In this blog post, we will teach you how to write an email in German. Check these great tips to learn to write a German email.
Write an email in German
In an English-speaking work environment, email is often the primary mode of communication. This can pose a challenge for German speakers who need to write emails in their day-to-day job.
If you’re reading this article, chances are you’ve previously struggled writing emails in German. Writing a professional email can be challenging for anyone, regardless of your fluency in a certain language.
However, if you take some time to prepare beforehand and follow these simple steps, you’ll find it much easier the next time. Check out these helpful tips and tricks on how to write an email correctly and efficiently in German.
It might seem like a lot at first glance, but each step is straightforward so you will see results from them almost immediately.
Write down your words and sentences
This may sound basic, but it’s important to write down your sentences and words fully, even if you know them by heart. You want to avoid writing something in German that sounds correct but doesn’t make sense.
The trick is to write your sentences in English, then translate them into German. This will take a little time, but it’s worth it in the end. This approach has two major advantages:
First, you can check if what you want to say makes sense. You can always look up a few synonyms if you’re struggling to come up with the right words and sentences. Second, you’re less likely to make a huge mistake since you’re writing your sentences down twice.
Use a dictation tool or keyboard shortcut
If you’re typing your email in German, you might consider using a dictation tool or keyboard shortcut to write your email. This will not only help you type faster but also allow you to check your grammar and spelling as you go along.
However, remember that using a dictation tool or keyboard shortcut to write an entire email is not recommended. You’ll want to write some of your sentences the old-fashioned way so you can ensure everything you say is grammatically correct.
This is especially important when writing your signature or address.
Translate what you wrote in step 1
Once you’ve written out your sentences, translated them into German, and checked your grammar, it’s time to translate your sentences back into English.
This way, you can ensure everything you’ve written in German makes sense to an English-speaking audience. You may also want to let your colleagues or manager know that you’re writing your emails in German.
In an ideal world, you’d always have someone nearby to check your grammar and spelling, but that’s not always the case. Fortunately, you can also use a few online tools to make sure your German email makes sense.
Keep in mind: verbs, adjectives, and pronouns
While checking your sentences for correct grammar and spelling, you also want to ensure everything is in the correct tense. If you’re writing a letter or email to a colleague or manager, it’s best to use the “you” form of the past tense (e.g., ”you visited” instead of “you visit”).
You’ll also want to keep an eye out for your verbs, adjectives, and pronouns. In many cases, adjectives in German will change depending on the subject they’re describing.
For example, if you’re describing ”the computer,” you’ll want to use the article ”der” in your sentence. If you’re talking about “the employees,” you’d use the article ”die.” It’s a good idea to keep a running list of words you come across that you’re not 100% sure about.
More Tips for Writing Emails in German
Once you’ve made sure everything you’ve written in your German email makes sense, you want to proofread it at least once more.
This will ensure no typos or other mistakes that could distract your message. Any other tips for writing emails in German? You may want to keep a few things in mind when typing your emails in German:
- Always use the formal “Sie” when addressing colleagues and superiors alike. Make sure to capitalize the “S” in “Sie” as if it were a person’s name.
- Make sure to add the “Gesendet” (sent) and “Geschrieben am” (written on) lines at the end of your email. These will show your readers when and where your email was sent from.
- Read your email out loud. This will help you catch any mistakes you may have missed the first two times. And don’t forget to press ”send!”
Writing emails in German can be challenging, but you’ll find it much easier with these tips and tricks. It’s important to remember that every language has its nuances and rules.
Knowing the basics is good, but it’s never a bad idea to step out of your comfort zone and learn a little more.
If you follow these instructions and tips, you’ll find that writing emails in German are easier and more enjoyable. With the help of these tips, you can communicate with your German-speaking colleagues and clients in their language.
You can take your career, studies, and language learning to the next level by making the most of the method of communication that is most often used in modern workplaces: email!
