formmässig

Formmässig is a German adjective and, less commonly, an adverb used to describe something in relation to its form. The core sense is “in terms of form” or “according to the form,” often to indicate that the form matches a reference or standard while content or substance may be different. It is typical in technical, design, architectural, or scholarly writing when distinctions between form and content matter.

Orthography and regional variants: In standard German, the corresponding form is formmäßig (with ß). The spelling formmässig reflects Swiss German orthography or older orthographic practices. Despite the regional spelling, the meaning remains the same: a statement about form rather than about substance. Writers may choose formmässig to align with stylistic conventions or regional norms.

Usage and contrasts: Formmässig is commonly used in phrases such as formmässig identisch or formmässig erfüllt, to indicate that two objects have identical shapes or that a design adheres to a specified form. It is distinct from inhaltlich (content-related) and from formell (formal in the sense of procedure or officiality). Related terms include formgemäß (in accordance with the form) and formkonform (conforming to the form), which convey a stronger sense of compliance with a specified form.

Examples:

- Die beiden Bauteile sind formmässig identisch.

- Der Entwurf entspricht formmässig den Vorgaben.

See also: Form, -mäßig suffix, formgemäß, formkonform.