How to write proper German letters
Writing letters and emails in German isn't hard if you grasp the right structure and tone. This lesson systematizes a clear, practical approach that's enough for both study and basic work.
First step: decide which type of letter you are writing
- Informal letter: to friends and family.
- Formal letter: to institutions, superiors, partners, or schools.
- To write it well, the first thing isn't choosing pretty vocabulary but identifying the right form of address and level of formality.
The 5-part structure of a letter
- A greeting with the right tone.
- State the reason for writing right at the start.
- Present the main content clearly, one idea at a time.
- Close the letter with a wish, a request for a reply, or an appropriate good wish.
- Sign your full name.
Whether it's an informal or a formal letter, the most important thing is still a clear layout. A properly German-style letter usually gets straight to the reason for writing, presents it coherently, and wraps up neatly with a specific wish or request.
| Situation | Suggested opening | Suggested closing |
|---|---|---|
| Formal | Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren | Mit freundlichen Grüßen |
| Informal | Hallo / Liebe / Lieber | Viele Grüße / Bis bald |
Very useful phrases
- Vielen Dank für Ihren Brief / Ihre E-Mail...
- Ich schreibe Ihnen, um ...
- Es tut mir leid, dass ich so lange nicht geschrieben habe.
- Ich freue mich darauf, von Ihnen zu hören.
- Schreib mir bald zurück.
What's different about writing an email?
With email, the structure is almost the same as a handwritten letter. The biggest difference is that you should write a very clear Betreff so the recipient immediately understands the purpose of the message.
- Always write a subject line that clearly states the purpose, especially when writing to a school, an institution, or a partner.
- Don't skip the greeting and closing formula just because it's an email.
- If the email is a request or a complaint, keep it short but complete, and maintain a polite tone.
Mẹo học nhanh
In an exam or a work email, don't jump straight into the content. Always include a greeting, the reason for writing, a clear body, and an appropriate closing formula.