German word

Bildung

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈbɪldʊŋ/

Meaning

  • feminine nouneducation

Example

Die Qualität der Bildung ist wichtig.

The quality of education is important.

Illustration for Bildung (education)

More examples

Eltern wünschen ihren Kindern gute Bildung.

Parents want their children to have a good education.

Core concept

Knowledge, judgment, and cultural understanding gradually shape a person's way of thinking.

Common phrases

  • gute Bildung

    good education

  • Zugang zu Bildung

    access to education

Similar words

Ausbildung: Systematic vocational preparation through study and workplace training.
Erziehung: Guidance that teaches children social conduct and basic values.
Studium: Specialized academic study at a university leading toward a degree.
Wissen: Understanding of learned facts and information.

Definition in German

Bildung bezeichnet die Entwicklung von Wissen, Urteilskraft und kulturellen Kompetenzen, die das Denken einer Person prägen.

Word origin

Bildung derives from bilden, meaning to form or shape, with the noun-forming suffix -ung; its senses developed from formation toward education and culture.

Usage tips

  • Bildung is usually an abstract uncountable noun, while Ausbildung refers more specifically to vocational training or professional preparation.

Other meanings

  • culturenoun
  • formationnoun

Opposites

  • Bildungsmangellack of educationnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word