formulieren
to formulate
To put thoughts, a request, or a statement into specific words and express them linguistically.
EXAMPLE
Bitte formulieren Sie Ihre Frage so präzise wie möglich.
Please formulate your question as precisely as possible.
formulieren
to formulate
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Meanings
formulieren
to formulate
In chemistry, to represent the composition of a substance using a chemical formula.
EXAMPLE
Der Chemiker formulierte die Reaktion von Wasserstoff und Sauerstoff zu Wasser als 2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O.
The chemist formulated the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen to form water as 2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O.
Usage tips
Word family
'Formulieren' (to formulate) belongs to the word family of 'Form' (form) and 'Formel' (formula). It means bringing thoughts or ideas into a fixed, understandable linguistic form.
EXAMPLE
Er fand es schwierig, seine Gefühle zu formulieren.
He found it difficult to formulate his feelings.
Register and style
The verb 'formulieren' (to formulate) is often used in formal, official, or academic contexts, especially in written language. It often sounds more considered and precise.
EXAMPLE
Im Anschreiben müssen Sie Ihre Motivation klar formulieren.
In the cover letter, you must formulate your motivation clearly.
Typical collocations
You can formulate many things: a sentence, a question, a request, a goal, criticism, or a wish. It is often combined with adverbs like 'klar' (clearly), 'präzise' (precisely), or 'vorsichtig' (carefully).
EXAMPLE
Sie formulierte ihre Kritik sehr vorsichtig, um niemanden zu verletzen.
She formulated her criticism very carefully so as not to hurt anyone.
Context clue
The chemical meaning is very specific and is used exclusively in scientific contexts. You can recognize it immediately from words like 'Reaktion' (reaction), 'Formel' (formula), or chemical symbols.
EXAMPLE
Im Chemieunterricht haben wir gelernt, wie man eine Reaktionsgleichung formuliert.
In chemistry class, we learned how to formulate a reaction equation.
Compare with
formulieren vs schreiben
to write
Schreiben is the neutral term for composing a text. Formulieren emphasizes looking for suitable or precise words for a thought, request, or statement. Schreiben works for the text as a whole; formulieren is better when the focus is on consciously shaping the wording.
formulieren
Ich formuliere die Bitte in meiner Beschwerde besonders höflich.
I’m wording the request in my complaint especially politely.
schreiben
Ich schreibe heute eine Beschwerde an das Hotel.
I’m writing a complaint to the hotel today.
In real life
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