education / formation
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education
The process of learning and acquiring knowledge, skills, and cultural understanding, often in the context of school and university. It also refers to the result of this process, meaning a person's level of knowledge and intellectual maturity.
Gute Bildung ist der Schlüssel für eine erfolgreiche berufliche Zukunft.
Good education is the key to a successful professional future.
The noun 'Bildung' (education/formation) is derived from the verb 'bilden' (to form, create, teach). The ending '-ung' turns the verb into a noun that describes the process or result of forming.
Die Regierung will mehr Geld in die Bildung der Kinder investieren.
The government wants to invest more money in children's education.
In the context of knowledge and learning, 'Bildung' (education) is often combined with certain adjectives. Common phrases are 'eine gute/hohe Bildung haben' (to have a good/high level of education), 'allgemeine Bildung' (general education), or 'politische Bildung' (political education).
Er hat eine sehr hohe Bildung und kennt sich in vielen Themen aus.
He has a very high level of education and is knowledgeable about many topics.
You can recognize the scientific meaning from the context. When the topic is chemistry, biology, geology, or even politics, it usually means 'Entstehung' (emergence/creation) or 'Formung' (formation/shaping).
Wir untersuchen die Bildung von Gebirgen.
We are studying the formation of mountains.
In the meaning of 'Entstehung' (formation/emergence), 'Bildung' is often used with a genitive or the preposition 'von' (of) to say what is being formed. Typical examples are 'die Bildung von Wolken' (the formation of clouds), 'die Bildung von Rost' (the formation of rust), or 'die Bildung von Zellen' (the formation of cells).
Die Bildung von Schimmel wird durch Feuchtigkeit begünstigt.
The formation of mold is encouraged by moisture.
development
'die Entwicklung' and 'die Bildung' can both have to do with growth or coming into being. 'Entwicklung' is broad and describes how something changes over time. 'Bildung' often means a person's education, knowledge, and intellectual maturity. In technical or scientific contexts, 'Bildung' can also mean the formation or shaping of something. Learners may confuse the words because both describe processes. When it is about knowledge and learning, 'Bildung' is correct. When it is generally about change or progress, 'Entwicklung' is more natural.
Gute Bildung hilft Menschen, bessere Chancen im Beruf zu bekommen.
Good education helps people get better career opportunities.
Die Entwicklung des Kindes ist für die Eltern sehr wichtig.
The child's development is very important to the parents.