to shape / to form
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to shape / to form
To bring something into a particular external shape or form by working on it. This can be done manually, as when kneading dough, or by machine.
Mit den Händen formte sie aus dem Ton eine kleine Schale.
With her hands, she shaped a small bowl out of the clay.
The verb 'formen' (to shape/form) derives directly from the noun 'die Form' (shape/form). If you know that 'die Form' means 'shape', you can easily deduce that 'formen' means 'to shape' or 'in eine Form bringen' (to bring into a shape/form).
Der Bäcker formt aus dem Teig kleine Brötchen.
The baker shapes small rolls out of the dough.
The verb is often used with the prepositions 'aus' (out of/from) for the material and 'zu' (into) for the result. The pattern is: jemand formt etwas aus [Material] zu [Ergebnis] (someone shapes something out of [material] into [result]).
Er formte aus dem Draht eine Spirale.
He shaped a spiral out of the wire.
The type of object reveals the meaning. If it is a physical material like 'Ton' (clay) or 'Teig' (dough), the concrete meaning is intended. With abstract nouns like 'Charakter' (character) or 'Meinung' (opinion), it is about the figurative meaning of influencing or shaping.
Der Künstler formt eine Skulptur aus Stein.
The artist shapes a sculpture out of stone.
In the concrete meaning, 'formen' (to shape/form) is often combined with malleable materials. Typical phrases are 'Teig formen' (to shape dough), 'eine Kugel formen' (to form a ball), or 'Schneebälle formen' (to make snowballs).
Die Kinder formen im Winter lustige Schneemänner.
In winter, the children shape funny snowmen.
In the abstract meaning of shaping or influencing, 'formen' (to shape) is used with aspects of personality. Common combinations are 'den Charakter formen' (to shape character), 'jemandes Denken formen' (to shape someone's thinking), or 'die öffentliche Meinung formen' (to shape public opinion).
Gute Lehrer helfen dabei, den Charakter ihrer Schüler zu formen.
Good teachers help shape their students' character.
to form / educate
'bilden' and 'formen' can both mean that something takes shape or that a person is shaped. 'formen' puts more emphasis on the outer form or on influence over character and views. For example, you can shape clay with your hands, or experiences can shape a person. 'bilden' can also mean 'to make up a whole', for example when parts form a row. With people, 'bilden' sounds more strongly connected to learning and knowledge. The words can be confused because both can talk about development. As a memory aid: 'formen' fits well for shape and formative influence, while 'bilden' fits composition or education through learning.
Ihre Jahre im Ausland haben ihren Blick auf die Welt geformt.
Her years abroad shaped her view of the world.
Die neuen Häuser bilden eine lange Reihe am Fluss.
The new houses form a long row along the river.