formen
Translation
to form, to shape, to mould
Examples
Er formte den Ton zu einer Vase.
He shaped the clay into a vase.
Diese Erfahrung formte seinen Charakter.
This experience shaped his character.
Grammar Patterns
((et4)) ((zu+3)) to shape sth. into sth. Er formte den Ton zu einer Vase.
((et4)) ((aus+3)) to form sth. from sth. Sie formte eine Kugel aus dem Schnee.
((et4)) to shape sth. (figurative) Diese Erfahrung formte seinen Charakter.
Similar Words
Synonyms: gestalten (to design), bilden (to form/educate), prägen (to shape/coin)
Etymology
Derived from the noun 'die Form' (the form, shape).
Memory Tips
Directly related to the English verb 'to form'. To 'formen' something is to give it a 'Form'.