formal
Loading your saved state.
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.
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 mean that something does not feel casual or private. 'formell' mainly describes following rules, fixed forms, or social conventions, for example in clothing, language, or an occasion. 'offiziell' often additionally means that something is confirmed, permitted, or happens in an official or work-related role. Learners can easily confuse the words because official situations are often formal. Remember: 'formell' describes the form and style more, while 'offiziell' is more about confirmation or role.
Für das Bewerbungsgespräch zieht Max ein formelles Hemd an.
Max puts on a formal shirt for the job interview.
Am Montag hat die Schule den neuen Stundenplan offiziell veröffentlicht.
On Monday, the school officially published the new timetable.