01
das Format
format / size
The fixed size and shape of something, for example paper, a book, or an image.
example
Für den offiziellen Brief müssen Sie das Format DIN A4 verwenden.
For the official letter, you must use DIN A4 format.
das Format
format
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clues
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'Format' (format) from context. If it is about paper, books, or photos, it refers to size. In connection with media such as TV shows or podcasts, it refers to the concept. In IT, it refers to the file type, such as .pdf or .jpg.
EXAMPLE
Welches Format hat die Festplatte, NTFS oder FAT32?
What format does the hard drive have, NTFS or FAT32?
Sentence structure with "in"
To specify the type of format, the preposition 'in' followed by the dative is used very often. This construction is common with both physical and digital formats.
EXAMPLE
Bitte speichern Sie die Datei im PDF-Format.
Please save the file in PDF format.
Fixed expression
In the figurative meaning, 'Format' (stature/caliber) is often used in the phrase 'von [Adjektiv] Format sein' (to be of [adjective] caliber) or '[Adjektiv] Format haben' (to have [adjective] stature/caliber). This describes a person's special ability or high rank.
EXAMPLE
Er ist ein Politiker von europäischem Format.
He is a politician of European caliber.
Typical collocations
In a media context, 'Format' (format) is often combined with verbs such as 'entwickeln' (to develop), 'produzieren' (to produce), or 'ausstrahlen' (to broadcast). Typical adjectives are 'neu' (new), 'erfolgreich' (successful), or 'interaktiv' (interactive).
EXAMPLE
Der Sender hat ein neues Quiz-Format entwickelt.
The broadcaster developed a new quiz format.
Compare with
Format vs Form
form / shape
'die Form' and 'das Format' can both have to do with the external appearance or structure of something. 'die Form' is more general and means the shape or the way something is designed or expressed. 'das Format' is more specific when size and shape are fixed, for example with paper, images, or files. It can also mean the fixed concept of a program or event. The words can be confused because both occur with texts, images, and media. When it is about being round or angular, or about the manner of expression, 'Form' fits. When it is about a fixed size, file type, or concept, 'Format' is more natural.
Format
Frau Fischer speichert die Bilder für das Projekt im richtigen Format.
Ms. Fischer saves the images for the project in the correct format.
Form
Die Form des Kuchens ist rund, aber die Farbe der Glasur ist neu.
The shape of the cake is round, but the color of the icing is new.
In real life
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