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Relating to the outward form, structure, or rules, as opposed to the content.
Obwohl der Inhalt gut ist, erfüllt der Brief nicht die formalen Anforderungen.
Although the content is good, the letter does not meet the formal requirements.
The adjective 'formal' is derived directly from the noun 'die Form' (form). It always refers to the outward structure, rules, or appearance of something, as opposed to the content.
Der Antrag wurde aus formalen Gründen abgelehnt, nicht wegen des Inhalts.
The application was rejected for formal reasons, not because of the content.
The meaning of 'formal' depends heavily on the context. With authorities, it is about rules. In a social context, it is about clothing and manners. In science, it describes abstract, rule-based systems.
Die formale Prüfung des Dokuments ergab keine Fehler.
The formal review of the document found no errors.
In this meaning, 'formal' is often contrasted with 'inhaltlich' (content-related). Typical collocations are 'formale Kriterien' (formal criteria), 'formale Fehler' (formal errors), or 'formale Anforderungen' (formal requirements).
Der Text ist inhaltlich stark, hat aber einige formale Schwächen.
The text is strong in terms of content, but has some formal weaknesses.
When it comes to social conventions, 'formal' describes clothing, language, or occasions. Common combinations are 'formale Kleidung' (formal clothing), 'eine formale Einladung' (a formal invitation), or 'ein formaler Anlass' (a formal occasion).
Bei der Konferenz herrschte eine sehr formale Atmosphäre.
There was a very formal atmosphere at the conference.
official
'offiziell' and 'formal' can both have to do with rules, formality, and non-casual behavior. However, 'offiziell' usually emphasizes that something has been confirmed by a responsible body or stated in an official form. 'Formal' more often emphasizes the outward form, rules, or a polite, distant style. A letter can be formal without coming from an authority. A decision is 'offiziell' when it has really been recognized or confirmed. When authority is involved, 'offiziell' fits better; when it is about form, rules, or style, 'formal' fits better.
Für die Bewerbung braucht Lena ein formal korrektes Schreiben.
For the application, Lena needs a formally correct letter.
Am Montag gibt die Firma die neue Regel offiziell bekannt.
On Monday, the company will officially announce the new rule.