formation
Loading your saved state.
formation
A specific, ordered arrangement or positioning of people or objects, for example soldiers, airplanes, or dancers.
Die Flugzeuge flogen in einer perfekten V-Formation.
The airplanes flew in a perfect V formation.
The ending '-ation' indicates an international word that often describes a process or the result of a process. 'Formation' is the noun corresponding to the verb 'formieren' (to arrange oneself, to form).
Die Soldaten mussten sich für die Parade formieren.
The soldiers had to form up for the parade.
In the general meaning, 'Formation' (formation) is often used with the preposition 'in' to describe an ordered group. For example, you say that birds fly 'in Formation' (in formation).
Die Motorradfahrer fuhren in einer engen Formation über die Brücke.
The motorcyclists rode across the bridge in a tight formation.
When you hear 'Formation' (formation) in the context of sports, it almost always means the tactical lineup of a team. Typical combinations are 'die Formation ändern' (to change the formation) or 'eine defensive Formation wählen' (to choose a defensive formation).
Der Trainer entschied sich für eine 4-4-2-Formation.
The coach decided on a 4-4-2 formation.
In texts about nature, geography, or geology, 'Formation' (formation) refers to a large natural structure made of rock. Words like 'Fels' (rock), 'Gestein' (rock/stone), or 'Erosion' (erosion) are clear clues to this meaning.
Die riesige Felsformation zieht jedes Jahr viele Touristen an.
The huge rock formation attracts many tourists every year.
education / formation
'die Bildung' and 'die Formation' can both have to do with something developing or being formed. In German, 'Bildung' often sounds more general and more natural, especially when a process is meant, for example 'die Bildung von Eis' (the formation of ice) or 'die Bildung von Wolken' (the formation of clouds). 'Formation' sounds more technical or more specific. It can refer to the process of developing, but very often also to an ordered arrangement, for example of airplanes, soldiers, or dancers. The words can be confused because 'Formation' is reminiscent of 'Formung' (shaping). As a practical rule: for development or formation, you often use 'Bildung'; for a clear arrangement, 'Formation' is more likely.
Die Tänzer standen am Anfang des Auftritts in einer engen Formation.
At the beginning of the performance, the dancers stood in a tight formation.
In der Nacht hat die Bildung von Eis auf den Straßen begonnen.
During the night, ice began forming on the roads.