German word

förmlich

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈfœɐ̯mlɪç/

Meaning

  • adjectiveformal

Example

Seine Rede klang förmlicher als sonst.

His speech sounded more formal than usual.

Illustration for förmlich (formal)

More examples

Bei der Preisverleihung wirkte alles förmlich.

At the award ceremony, everything seemed formal.

Core concept

A person speaking in a carefully prescribed, official manner, with little natural warmth.

Common phrases

  • förmlicher Ton

    formal tone

  • förmliches Verhalten

    formal behavior

  • im förmlichen Rahmen

    in a formal setting

Similar words

formell: Following official procedures, rules, or established requirements.
höflich: Showing respect and consideration through words or behavior.
steif: Lacking natural ease because feelings or movements are tightly controlled.
offiziell: Formally approved, declared, or issued by a public institution or authority.

Definition in German

In Verhalten oder Sprache so, dass es besonders korrekt, steif oder offiziell wirkt

Word origin

Förmlich combines Form, meaning 'form' and borrowed from Latin forma, with the German adjective suffix -lich.

Usage tips

  • Förmlich often describes a person's manner, speech, or behavior as stiff or ceremonious, while formell more often concerns official status or procedure.

Other meanings

  • stiffadjective
  • stiltedadjective

Opposites

  • ungezwungeninformaladjective

Related words

  • Förmlichkeitsgraddegree of formalitynoun

Word lists with this word