Writing good emails in German
Do you ever write emails in German? Then you know that it takes some time to get them right. Writing in German may be more difficult than writing in your own language. German business emails also require a suitable salutation, a clear structure and a polite closing.
Many learners also struggle with German cases. Which case should you use after a certain preposition, and how does it change the article or adjective? Our article ‘Six tips to help you understand German cases’ explains how the German cases work and gives you practical advice.
What else should you bear in mind when writing emails in German? How should you start and end your message? In this article, you will find practical tips, useful phrases and a complete example.
Tips for writing an email in German
1. Always address the person you are writing to politely and formally. Start with ‘Sie’ and change to ‘du’ only when the other person takes the initiative.
2. The word ‘bitte’ should never be left out of polite requests.
3. The first word following the comma after the salutation is written in lower case unless it is a noun.
4. There is no comma after the closing in German.
5. Structure your message by using appropriate connecting language and paragraphs.
6. Always check/proofread your emails before sending them.
Salutation
Formell/höflich:
Sehr geehrte Frau (Nachname),
Sehr geehrter Herr (Nachname),
Weniger formell:
Guten Tag, Frau/Herr (Nachname),
Liebe/r Frau/Herr (Nachname),
Informell:
Hallo Frau/Herr (Nachname,)
Hallo (Vorname),
Anrede für mehrere Personen
Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,
Reason for writing
- vielen Dank für Ihre E-Mail.
- es freut mich zu hören, dass …
- wie Sie wissen, …
- wie Sie sicherlich gelesen haben, …
- bei unserem letzten Telefongespräch/Termin haben wir über … gesprochen.
Objectives
- Könnten Sie …
- Es wäre nett, wenn Sie …
- Ich würde gerne …
- Wäre es möglich, …
- Ich schreibe Ihnen, weil …
- Ich hätte eine Fragen zu …
Conclusions
- Sollten Sie noch Fragen haben, nehmen Sie bitte Kontakt mit mir auf.
- Ich würde mich freuen, bald von Ihnen zu hören.
- Ich freue mich auf eine Antwort von Ihnen.
- Ich hoffe, schnell von Ihnen zu hören.
- Wir nehmen so schnell wie möglich Kontakt mit Ihnen auf.
- Gerne würde ich mit Ihnen einen Termin vereinbaren, um alles Weitere zu besprechen.
- Im Voraus vielen Dank für Ihre Mühe.
- Herzlichen Dank im Voraus.
Complimentary closes
Formell:
Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Mit freundlichem Gruß
informell:
Herzliche Grüße
Viele Grüße
Mit besten Grüßen
Example of an email
Sehr geehrte Frau Scholten,
vielen Dank für Ihre E-Mail. Ich freue mich, dass wir die Möglichkeit haben werden, uns kennen zu lernen.
Ich werde in der nächsten Woche in Köln sein und möchte Ihnen daher ein Treffen am Montag, dem 27.11.2018 am Vormittag vorschlagen.
Bitte schreiben Sie mir, ob Ihnen der Termin passt und welche genaue Zeit Ihnen recht wäre.Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Stefan Andersen
A good email is only the beginning
The phrases and tips in this article will help you write clear and professional emails in German. But business communication involves more than writing. You may also need to make a phone call, join a meeting or speak with German clients and colleagues.
In these situations, you need to understand German quickly and respond without having time to check every sentence. Good speaking and listening skills will help you communicate with more confidence.
Learn German with the Regina Coeli method
At Regina Coeli, you receive one-to-one training from native German speakers. Your personal programme is based on your current level, your goals and the situations in which you use German.
You practise realistic work situations, such as meetings, phone calls, negotiations and presentations. You also work on the grammar and vocabulary you need, including difficult subjects such as the German cases.
This combination of personal training, active speaking and practical exercises helps you use German more naturally and confidently. You can follow the programme at our language institute in Vught or online.
German for better contact with colleagues
Working at Thyssenkrupp’s headquarters in Germany one day a week, this participant wanted to feel more confident speaking German with colleagues. About the personal approach at Regina Coeli, they say:
“The course is very personalised, and the combination of repetition and new material is the optimal formula for me.”
Improve your business German
Would you like to communicate more confidently with German-speaking clients and colleagues?
Learn more about our German course
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