Informell

Informell is an adjective used in several Germanic languages to describe things that do not adhere to formal rules, structures, or procedures. It conveys a relaxed, unofficial, or unconstrained character and is often contrasted with formell, meaning formal. The term is commonly applied to dress, language, meetings, and organizational practices, as well as to social interactions and norms.

In usage, informell describes settings or styles that are casual or not bound by ceremonial procedures. Examples include informelles Treffen (an informal meeting), informelle Sprache (informal language), and informell gekleidete Kleidung (informally dressed). It can also refer to processes or relationships that operate without formal rules or extensive documentation, such as informal networks or informelle Entscheidungswege (informal decision paths). In economics, the term appears in the concept of the informal sector, referring to activities and livelihoods not registered or regulated by formal authorities.

Across languages, informell has close parallels to the English informal and is used similarly in German, Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian, and related tongues. Etymologically, these forms are cognate with informal in English and share a modern, standardized usage to distinguish less formal practices from formal ones. See also formell, informal language, informal sector, informal dress code.