platitude
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platitude
A formulaic, but often empty or hackneyed expression. Floskeln (platitudes) are often used out of politeness or habit, without any deeper meaning behind them.
Seine Antwort bestand nur aus leeren Floskeln und sagte nichts Konkretes aus.
His answer consisted only of empty platitudes and said nothing concrete.
The word 'Floskel' (platitude) is often combined with adjectives that emphasize its emptiness. Typical examples are 'leere Floskel' (empty platitude), 'abgedroschene Floskel' (hackneyed platitude), or 'bloße Floskel' (mere platitude).
Seine Entschuldigung klang wie eine leere Floskel.
His apology sounded like an empty platitude.
'Floskel' (platitude) usually has a negative or critical meaning. You use the word to express that a statement seems impersonal, meaningless, or insincere.
Statt konkreter Pläne hörten wir vom Politiker nur die üblichen Floskeln.
Instead of concrete plans, we heard only the usual platitudes from the politician.
Common verbs used with 'Floskel' (platitude) are 'eine Floskel verwenden' (to use a platitude) or 'eine Floskel benutzen' (to use a platitude). If someone says a lot of platitudes, you can also say they 'wirft mit Floskeln um sich' (throws platitudes around).
In Geschäftsbriefen werden oft bestimmte Höflichkeitsfloskeln verwendet.
Certain polite formulas are often used in business letters.
formula
Die Formel and die Floskel are fixed expressions or sentences used in particular situations. „Formel“ is neutral and can refer to a suitable standardized way of expressing something, whereas „Floskel“ usually has a negative connotation because the expression sounds empty or hackneyed. Use „Floskel“ when you want to express this criticism.
Seine Entschuldigung klang wie eine leere Floskel.
His apology sounded like an empty platitude.
„Mit freundlichen Grüßen“ ist eine übliche Formel am Ende eines Briefes.
“Mit freundlichen Grüßen” is a common formula at the end of a letter.
