formlos
shapeless
Without a recognizable, fixed, or regular shape; not clearly shaped or structured.
EXAMPLE
Die Skulptur besteht aus einem formlosen Klumpen Lehm.
The sculpture consists of a shapeless lump of clay.
formlos
shapeless / informal
formlos – formloser – am formlosesten
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Meanings
formlos
informal
Without a prescribed format or special formalities; usually in official or organizational contexts.
EXAMPLE
Der Antrag kann formlos per E-Mail gestellt werden.
The application can be submitted informally by email.
formlos
informal
Relaxed and without formal rules or ceremonies.
EXAMPLE
Die Besprechung fand in einer formlosen Atmosphäre statt.
The meeting took place in an informal atmosphere.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry formlos, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
Comparison
| basic form | formlos |
|---|---|
| comparative | formloser |
| superlative | am formlosesten |
After der, die, das
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -e | -e | -e | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -e | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to formlos.
After ein, eine
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to formlos.
Without article
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -e |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -e |
| dat. | -em | -er | -em | -en |
| gen. | -en | -er | -en | -er |
Add the ending to formlos.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Formlos' (shapeless / informal) is made up of 'Form' (shape / form) and '-los' (-less). Here, the suffix '-los' indicates that something has no recognizable shape or no prescribed format.
EXAMPLE
Die formlose Masse ließ keine bestimmte Gestalt erkennen.
The shapeless mass had no discernible form.
Typical collocations
In the sense of 'ohne erkennbare Gestalt' (without a recognizable shape), 'formlos' (shapeless) often occurs with words such as 'Masse' (mass), 'Klumpen' (lump), 'Gebilde' (structure), or 'Gestalt' (form).
EXAMPLE
Aus dem Ton entstand ein formloses Gebilde.
A shapeless structure emerged from the clay.
Official usage
In organizational or official contexts, 'formlos' (informal) often describes an application, an inquiry, or a notification. Typical collocations are 'einen Antrag formlos stellen' (to submit an application informally) and 'formlos per E-Mail einreichen' (to submit informally by email).
EXAMPLE
Für die Änderung der Bankverbindung reicht eine formlose Mitteilung an die Personalabteilung.
An informal notification to the human resources department is sufficient to update your bank details.
Typical collocations
When describing situations and conversations, 'formlos' (informal) refers to a relaxed atmosphere without set ceremonies or special rules. It often occurs with 'Gespräch' (conversation), 'Treffen' (meeting), 'Runde' (gathering), or 'Atmosphäre' (atmosphere).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Vortrag gab es ein formloses Gespräch mit den Gästen.
After the talk, there was an informal conversation with the guests.
In real life
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