'die Bildung' (education). The basic idea is to form or shape something, whether it is a physical form, an idea, or a person's personality.
EXAMPLE
Ein guter Lehrer hilft, den Charakter der Schüler zu bilden.
A good teacher helps form the students' character.
Transitive vs. reflexive
'Bilden' (to form/educate) can be used transitively or reflexively. When a person or thing actively forms something, you use 'bilden' with an accusative object. When something arises on its own, you use the reflexive 'sich bilden' (to form).
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder bilden eine Kette.
The children form a chain.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'formen' (to form) or 'zusammensetzen' (to put together), 'bilden' (to form) is often used to describe the creation of structures or groups. Typical combinations are 'einen Satz bilden' (to form a sentence), 'eine Regierung bilden' (to form a government), or 'die Grundlage für etwas bilden' (to form the basis for something).
EXAMPLE
Diese zwei Flüsse bilden zusammen den größten Strom des Landes.
These two rivers together form the largest river in the country.
Typical collocations
When something arises on its own, 'sich bilden' (to form) is often combined with natural phenomena or everyday situations. Common phrases are 'ein Stau bildet sich' (a traffic jam forms), 'Wolken bilden sich' (clouds form), or 'eine Kruste bildet sich' (a crust forms).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Regen bildeten sich große Pfützen auf der Straße.
After the rain, large puddles formed on the road.
Sentence structure and register
In the meaning of 'erziehen' (to educate/raise), the structure 'jemanden zu etwas bilden' (to educate someone to become something) is often used. This usage is rather formal and belongs to educational or written language.
EXAMPLE
Das Ziel der Universität ist es, die Studierenden zu kritisch denkenden Menschen zu bilden.
The goal of the university is to educate students to become critical thinkers.
Continuing education
The reflexive form 'sich bilden' (to educate oneself) is often used in the context of lifelong learning. A very common fixed expression is 'sich weiterbilden' (to pursue further training/education), which means to expand one's professional or personal knowledge.
EXAMPLE
Sie besucht Abendkurse, um sich beruflich weiterzubilden.
She attends evening courses to continue her professional development.
Fixed expression
The expression 'sich eine Meinung bilden' (to form an opinion) is a fixed construction. The person is in the dative (mir, dir, sich), and the opinion is in the accusative. The preposition for the topic is 'über' + accusative.
EXAMPLE
Ich muss mir erst noch eine eigene Meinung über den Vorschlag bilden.
I still have to form my own opinion about the proposal first.
Compare with
bilden vs lernen
to learn
'lernen' and 'bilden' both have to do with knowledge and development. 'lernen' usually means the concrete process: you practice, read, or receive instruction, and afterward you can do something better. 'bilden' is broader and often sounds more formal. It is not only about individual pieces of information, but also about education, general knowledge, and personal development. In particular, 'sich bilden' means expanding one's own knowledge and personality. The words can be confused because both occur in school, courses, and continuing education. For a language, a rule, or a skill, 'lernen' is more natural; for general personal or cultural development, 'sich bilden' fits better.
bilden
Durch Bücher, Reisen und Gespräche bildet sie sich auch nach der Ausbildung weiter.
Through books, travel, and conversations, she continues to educate herself even after her training.
lernen
Yusuf lernt jeden Abend neue Wörter, weil er die Prüfung bestehen will.
Yusuf learns new words every evening because he wants to pass the exam.
In real life
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