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.
'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.
protocol / minutes
'das Protokoll' and 'die Formalität' can both have to do with fixed rules and official forms. In this sense, 'Protokoll' means regulated behavior, especially in official or diplomatic situations. 'Formalität' more often means a single necessary action or the formal rules that must be followed. The words can be confused because both sound rule-based. 'Protokoll' fits better when it is about exact procedures and etiquette. 'Formalität' fits when something has to be taken care of, often without being very important in terms of content.
Vor der Reise müssen wir nur noch eine kleine Formalität erledigen.
Before the trip, we just have one small formality left to take care of.
Beim Empfang der Gäste muss das diplomatische Protokoll genau beachtet werden.
At the reception for the guests, diplomatic protocol must be followed exactly.