formal
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formal
In accordance with official rules, regulations, or social conventions; not casual or colloquial. Often refers to clothing, language, or occasions.
Für das Vorstellungsgespräch ist formelle Kleidung erwünscht.
Formal clothing is expected for the job interview.
formal
Relating to the external form or structure, as opposed to the content.
Der Antrag wurde wegen eines formellen Fehlers abgelehnt.
The application was rejected because of a formal error.
The adjective 'formell' (formal) often describes things that follow official rules. Typical examples are 'formelle Kleidung' (formal clothing), 'eine formelle Anrede' (a formal form of address, e.g. 'Sie'), 'ein formeller Brief' (a formal letter), or 'ein formeller Anlass' (a formal occasion).
In der E-Mail an den Professor müssen Sie eine formelle Anrede verwenden.
In the email to the professor, you must use a formal form of address.
The meaning 'relating to form' is often used in bureaucratic or legal contexts. A 'formeller Fehler' (formal error), for example, is an error in the document format, not in the content.
Der Antrag ist korrekt, aber es gibt ein formelles Problem mit der Unterschrift.
The application is correct, but there is a formal problem with the signature.
In the meaning 'relating to form', 'formell' (formal) stands in clear contrast to 'inhaltlich' (content-related). A distinction is made between the formal requirements (e.g. structure, deadline) and the content-related requirements (e.g. arguments, facts).
Formell war die Bewerbung perfekt, aber inhaltlich hat sie nicht überzeugt.
Formally, the application was perfect, but in terms of content, it was not convincing.
official
Offiziell and formell can both describe a reserved manner of interaction. Offiziell sounds impersonal and often suggests an institutional setting. Formell describes a style more generally that follows rules or social conventions and is not casual.
Beim festlichen Empfang blieb ihr Ton formell und höflich.
At the formal reception, she kept her tone formal and polite.
Beim Gespräch mit der Behörde blieb ihr Ton offiziell und unpersönlich.
During the meeting with the authorities, she kept her tone official and impersonal.
