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
das Format
format / concept
The structure, setup, or concept of a program, event, or publication.
EXAMPLE
Die Quizshow hat ein neues, interaktives Format bekommen.
The quiz show has been given a new, interactive format.
das Format
file format
In computer science, the way data is structured and stored in a file.
EXAMPLE
Bitte schicken Sie mir das Bild im JPEG-Format, nicht als PNG.
Please send me the image in JPEG format, not as a PNG.
das Format
stature / caliber
In a figurative sense, a person's personal stature, intellectual greatness, or ability.
EXAMPLE
Sie ist eine Managerin von internationalem Format.
She is a manager of international caliber.
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 mainly describes the outline or outer shape of a sheet. das Format includes its specified size and shape, often with exact or standardized dimensions. Form is appropriate for “quadratisch” (square), while Format is appropriate for measurements such as 15 by 15 centimeters.
Format
Das Format des Einladungsblatts beträgt 15 mal 15 Zentimeter.
The invitation sheet is 15 by 15 centimeters.
Form
Die Form des Einladungsblatts ist quadratisch.
The invitation sheet is square in shape.
In real life
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