Writing a proper email in French
If your job involves being in touch with French speakers, odds are you will need to write emails at one point or another—in French: courrier électronique, message électronique or simply mail, It is, after all, a great way to send a message quickly. Other advantages to writing emails include being able to find the right words and think about the grammar, and being able to check your message again before sending it. Use the tips and standard sentences below to make it that much easier!
Would you also like to improve your French beyond email writing? Our article ‘Five practical tips to start learning French’ gives you simple advice to help you build your confidence and make a good start.
Tips for writing an email in French:
- Always address the recipient formally. Bear in mind that in France, people address each other more formally than many other cultures do. If your contact person switches to a more informal tone, feel free to follow their lead.
- Make sure your message is well-structured. This makes it clear for both you and for the reader.
- Use simple sentences and get right down to business.
- Always read through your emails again before sending them.
Standard sentences
Salutations
Formal:
Madame/ Monsieur (surname),
Neutral:
Chère Madame / Cher Monsieur (surname),
Bonjour (name),
Reasons for writing
I am writing (literally: addressing) you to…
Je m’adresse à vous pour…
I am writing (literally: addressing) you with the following question:
Je m’adresse à vous avec la question suivante:
I would like to ask you the following questions:
Je voudrais vous poser les questions suivantes:
I have taken the liberty of writing you to…
Je prends la liberté de vous écrire pour…
Thank you for your letter of (+date)…
Je vous remercie pour votre lettre du…
Objectives
I would like to ask you for some information…
J’aimerais vous demander quelques renseignements…
Would it be possible for you to send me…?
Vous serait-il possible de m’envoyer…?
Could you (please) give me an indication of the price?
Pourriez-vous m’indiquer le prix?
I would like to participate in...
J’aimerais participer à…
Could you please contact me on (telephone number)?
Pourriez-vous nous contacter au… (numéro de téléphone)?
Conclusions
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. (literally: We are at your disposal for any questions.)
Nous nous tenons à votre disposition pour toute question.
We hope that we were able to provide you with all the necessary information.
Nous espérons avoir pu vous fournir toutes les informations nécessaires.
We thank you for your request for proposal.
Nous vous remercions pour votre demande d’offre.
We will contact you as soon as possible.
Nous vous contacterons dans les plus brefs délais.
We would be grateful if you could send us your reply before (date).
Nous vous serions reconnaissant de bien vouloir nous faire parvenir votre réponse avant le (date).
We look forward to hearing from you and ask you, Sir, Madam, to accept our best regards.
Dans l’attente de votre réponse, nous vous prions d’agréer, Madame, Monsieur, nos salutations les meilleures.
We would like to make an appointment with you to discuss the possibilities.
Nous aimerions prendre rendez-vous avec vous pour discuter des possibilités.
Complimentary closes
Yours faithfully,
Salutations distinguées,
Sincerely yours,
Sincères salutations,
Meilleurs sentiments,
Bien à vous/toi,
Cordially,
(Bien) cordialement,
Best regards,
Meilleures salutations,
Writing a good email is only the first step
These tips and standard phrases will help you write a clear and professional email in French. But business communication is not limited to writing. You may also need to answer a phone call, join a meeting or speak to a French contact over lunch.
In those situations, you do not have time to search for the right words. You need to understand the other person and respond with confidence.
French for international communication
Marloes van der Laan, Communications Manager at Uber, wanted to speak with French journalists and better understand the French-language press. About her training at Regina Coeli, she says:
“Regina Coeli offers a very inspiring environment to learn in.”
Learn French with the Regina Coeli method
At Regina Coeli, you receive one-to-one training from native French speakers. Your programme is based on your level, your goals and the situations you face at work.
You practise realistic conversations, such as phone calls, meetings and presentations. You also work on the vocabulary and grammar you need. This personal approach helps you communicate more naturally and use French with greater confidence.
You can follow the training at our language institute in Vught or online.
Improve your business French
Would you like to communicate more confidently with French-speaking clients and colleagues?
Learn more about our French course
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