C1 noun /fɔːrˈmæl.ə.ti/
Formality
Formalität
Meaning
the rigid observance of rules of convention or etiquette; a thing done simply to comply with requirements
Example
The signing of the contract was just a formality; the deal was already agreed upon.
Die Unterzeichnung des Vertrags war nur eine Formalität; der Deal war bereits vereinbart.