die Formel
formula
A rule or relationship expressed with mathematical or chemical signs and symbols.
EXAMPLE
Die chemische Formel für Wasser ist H₂O.
The chemical formula for water is H₂O.
die Formel
formula
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Meanings
die Formel
formula / phrase
A fixed combination of words or a standardized sentence used in certain situations.
EXAMPLE
„Mit freundlichen Grüßen“ ist eine übliche Grußformel am Ende eines Briefes.
'Mit freundlichen Grüßen' (Sincerely) is a common closing formula at the end of a letter.
die Formel
formula
A specific class or category in motorsport, defined by technical rules.
EXAMPLE
Er träumt davon, eines Tages in der Formel 1 zu fahren.
He dreams of driving in Formula 1 one day.
die Formel
formula / recipe
Precise instructions or a recipe for producing something, especially baby food.
EXAMPLE
Die neue Formel für das Waschmittel verspricht noch bessere Ergebnisse.
The new formula for the detergent promises even better results.
Usage tips
Context clues
The meaning of 'Formel' depends strongly on the topic. In science, it has to do with mathematics or chemistry; in letters, with closing formulas; and in sports, with 'Formel 1' (Formula 1).
EXAMPLE
Er kennt die Formel zur Berechnung des Flächeninhalts.
He knows the formula for calculating area.
Typical verbs
In a scientific context, a formula is often 'aufgestellt' (set up), 'entwickelt' (developed), 'angewendet' (applied), or 'umgestellt' (rearranged).
EXAMPLE
Können Sie diese physikalische Formel anwenden?
Can you apply this physical formula?
Typical collocations
For fixed combinations of words, 'Formel' is often used in compounds, e.g. 'die Grußformel' (the closing formula) at the end of a letter, 'die Zauberformel' (the magic formula) in fairy tales, or 'die Rechtsformel' (the legal formula) in law.
EXAMPLE
Seine Entschuldigung war nur eine leere Formel.
His apology was just an empty formula.
Fixed expression
The best-known use in sports is 'Formel 1' (Formula 1). This expression refers to the highest class of motor racing and is treated as a fixed term.
EXAMPLE
Millionen von Menschen schauen sich die Rennen der Formel 1 an.
Millions of people watch Formula 1 races.
Figurative meaning
The meaning 'Rezept' (recipe) or 'Anleitung' (instructions) is often used metaphorically. 'Die Formel für den Erfolg' (the formula for success), for example, describes a way to become successful.
EXAMPLE
Es gibt keine einfache Formel für eine glückliche Beziehung.
There is no simple formula for a happy relationship.
Compare with
Formel vs Schlüssel
key / wrench
Die Formel (formula) and der Schlüssel (key) can both express a rule for a calculation. A Formel primarily describes the mathematical relationship or method of calculation, while a Schlüssel specifies how values or shares are assigned. Use „Formel“ for calculating and „Schlüssel“ for distributing or assigning.
Formel
Mit der Formel berechnet die Verwaltung die gesamten gemeinsamen Kosten.
The administration uses the formula to calculate the total shared costs.
Schlüssel
Nach diesem Schlüssel werden die gemeinsamen Kosten auf die Wohnungen verteilt.
According to this formula, the shared costs are distributed among the apartments.
In real life
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