Communicating in a non-native language can be quite difficult, especially when it comes to writing a text. Knowing how to start and end a letter in a foreign language is important, because it is a sign of familiarity with that language and culture. Like Italian, German also has standard phrases with which to end a letter. Continue reading this article to find out more about ending a correspondence in German.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Conclude Properly
Step 1. Write a friendly / polite sentence before the actual closing
You could thank the recipient for their time or wish to receive a reply soon (in a formal letter) or simply say that you miss that person a lot (in informal letters). Keep in mind that the first three sentences below are formal, while the last three are informal. Here are some suggestions for closing the letter:
- Ich bedanke mich bei Ihnen im Voraus (Thank you in advance).
- Ich würde mich freuen, bald von Ihnen zu hören (I hope to hear from you soon)
- Für weitere Auskünfte stehe ich Ihnen gerne zur Verfügung (If you need assistance please do not hesitate to contact me)
- Ich freue mich auf Deine Antwort (I can't wait to receive your answer)
- Bitte antworte mir bald (Please write me soon)
- Melde dich bald (Get in touch soon)
Step 2. Choose a formal closure if the tone of the letter is formal
Here is a list of the most common expressions. Remember that the first sentence should only be used on more formal occasions:
- Hochachtungsvoll (Sincerely,)
- Mit freundlichen Grüßen (In faith,)
- Mit besten Grüßen (Sincerely)
- Mit freundlichen Empfehlungen (Sincerely)
- Freundliche Grüße (Greetings)
Step 3. Choose an informal closure for the most intimate correspondence
The first three sentences are quite informal, while the last four are very:
- Freundliche Grüße (Greetings)
- Mit herzlichen Grüßen (Sincerely)
- Herzliche Grüße (Sincerely)
- Ich drück Dich (I embrace you)
- Alles Liebe (With love,)
- Bis bald (See you soon)
- Ich vermisse Dich (I miss you)
Step 4. Sign the letter after closing
The last thing to do is sign the letter and mail it!
Part 2 of 3: Understanding who the Recipient is
Step 1. Consider the age of the recipient of the letter
Language changes constantly, and this is reflected in both verbal and written expressions. If you are dealing with people of a certain age, it is better to choose a structure and a formal conclusion. If the recipient is young, you can use more conversational expressions.
A good rule of thumb is to be more formal (yes, even in informal letters) with people aged 60 and over
Step 2. Determine how many people you are writing to
In some cases the recipient will be a single person, while in others it will be a group of people. While this is primarily about the body of the letter and the header, it can also help you find a more appropriate conclusion.
Step 3. Find out how well the recipient knows German
You can choose a more articulate conclusion if you are a native speaker or if you have an advanced knowledge of it. Otherwise, if you have basic notions of the language, it is better to choose a clear and concise conclusion.
Part 3 of 3: Establishing the Tone
Step 1. Determine if this is a formal letter
If you are writing to someone you know little or not at all, the tone will likely need to be formal. This factor is very important, not only for the central body of the letter, but above all for the conclusion.
Formal: For example, your boss, a co-worker, an organization, and anyone you know little or not at all
Step 2. Determine if this is an informal letter
Are you writing to your best friend or your mother? Then the tone will be informal.
Informal: family members or friends and, in general, anyone you are close to
Step 3. Determine the degree of formality
Once you've decided whether your letter will have a formal or informal tone, it's time to focus on the degree of formality. In other words, closing a letter to your boss will be different from the one you would use if you were writing to the President of the Republic. Likewise, the tone you use to write to your girlfriend will be different than that intended for mom or dad.
