to form
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to form up
To arrange oneself and come together into a particular formation or group. This is often used for groups of people, animals, or even abstract movements.
Die Demonstranten formierten sich auf dem Marktplatz zu einem Protestzug.
The demonstrators formed up on the market square into a protest march.
to form
To deliberately put something together or shape it into a unit or a particular form. Often refers to forming teams, groups, or structures.
Der Trainer muss aus den vielen Talenten eine schlagkräftige Mannschaft formieren.
The coach has to form a powerful team from the many talented players.
The verb 'formieren' (to form) belongs to the word family of 'die Form' (form/shape). The ending '-ieren' often shows that a verb comes from another language and means to bring something into a form or to take on a form.
Die Tänzer formierten einen Kreis in der Mitte der Bühne.
The dancers formed a circle in the middle of the stage.
Pay attention to the difference: 'sich formieren' (to form up) is reflexive and means that a group comes together on its own. 'Etwas formieren' (to form something) is transitive and means that a person actively puts a group together from the outside.
Der Widerstand gegen die neuen Gesetze formierte sich schnell.
Resistance to the new laws formed quickly.
'Formieren' (to form) is a word used in elevated or formal language. It is used for organized groups such as the military, demonstrators, or political movements, but rarely for everyday meetings.
Die Soldaten formierten sich in Reih und Glied.
The soldiers formed up in rank and file.
When a person forms a group, 'formieren' (to form) is often used with objects such as 'eine Mannschaft' (a team), 'ein Team' (a team), 'eine Regierung' (a government), or 'eine Koalition' (a coalition).
Nach der Wahl war es schwierig, eine stabile Regierung zu formieren.
After the election, it was difficult to form a stable government.
to form / educate
Both words can describe people coming together to form a group or unit. „Bilden“ is more general and can also express something arising more naturally, while „formieren“ places greater emphasis on deliberately arranging people into a particular formation. Use „bilden“ for something coming into being and „formieren“ for a consciously organized group.
Vor dem Beginn des Umzugs formierten sich die Teilnehmer in vier Reihen.
Before the parade began, the participants formed up in four rows.
Nach dem Aufruf bildete sich vor dem Eingang schnell eine lange Schlange.
After the announcement, a long line quickly formed in front of the entrance.
