What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'With friendly greeting'.
Which one should you use?
While Met vriendelijke groet is formal, Hartelijke groet is a slightly warmer, less stiff alternative used when you have a more established relationship with the recipient. For much higher levels of formality, you may encounter Hoogachtend (Yours sincerely) or Met de meeste hoogachting (With the utmost respect), the latter of which is primarily used for individuals of higher rank.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Met vriendelijke groet is formal. If you are writing to friends, acquaintances or in casual emails, you should use the informal Groetjes. For a friendly and warm way to convey best regards in an informal setting, such as between colleagues, Hartelijke groeten is a good choice.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly add a comma after the closing, but in standard Dutch, no comma is used after Met vriendelijke groet before the signature.
Did you know?
- The word met in the phrase shares an ancient linguistic ancestor with the English word 'meat'.
- The warmer alternative Hartelijke groeten uses the word hartelijke, which is derived from the word for 'heart', to imply a personal connection.
- The singular form Met vriendelijke groet is actually the standard professional convention, even though the English 'regards' is plural.
Examples in context
- Met vriendelijke groet, Jan.Best regards, Jan.
- Met vriendelijke groet, de directie.Best regards, the management.
Example conversation
Lisa is helping Noah write a formal email.
- LisaIs de e-mail bijna klaar, Noah?Is the email almost ready, Noah?
- NoahJa, ik moet alleen nog een afsluiting kiezen.Yes, I just need to choose a closing.
- LisaGebruik gewoon 'Met vriendelijke groet'.Just use 'Best regards'.
- NoahDat is een goed idee, dank je wel.That is a good idea, thank you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries groet, met, CC BY-SA 4.0.
