German word

informell

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈɪnfɔʁmɛl/

Meaning

  • adjectiveinformal

Example

Er sprach in einem informellen Ton.

He spoke in an informal tone.

Illustration for informell (informal)

More examples

Die Party hatte eine informelle Atmosphäre, sodass alle schnell ins Gespräch kamen.

The party had an informal atmosphere, so everyone quickly started talking.

Core concept

A situation handled casually rather than according to an official script, rigid format, or formal social distance.

Common phrases

  • informelle Kommunikation

    informal communication

  • informelles Treffen

    informal meeting

  • informelle Atmosphäre

    informal atmosphere

Similar words

locker: Relaxed, natural, and not stiff or ceremonious.
lässig: Relaxed and unpretentious in appearance or manner.
ungezwungen: Open and natural, without forced formality or ceremony.
salopp: Informally worded or behaved, with a possibly rough edge.

Definition in German

kennzeichnet einen lockeren, ungezwungenen Stil in Sprache oder Verhalten und steht im Gegensatz zu formell.

Word origin

The word is a borrowing based on French informel, which derives from Latin informalis through the prefix in- meaning not and formalis meaning formal.

Usage tips

  • Informell can describe an unofficial arrangement, but inoffiziell more specifically means not officially authorized or recognized.

Other meanings

  • unofficialadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • Informalitätinformalitynoun
  • informalisiereninformalizeverb

Word lists with this word