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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.
In accordance with social rules and conventions; official and not personal or casual.
Für das Vorstellungsgespräch ist formale Kleidung erforderlich.
Formal clothing is required for the job interview.
In science (e.g. logic, mathematics), relating to a system of defined rules and symbols; abstract.
Die formale Sprache der Logik erlaubt eindeutige und präzise Aussagen.
The formal language of logic allows clear and precise statements.
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.
formal / practically
Formal and förmlich can both describe official, impersonal interactions. Formal neutrally indicates adherence to social conventions, while förmlich often additionally emphasizes that the interaction feels stiff and creates distance.
Seine Begrüßung war formal und entsprach genau den üblichen Konventionen.
His greeting was formal and followed the usual conventions exactly.
Seine Begrüßung wirkte förmlich und schuf sofort spürbaren Abstand.
His greeting seemed stiff and immediately created a noticeable distance.
