bilden
Translation
to form, to create, to educate, to constitute
Examples
Die Kinder bilden einen Kreis.
The children form a circle.
Diese Bücher bilden den Geist.
These books educate the mind.
Wir müssen uns eine Meinung bilden.
We have to form an opinion.
Zehn Mitglieder bilden das Komitee.
Ten members constitute the committee.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to form/constitute (sth.) The students form a line.
sich ((sth.)) to form (an opinion, etc.) for oneself I have to form an opinion first.
sich bilden to educate oneself He educated himself on his travels.
Similar Words
Etymology
Related to the noun 'das Bild' (picture, image). From the idea of 'making' an image or shape, it developed meanings of 'to form' and 'to educate'.
Memory Tips
It sounds similar to the English word 'build'. Think of 'building' a shape or 'building' your mind through education.