At the A1 beginner level, the phrase 'conforme a' is generally considered too advanced and formal for everyday basic communication. Beginners are usually taught the much simpler word 'según' to express the idea of 'according to'. However, it is beneficial for A1 learners to recognize 'conforme a' as a fixed vocabulary chunk. You do not need to worry about the complex grammar behind it yet. Just memorize that when you see 'conforme a' in a sign, a notice, or a simple formal text, it means 'following the rules' or 'according to'. For example, if you see a sign that says 'Actúe conforme a las reglas' (Act according to the rules), you understand the basic instruction. At this stage, focus on building your core vocabulary with words like 'según' (according to) and 'regla' (rule). Do not try to use 'conforme a' in your own speaking or writing yet, as it might sound unnatural mixed with beginner-level grammar. Instead, treat it as a passive vocabulary word. When you encounter it, simply translate it in your head as 'according to' and move on. The most important thing for an A1 learner is to realize that 'conforme' here is not an adjective describing how someone feels (like being comfortable or satisfied), but rather part of a strict two-word phrase 'conforme a' that points to a rule, a law, or a plan. Recognizing this chunk will help you read simple public notices or instructions in Spanish-speaking countries without getting confused by the word 'conforme'. Just remember: 'conforme a' = 'according to'.
As you progress to the A2 level, you start encountering more varied texts, including simple instructions, workplace notices, and basic news articles. At this stage, 'conforme a' becomes a more important phrase to understand passively and perhaps begin using in very controlled, formal writing exercises. You should understand that 'conforme a' is a more formal and serious way of saying 'según' (according to). While you will still primarily use 'según' in your daily conversations (e.g., 'según mi amigo' - according to my friend), you will start seeing 'conforme a' in sentences related to rules and agreements. For example, 'El trabajo se hizo conforme a las instrucciones' (The work was done according to the instructions). A crucial grammatical point to grasp at the A2 level is that 'conforme a' never changes. It is a fixed phrase. Even if you are talking about plural things, like 'las leyes' (the laws), you still say 'conforme a las leyes', never 'conformes a'. It does not act like a normal adjective that needs to match gender and number. This invariability makes it relatively easy to use once you remember the rule. You can start practicing it when writing formal emails or describing how a process should be done. For instance, if you are describing a recipe or a manual, you might write 'mezcle los ingredientes conforme a la receta' (mix the ingredients according to the recipe). It adds a nice touch of formality to your Spanish, showing that you are beginning to understand the difference between casual spoken language and more formal written instructions.
At the B1 intermediate level, 'conforme a' becomes an active and essential part of your vocabulary. You are now expected to navigate professional environments, understand clear factual information, and express yourself in a moderately formal register when necessary. 'Conforme a' is the perfect tool for these situations. It translates to 'in accordance with' or 'compliant with' and is used to show that an action strictly follows a rule, law, plan, or agreement. You should confidently use it in business emails, formal presentations, and when discussing regulations. For example, 'El proyecto fue diseñado conforme a los requisitos del cliente' (The project was designed in accordance with the client's requirements). At this level, you must clearly distinguish between 'conforme a' (according to a rule) and 'estar conforme con' (to be satisfied/in agreement with a situation). Mixing these up is a common B1 mistake. You should also be comfortable using the structure 'conforme a lo + participle', such as 'conforme a lo planeado' (according to what was planned) or 'conforme a lo establecido' (according to what was established). This structure is incredibly common in professional Spanish and will make your writing sound much more natural and sophisticated. You should also recognize that while 'según' is still perfectly fine, using 'conforme a' in the right context demonstrates a higher level of language mastery and an awareness of register. Practice using it when summarizing rules, explaining procedures, or justifying actions based on official guidelines. It is a key phrase for sounding professional and competent in Spanish.
At the B2 upper-intermediate level, your use of 'conforme a' should be precise, natural, and stylistically appropriate. You are now dealing with abstract concepts, complex texts, and professional or academic discussions. 'Conforme a' is indispensable in these domains. You should use it to articulate compliance, legal adherence, and methodological alignment. For instance, in an academic essay, you might write, 'Los datos fueron interpretados conforme a la teoría de la relatividad' (The data were interpreted in accordance with the theory of relativity). In a business context, you should effortlessly produce sentences like, 'Procederemos a la cancelación del servicio conforme a las cláusulas estipuladas en el contrato' (We will proceed with the cancellation of the service in accordance with the clauses stipulated in the contract). At the B2 level, you are expected to know the synonyms and when to use them. You should seamlessly switch between 'conforme a', 'de acuerdo con', and 'según' depending on the exact nuance and formality required. You must also be fully aware of the syntactic flexibility of the phrase, knowing that you can front it for emphasis: 'Conforme a la nueva legislación, las empresas deben reducir sus emisiones' (In accordance with the new legislation, companies must reduce their emissions). Furthermore, you should never make the mistake of pluralizing 'conforme' in this context, and you should easily distinguish it from the conjunction 'conforme' (meaning 'as' or 'while' followed by a conjugated verb). Mastery of 'conforme a' at this level demonstrates your ability to handle the formal, administrative, and professional registers of the Spanish language with confidence and accuracy.
At the C1 advanced level, your command of 'conforme a' should be near-native, characterized by a deep understanding of its pragmatic and sociolinguistic nuances. You are not just using it correctly; you are using it strategically to establish authority, cite regulatory frameworks, and construct rigorous, formal arguments. In legal, academic, or highly formal corporate writing, 'conforme a' is your primary tool for indicating strict statutory or methodological compliance. You should be comfortable integrating it into complex syntactic structures, such as 'La resolución fue adoptada conforme a los principios rectores del derecho internacional' (The resolution was adopted in accordance with the guiding principles of international law). At this level, you should also be familiar with even more elevated or specialized synonyms, such as 'a tenor de' or 'con arreglo a', and know exactly when to deploy them for stylistic variation. You understand that 'conforme a' carries a heavier semantic weight of 'compliance' and 'binding agreement' than the more neutral 'de acuerdo con'. You can also detect and correct subtle errors made by others, such as the incorrect use of 'en base a' (an anglicism) when 'conforme a' or 'con base en' would be the prescriptively correct choice. Your use of 'conforme a lo + [participle]' (e.g., 'conforme a lo preceptuado') should be fluid and frequent in formal correspondence. Ultimately, at the C1 level, 'conforme a' is an integral part of your advanced rhetorical toolkit, allowing you to navigate the most demanding and formal communicative contexts in the Spanish-speaking world with absolute precision and stylistic elegance.
At the C2 mastery level, your understanding of 'conforme a' encompasses its historical evolution, its precise syntactic categorization, and its subtle stylistic implications across different dialects and literary traditions. You recognize it as a fully grammaticalized prepositional locution, completely divorced from its adjectival origins when used in this specific syntactic environment. You are capable of analyzing its usage in classic literature, dense legal treatises, and complex philosophical texts. You understand that in the highest registers of legal Spanish (el lenguaje jurídico), 'conforme a derecho' is a fixed, almost sacred phrase denoting absolute legal validity. You can effortlessly manipulate the phrase within highly complex, multi-clause sentences without losing syntactic coherence. For example: 'El tribunal, habiendo examinado las pruebas presentadas y conforme a lo dispuesto en el artículo 45 del código penal, falla a favor del demandante.' You are also acutely aware of the rhythmic and rhetorical impact of placing 'conforme a' at different points in a sentence to shift focus or build an argument. At this level of proficiency, you not only use the phrase flawlessly but can also articulate why it is the optimal choice over its synonyms ('según', 'de acuerdo con', 'a tenor de', 'con arreglo a') in any given micro-context, taking into account factors like euphony, historical precedent, and the specific dialectal preferences of the target audience (e.g., knowing that 'con arreglo a' might be slightly more favored in peninsular administrative texts). Your mastery is absolute, reflecting a profound, native-like intuition for the formal architecture of the Spanish language.

conforme a in 30 Sekunden

  • Means 'according to' or 'in accordance with'.
  • Highly formal, used in legal and business contexts.
  • Never changes form (no plural 's' or feminine 'a').
  • Must always be followed by a noun or infinitive.
The Spanish expression 'conforme a' is a highly versatile and formal prepositional phrase that translates directly to 'according to', 'in accordance with', or 'compliant with' in English. Although sometimes mistakenly categorized by learners as a noun or a simple adjective due to its appearance, it functions grammatically as a 'locución preposicional' (prepositional phrase). This means it acts as a single, invariable unit that links elements in a sentence, establishing a relationship of strict conformity, agreement, or adherence between an action and a specific set of rules, expectations, or standards.
Grammatical Function
It serves to introduce the standard or rule that is being followed, remaining completely invariable in gender and number regardless of the nouns it connects.
When you use 'conforme a', you are explicitly stating that something is being done exactly as prescribed by an external authority or document. It is essential to understand that 'conforme' in this specific context does not function as an adjective that changes based on gender or number; it remains completely invariable.

El comité tomó la decisión conforme a las reglas establecidas.

For example, you would say 'las decisiones fueron tomadas conforme a la ley' and never 'conformes a la ley'. This strict invariability is a hallmark of its grammaticalization into a prepositional phrase over centuries of linguistic evolution. The usage of this phrase significantly elevates the register of your Spanish, moving it from casual, everyday speech to a much more educated, professional, or legal tone. In everyday conversation, native speakers might prefer simpler alternatives like 'según' or 'de acuerdo con', but 'conforme a' is absolutely indispensable when discussing contracts, legal frameworks, corporate policies, or official government guidelines.

Todo se realizó conforme a lo planeado desde el principio.

Understanding the deep semantic nuance of this phrase allows learners to navigate complex texts and formal environments with absolute confidence and precision. Furthermore, the preposition 'a' is strictly required here to connect the concept of conformity to the noun that follows.
Semantic Nuance
Unlike 'según', which can just mean 'as stated by', 'conforme a' implies a strict adherence and compliance to a rule or standard.
Omitting the 'a' or replacing it with 'con' (as in 'conforme con') changes the meaning entirely, shifting the focus from 'in accordance with a rule' to 'satisfied with a situation or outcome'.

El edificio fue construido conforme a los planos originales del arquitecto.

Therefore, mastering 'conforme a' is a critical step for intermediate and advanced learners who wish to achieve native-like precision in their formal communication. The phrase is deeply embedded in the administrative and bureaucratic language of all Spanish-speaking countries. Whether you are reading a rental agreement in Madrid, reviewing a business contract in Mexico City, or listening to a formal news broadcast in Buenos Aires, 'conforme a' will appear frequently.

Actuaremos conforme a derecho en todo momento.

It bridges the gap between mere action and justified action, providing the legal or moral backing for why something was done in a specific manner.
Register
Highly formal, predominantly used in written texts, legal documents, official statements, and academic literature.

El pago se efectuará conforme a las condiciones del contrato.

By integrating this phrase into your active vocabulary, you demonstrate a sophisticated grasp of Spanish syntax and an appreciation for the nuances of formal discourse, ensuring your communication is both accurate and contextually appropriate.
Using 'conforme a' correctly requires an understanding of its syntactic environment and the types of nouns it typically precedes. As a prepositional phrase, it must always be followed by a noun, a pronoun, or an infinitive verb that functions as a noun.
Syntax Rule 1
Always follow 'conforme a' with a nominal element: a noun phrase, a pronoun, or an infinitive. Never follow it directly with a conjugated verb.
The most common structure is 'Verb + conforme a + Noun Phrase'. For instance, in the sentence 'El juez dictó sentencia conforme a la ley', the verb 'dictó' is modified by the phrase 'conforme a la ley', explaining the manner or basis of the action.

El proyecto fue evaluado conforme a los criterios de calidad.

It is crucial to maintain the invariability of 'conforme'. Many learners, especially those whose native languages feature extensive agreement rules, feel tempted to pluralize it when the subject or the object is plural. This is a critical error. You must say 'Los estudiantes actuaron conforme a las instrucciones' and never 'conformes a'. The phrase acts as an adverbial modifier of manner or standard.

Procederemos conforme a lo estipulado en el artículo cuarto.

Another common usage pattern involves the neuter article 'lo' followed by a participle, such as 'conforme a lo establecido' (according to what has been established) or 'conforme a lo acordado' (according to what was agreed).
Syntax Rule 2
Using 'conforme a lo + participle' is one of the most natural and frequent ways to refer to previous agreements or established rules in formal Spanish.
This structure is incredibly frequent in business correspondence and legal documentation.

Se realizó el descuento conforme a lo pactado.

When constructing sentences, 'conforme a' can be placed at the beginning of the sentence for emphasis, though it more commonly appears in the predicate. If placed at the beginning, it is usually followed by a comma: 'Conforme a la nueva normativa, todos deben usar casco'. This flexibility in sentence placement allows writers to control the flow of information and highlight the regulatory basis of their statements.

Conforme a sus deseos, la ceremonia será privada.

It is also important to note the difference between 'conforme a' and 'conforme' used as a conjunction meaning 'as' or 'while' (e.g., 'Conforme pasaba el tiempo, me sentía mejor').
Distinction
Do not confuse the prepositional phrase 'conforme a' (according to) with the conjunction 'conforme' (as/while) which is followed by a conjugated verb.
In the conjunction usage, there is no 'a', and it is followed by a conjugated verb, indicating simultaneous progression. By keeping these distinct structures clear in your mind, you will avoid syntactic confusion and ensure your formal Spanish is impeccable, authoritative, and grammatically flawless across all professional contexts.

Los fondos serán distribuidos conforme a las necesidades de cada departamento.

The phrase 'conforme a' is deeply embedded in specific communicative domains within the Spanish-speaking world, primarily those that demand a high level of formality, precision, and adherence to established protocols. You are most likely to encounter this expression in legal documents, administrative texts, corporate communications, and formal journalism.
Legal Contexts
In contracts, laws, and judicial rulings, this phrase is the standard way to indicate that an action complies with legal statutes.
If you sign a lease agreement in Spain or a work contract in Colombia, you will undoubtedly see clauses stating that certain actions must be taken 'conforme a la ley' or 'conforme a lo dispuesto en el presente contrato'.

El contrato fue rescindido conforme a la cláusula octava.

Beyond the strict legal sphere, it is widely used in corporate environments. Human resources departments use it when outlining company policies, stating that employee behavior must be 'conforme a las normas de la empresa'. In journalism, particularly in hard news reporting concerning government actions, police reports, or institutional decisions, reporters frequently use 'conforme a' to attribute actions to official guidelines or statements.

Las elecciones se desarrollaron conforme a la constitución.

For example, a news anchor might report that a suspect was detained 'conforme a los protocolos de seguridad'.
Academic Writing
Scholars use it to show alignment with theories, methodologies, or previous research findings.
In academic writing, university students and researchers use it to demonstrate that their methodology aligns with established scientific standards: 'El experimento se realizó conforme a la metodología de Smith'.

Los datos fueron analizados conforme a los estándares internacionales.

You will also hear it in formal public addresses, such as speeches by politicians or institutional leaders, where projecting an image of order and compliance is paramount. Interestingly, while it is rare in casual, everyday banter among friends (where 'según' is the undisputed king), it does occasionally surface in spoken Spanish when a speaker wants to emphasize that they did exactly what they were told to do, adding a layer of defensive justification.

Yo actué conforme a tus instrucciones, no es mi culpa.

However, its natural habitat remains the written word and the formal spoken register.
Religious Texts
It is frequently found in religious scriptures and liturgy to denote living or acting in accordance with divine will.
By recognizing these contexts, learners can better understand when it is appropriate to deploy this powerful phrase, ensuring their Spanish sounds not only grammatically correct but also culturally and contextually authentic.

Vivían conforme a los mandamientos de su fe.

When learning to use 'conforme a', students frequently encounter a few specific pitfalls that can disrupt the grammatical harmony of their sentences. The most prevalent mistake is attempting to make 'conforme' agree in gender or number with the nouns around it.
The Agreement Error
Because 'conforme' looks like an adjective, learners often add an 's' when referring to plural subjects. This is incorrect when it is part of the prepositional phrase.
For example, a learner might write 'Las reglas fueron aplicadas *conformes a* la ley'. This is grammatically incorrect. Because 'conforme a' functions as an invariable prepositional phrase, it must remain exactly as 'conforme a', resulting in the correct sentence: 'Las reglas fueron aplicadas conforme a la ley'.

Ellos trabajaron conforme a las directrices. (Correct)

Another significant error involves swapping the preposition 'a' for 'con'. While 'estar conforme con' is a valid Spanish expression, it means 'to be satisfied with' or 'to be in agreement with' (e.g., 'Estoy conforme con mi salario'). If you want to say 'according to the law', you must use 'conforme a la ley', not '*conforme con la ley'.

El producto fue fabricado conforme a las normas ISO. (Correct)

A third common mistake is overusing the phrase in informal contexts. Because learners often learn 'conforme a' as a direct translation of 'according to', they might use it in casual speech where it sounds unnaturally stiff.
Register Mismatch
Using 'conforme a' to say 'according to my mom' sounds absurdly formal. Use 'según' for people and casual situations.
Saying 'Conforme a mi hermano, la película es buena' is grammatically permissible but stylistically very awkward; 'Según mi hermano' is the natural choice.

El evento se canceló conforme a las recomendaciones del clima. (Correct, formal)

Furthermore, learners sometimes confuse 'conforme a' with the conjunction 'conforme', which means 'as' or 'while' and is followed by a conjugated verb. For example, 'Conforme a pasaba el tiempo' is a severe syntactic error; it should be 'Conforme pasaba el tiempo'.

Se evaluará a los candidatos conforme a su experiencia. (Correct)

Finally, some English speakers try to translate 'in accordance to' directly, leading to awkward phrasing.
Preposition Drop
Never drop the 'a'. 'Conforme la ley' is incorrect; the 'a' is the vital link in the prepositional phrase.
By being mindful of these common errors—maintaining invariability, using the correct preposition 'a', matching the formal register, and distinguishing it from the conjunction form—learners can master this sophisticated expression and use it flawlessly.

Todo se resolvió conforme a derecho. (Correct)

The Spanish language offers a rich variety of expressions to convey the idea of 'according to' or 'in accordance with', each with its own subtle nuances and preferred contexts. Understanding these alternatives is key to developing a dynamic and precise vocabulary.
Según
The most common and versatile translation for 'according to'. It is used in all registers, from highly informal to formal, and is the go-to word when citing a person's opinion.
While 'conforme a' implies strict adherence to a rule, 'según' simply attributes information to a source.

Lo hicimos conforme a las reglas, no según su opinión.

Another very close synonym is 'de acuerdo con'. This phrase is slightly less rigid than 'conforme a' but more formal than 'según'. It is widely used in both spoken and written Spanish to indicate alignment or agreement with a text, a rule, or a person. You will often see 'de acuerdo con la ley' used interchangeably with 'conforme a la ley' in journalistic texts.

El fallo fue emitido conforme a los precedentes legales.

A more specialized synonym is 'a tenor de'. This is an extremely formal, almost exclusively legal or literary expression that means 'in accordance with the exact wording or spirit of'.
A tenor de
Highly formal and legalistic. Use this only in advanced academic writing or legal documents to mean 'in light of' or 'according to the letter of'.
It is a step above 'conforme a' in terms of formality.

Se procedió conforme a lo estipulado en el manual.

You might also encounter 'en función de', which translates more closely to 'depending on' or 'based on'. While it shares the idea of one thing being contingent on another, it lacks the strict sense of 'compliance' that 'conforme a' carries. 'Con arreglo a' is another excellent synonym, very common in Spain, particularly in administrative language. It means exactly the same as 'conforme a' and is used in identical syntactic structures.

La multa se calculó conforme a la gravedad de la infracción.

By mastering this spectrum of synonyms—from the everyday 'según' to the standard 'de acuerdo con', the formal 'conforme a', and the highly specialized 'a tenor de'—you equip yourself with the stylistic flexibility needed to express yourself accurately across any social or professional context in the Spanish-speaking world.
Con arreglo a
A perfect synonym for 'conforme a', frequently used in Spain's legal and administrative documents.

Todo se hizo conforme a la voluntad del difunto.

How Formal Is It?

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Wichtige Grammatik

Prepositional phrases (Locuciones preposicionales)

Invariable words in Spanish

Formal vs. Informal register

The neuter article 'lo' (lo establecido, lo planeado)

Adverbial modifiers of manner

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

El juego es conforme a las reglas.

The game is according to the rules.

Used simply to mean 'following the rules'.

2

Actúa conforme a la ley.

Act according to the law.

A basic imperative sentence using the phrase.

3

Todo está conforme a lo planeado.

Everything is according to plan.

Introduces 'lo planeado' (what was planned).

4

El color es conforme a la foto.

The color is according to the photo.

Simple comparison to a standard.

5

Trabajo conforme a mi horario.

I work according to my schedule.

Linking an action to a personal rule/schedule.

6

El precio es conforme a la etiqueta.

The price is according to the tag.

Basic statement of fact.

7

Cocino conforme a la receta.

I cook according to the recipe.

Action following a set of instructions.

8

El tren sale conforme a la hora.

The train leaves according to the time.

Simple expression of schedule adherence.

1

Hicimos el trabajo conforme a tus instrucciones.

We did the work according to your instructions.

Used with plural noun 'instrucciones', but 'conforme' remains singular.

2

El vestido fue hecho conforme a sus medidas.

The dress was made according to her measurements.

Passive voice construction with the phrase.

3

Pagamos el alquiler conforme al contrato.

We pay the rent according to the contract.

Note the contraction 'a + el = al'.

4

Los estudiantes actuaron conforme a las normas de la escuela.

The students acted according to the school rules.

Connecting behavior to institutional rules.

5

El evento se organizó conforme a lo previsto.

The event was organized according to what was foreseen.

Using 'lo previsto' (what was foreseen/planned).

6

Construyeron la casa conforme a los planos.

They built the house according to the plans.

Action verb followed by the prepositional phrase.

7

El medicamento debe tomarse conforme a la receta médica.

The medicine must be taken according to the medical prescription.

Used in a formal instruction.

8

Todo funciona conforme al manual del usuario.

Everything works according to the user manual.

Expressing proper function based on a guide.

1

La empresa opera estrictamente conforme a la legislación vigente.

The company operates strictly in accordance with current legislation.

Adding an adverb 'estrictamente' before the phrase.

2

Conforme a lo acordado en la reunión, enviaremos el informe mañana.

In accordance with what was agreed in the meeting, we will send the report tomorrow.

Fronting the phrase for emphasis at the beginning of the sentence.

3

El juez dictó la sentencia conforme a derecho.

The judge handed down the sentence in accordance with the law.

'Conforme a derecho' is a fixed legal collocation.

4

Los fondos serán distribuidos conforme a las necesidades de cada departamento.

The funds will be distributed according to the needs of each department.

Used in a passive sentence describing future actions.

5

El software fue actualizado conforme a los nuevos estándares de seguridad.

The software was updated in compliance with the new security standards.

Expressing compliance with technical standards.

6

Debemos proceder conforme a las políticas de la empresa para evitar sanciones.

We must proceed in accordance with company policies to avoid penalties.

Used to justify an action to avoid negative consequences.

7

El reembolso se procesará conforme a nuestros términos y condiciones.

The refund will be processed according to our terms and conditions.

Common usage in customer service and e-commerce.

8

El comité evaluó las propuestas conforme a criterios muy rigurosos.

The committee evaluated the proposals according to very rigorous criteria.

Linking an evaluation process to specific criteria.

1

La rescisión del contrato se efectuó conforme a la cláusula de incumplimiento.

The termination of the contract was carried out in accordance with the breach clause.

Highly formal business/legal vocabulary.

2

Conforme a lo estipulado por la junta directiva, se congelarán las contrataciones.

In accordance with what was stipulated by the board of directors, hiring will be frozen.

Using 'lo estipulado' to refer to a formal mandate.

3

El diseño arquitectónico se modificó conforme a las exigencias del ayuntamiento.

The architectural design was modified in compliance with the city council's demands.

Expressing compliance with external authority demands.

4

Los resultados del ensayo clínico fueron analizados conforme a la metodología doble ciego.

The results of the clinical trial were analyzed according to the double-blind methodology.

Academic/scientific context specifying methodology.

5

Toda la documentación ha sido archivada conforme a los protocolos de confidencialidad.

All documentation has been archived in accordance with confidentiality protocols.

Corporate context regarding data handling.

6

El auditor verificó que las cuentas se llevaran conforme a las normas contables internacionales.

The auditor verified that the accounts were kept in accordance with international accounting standards.

Financial context expressing regulatory compliance.

7

El despido fue declarado improcedente por no haberse realizado conforme a la ley laboral.

The dismissal was declared unfair because it was not carried out in accordance with labor law.

Complex sentence structure involving a negative infinitive phrase.

8

Conforme a su solicitud, adjuntamos el desglose detallado de la factura.

Per your request, we have attached the detailed breakdown of the invoice.

Standard formal correspondence opening.

1

La enmienda constitucional fue ratificada conforme a los preceptos establecidos en la carta magna.

The constitutional amendment was ratified in accordance with the precepts established in the magna carta.

Elevated legal and political discourse.

2

El fallo del tribunal supremo se emitió conforme a la jurisprudencia sentada en casos análogos.

The supreme court's ruling was issued in accordance with the jurisprudence established in analogous cases.

Advanced legal terminology ('jurisprudencia sentada').

3

Conforme a lo preceptuado en el artículo tercero, se deniega la petición de asilo.

In accordance with the provisions of article three, the asylum request is denied.

Using 'lo preceptuado', a highly formal synonym for 'lo establecido'.

4

La expropiación de los terrenos se llevó a cabo conforme a derecho, mediando la justa indemnización.

The expropriation of the lands was carried out in accordance with the law, with fair compensation mediating.

Complex legal phrasing with an absolute participial clause ('mediando...').

5

El tratado bilateral fue redactado conforme a los principios rectores de la diplomacia internacional.

The bilateral treaty was drafted in accordance with the guiding principles of international diplomacy.

Formal international relations context.

6

La adjudicación de la licitación pública se resolvió conforme a criterios de máxima transparencia.

The awarding of the public tender was resolved in accordance with criteria of maximum transparency.

Administrative and bureaucratic language.

7

El autor estructura su argumentación conforme a los postulados del existencialismo sartreano.

The author structures his argumentation in accordance with the postulates of Sartrean existentialism.

Academic and literary criticism context.

8

Cualquier controversia derivada del presente acuerdo será dirimida conforme a las leyes del Estado de Nueva York.

Any controversy arising from this agreement shall be settled in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

Standard boilerplate language in international contracts.

1

El monarca abdicó la corona conforme a las inveteradas costumbres de la dinastía.

The monarch abdicated the crown in accordance with the inveterate customs of the dynasty.

Highly literary and historical register ('inveteradas').

2

La hermenéutica del texto sagrado debe realizarse conforme a la tradición exegética de los padres de la Iglesia.

The hermeneutics of the sacred text must be carried out in accordance with the exegetical tradition of the Church fathers.

Theological and highly specialized academic discourse.

3

Conforme a lo estatuido en los fueros medievales, la villa conservaba su autonomía fiscal.

In accordance with what was established in the medieval charters, the town retained its fiscal autonomy.

Historical legal terminology ('lo estatuido', 'fueros').

4

El silogismo se despliega conforme a las estrictas reglas de la lógica aristotélica, sin incurrir en falacia alguna.

The syllogism unfolds in accordance with the strict rules of Aristotelian logic, without incurring any fallacy.

Philosophical and logical argumentation.

5

La métrica del poema fluye conforme a los cánones del endecasílabo renacentista.

The meter of the poem flows in accordance with the canons of the Renaissance hendecasyllable.

Literary analysis and poetic theory.

6

El laudo arbitral fue impugnado por no haberse dictado conforme a la equidad, sino en estricto derecho.

The arbitral award was challenged for not having been issued in accordance with equity, but in strict law.

Advanced legal distinction between 'equidad' and 'estricto derecho'.

7

La sinfonía se desarrolla conforme a una estructura contrapuntística de inusitada complejidad.

The symphony develops in accordance with a contrapuntal structure of unusual complexity.

Musicology and advanced arts criticism.

8

Actuó, en todo momento, conforme a los dictados de su insobornable conciencia moral.

He acted, at all times, in accordance with the dictates of his incorruptible moral conscience.

Elevated literary description of character and ethics.

Häufige Kollokationen

conforme a la ley
conforme a derecho
conforme a lo establecido
conforme a lo dispuesto
conforme a las normas
conforme a las reglas
conforme a lo previsto
conforme a lo acordado
conforme a las instrucciones
conforme a su solicitud

Wird oft verwechselt mit

conforme a vs según

conforme a vs conforme (conjunction)

conforme a vs estar conforme con

Leicht verwechselbar

conforme a vs

conforme a vs

conforme a vs

conforme a vs

conforme a vs

Satzmuster

So verwendest du es

note

While 'conforme' can be an adjective (meaning satisfied: 'Estoy conforme'), when followed by 'a', it loses its adjectival properties and becomes a fixed prepositional phrase. Do not confuse 'conforme a' (according to) with 'conforme con' (satisfied with).

Häufige Fehler
  • Writing 'conformes a' when referring to plural nouns.
  • Using 'conforme con' when meaning 'according to'.
  • Dropping the preposition 'a' and saying 'conforme la ley'.
  • Using 'conforme a' for casual opinions (e.g., 'conforme a mi amigo').
  • Confusing the prepositional phrase 'conforme a' with the conjunction 'conforme' (which means 'as' and takes a conjugated verb).

Tipps

Never Pluralize

Treat 'conforme a' as a single, unbreakable word. Do not add an 's' to 'conforme' even if the subject or object is plural. It is always 'conforme a las leyes', never 'conformes a'.

The Business Email Hack

Start your formal emails with 'Conforme a lo conversado...' (As discussed...). It instantly makes you sound professional, fluent, and polite in a corporate setting.

Rule of Thumb

If the noun following the phrase is a rule, law, contract, or plan, 'conforme a' is the perfect choice. If it's a person or a casual opinion, stick to 'según'.

Don't Drop the 'A'

The 'a' is not optional. Saying 'conforme la ley' is a grammatical error. The preposition 'a' is what connects the concept of conformity to the actual rule.

Conforme A vs. Conforme Con

Memorize this: 'Conforme a' = according to a rule. 'Estar conforme con' = to be happy/satisfied with a result or situation.

Elevate Your Essays

If you are taking the DELE or SIELE exam, use 'conforme a' in the formal writing task instead of 'según'. It demonstrates a higher level of vocabulary and register awareness.

Master 'Lo + Participle'

Practice the 'conforme a lo + [participle]' structure. Phrases like 'conforme a lo previsto' (as foreseen) or 'conforme a lo establecido' (as established) are incredibly useful.

Legal Texts

When reading contracts in Spanish, highlight every instance of 'conforme a'. It will help you quickly identify the clauses that dictate the rules you must follow.

Pronunciation Flow

Don't pause between 'conforme' and 'a'. Link them together smoothly: /kon-for-mea/. This connected speech sounds much more native.

Avoid 'En base a'

Many native speakers say 'en base a', but it's technically incorrect. Replace it in your formal writing with 'conforme a' or 'con base en' to be grammatically flawless.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'CONFORMing to A rule'. The phrase literally means to conform to something.

Wortherkunft

From Latin 'conformis' (similar, like), composed of 'con-' (together) and 'forma' (shape), plus the Spanish preposition 'a' (to).

Kultureller Kontext

Frequently used in administrative language, sometimes interchangeably with 'con arreglo a'.

Universally understood and used in all formal, legal, and business contexts across the continent.

It is a staple of formal email etiquette, often used in the opening line: 'Conforme a su solicitud...' (Per your request...).

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Gesprächseinstiege

"¿Crees que la empresa actuó conforme a la ley en este caso?"

"Conforme a tu experiencia, ¿cuál es la mejor manera de resolver esto?"

"¿Se evaluaron los proyectos conforme a los criterios establecidos?"

"Todo salió conforme a lo planeado, ¿verdad?"

"¿Estás seguro de que este contrato está redactado conforme a derecho?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Describe a time when you had to act 'conforme a las reglas' even though you didn't want to.

Write a formal email canceling a subscription 'conforme a las políticas de la empresa'.

Explain how a process in your job must be done 'conforme a' specific standards.

Discuss a recent news event where someone did not act 'conforme a la ley'.

Write a short set of rules for a game, using 'conforme a' to explain how to win.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, absolutely not. When used in the phrase 'conforme a' meaning 'according to', it functions as a prepositional phrase. Prepositions in Spanish are invariable. Therefore, you must say 'conforme a las reglas', never 'conformes a las reglas'. This is one of the most common mistakes learners make.

'Según' is the general, everyday word for 'according to' and can be used in any context, formal or informal. 'Conforme a' is highly formal and specifically implies strict compliance or adherence to a rule, law, or standard. You would say 'según mi madre' (according to my mom), but 'conforme a la ley' (according to the law).

No, that changes the meaning. 'Conforme a' means 'according to' or 'in compliance with'. 'Estar conforme con' means 'to be satisfied with' or 'to agree with' a situation. So, 'actuar conforme a la ley' means to act according to the law, while 'estoy conforme con la ley' means I am happy/satisfied with the law.

While you will hear 'en base a' in spoken Spanish, the Real Academia Española (RAE) considers it an incorrect anglicism (a translation of 'based on'). It is much better to use 'con base en', 'sobre la base de', or 'conforme a' in formal writing to ensure grammatical correctness.

The structure 'conforme a lo + [participle]' is extremely common and useful. The neuter article 'lo' turns the participle into a noun phrase meaning 'that which was...'. For example, 'conforme a lo planeado' means 'according to that which was planned' (according to plan). It is a staple of business Spanish.

Yes, fronting the phrase is very common and serves to emphasize the rule or authority before stating the action. For example: 'Conforme a la nueva política, no se permiten devoluciones.' Always use a comma after the phrase when it is placed at the beginning of the sentence.

Yes, because it functions as a preposition, it must be followed by a nominal element. This can be a noun (conforme a la ley), a pronoun (conforme a ello), or an infinitive verb acting as a noun (conforme a lo de no fumar). It cannot be followed directly by a conjugated verb.

'Conforme a derecho' is a fixed legal idiom in Spanish. It translates to 'in accordance with the law' or 'legally valid'. It is used extensively by lawyers and judges to state that an action, decision, or contract perfectly respects the established legal framework.

Yes, but primarily in formal spoken Spanish, such as news broadcasts, political speeches, university lectures, or formal business meetings. In casual conversations with friends or family, native speakers almost exclusively use 'según' or 'de acuerdo con'.

Grammatically yes, but stylistically it sounds very strange. Saying 'Conforme a Juan, va a llover' sounds overly bureaucratic, as if Juan is a legal document. For people's opinions, always use 'según Juan' or 'de acuerdo con Juan'.

Teste dich selbst 180 Fragen

writing

Write a sentence stating that you act according to the rules.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'The project was done according to plan.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a formal email opening saying 'As discussed...'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'According to the law.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence using 'conforme al contrato'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'Everything is according to the instructions.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence stating a decision was made 'conforme a derecho'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'According to what was established.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence using 'conforme a las normas'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'The refund was processed according to our policies.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence starting with 'Conforme a la nueva ley...'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'According to your request.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence using 'conforme a los criterios'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'The building was constructed according to the plans.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence using 'conforme a lo previsto'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'According to the user manual.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence stating the software was updated 'conforme a los estándares'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'In accordance with the rules.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence using 'conforme a las exigencias'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'According to the current legislation.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'According to the law' in Spanish.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'According to plan' in Spanish.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'As discussed' for a formal email in Spanish.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'According to the rules' in Spanish.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'According to the contract' in Spanish.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'According to the instructions' in Spanish.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'According to what was established' in Spanish.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'According to your request' in Spanish.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'According to the norms' in Spanish.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'According to the manual' in Spanish.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'According to the criteria' in Spanish.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'According to the plans' in Spanish.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'According to the policies' in Spanish.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'According to the standards' in Spanish.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'According to the requirements' in Spanish.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'According to what was foreseen' in Spanish.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'According to the legislation' in Spanish.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'According to the protocol' in Spanish.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'According to the constitution' in Spanish.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Legally valid' (idiom) in Spanish.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and write: 'Actuamos conforme a la ley.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and write: 'Todo salió conforme a lo planeado.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and write: 'El pago se hizo conforme al contrato.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and write: 'Proceda conforme a las instrucciones.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and write: 'Conforme a su solicitud, adjunto el documento.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and write: 'El fallo fue conforme a derecho.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and write: 'Trabajamos conforme a las normas.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and write: 'El evento terminó conforme a lo previsto.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and write: 'Se resolvió conforme a lo establecido.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and write: 'Construyeron conforme a los planos.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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