formality
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formality
An action or procedure that is required according to certain rules or regulations, often without much substantive value.
Die Unterzeichnung des Vertrags war nur noch eine Formalität.
The signing of the contract was only a formality.
formalities
Refers to the totality of formal rules and conventions that apply in a particular situation or society. Often used in the plural.
Bei dem Staatsempfang mussten alle diplomatischen Formalitäten beachtet werden.
At the state reception, all diplomatic formalities had to be observed.
'Formalität' (formality) is derived from the adjective 'formell' (formal). The ending '-ität' is often used in German to form abstract nouns from adjectives that describe a quality or state.
Die Kleidung für die Zeremonie muss sehr formell sein.
The clothing for the ceremony must be very formal.
In the singular ('eine Formalität' — a formality), the word usually means a single necessary action without much substance. In the plural ('die Formalitäten' — the formalities), it often refers to a series of rules or bureaucratic steps that must be completed.
Seine Zustimmung war nur noch eine Formalität.
His approval was only a formality.
In this meaning, the word is very often combined with 'nur' (only) or 'rein' (purely) to emphasize that something is done only for form's sake. A typical phrase is 'nur eine reine Formalität sein' (to be merely a pure formality).
Das letzte Treffen war nur eine reine Formalität, alle Entscheidungen waren schon getroffen.
The last meeting was only a mere formality; all the decisions had already been made.
When it comes to rules or procedures, the verbs 'erledigen' (to take care of/complete), 'beachten' (to observe), or 'sich kümmern um' (to take care of) are often used. For example, people speak of 'die Formalitäten zu erledigen' (to take care of the formalities).
Bitte kümmern Sie sich um die notwendigen Formalitäten für das Visum.
Please take care of the necessary formalities for the visa.
