How to Say “Dear Sir” in German

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sehr geehrter Herr
masculine
The English phrase "dear sir" is translated into German as sehr geehrter Herr.
Sehr geehrter Herr is the most common and widely accepted way to say "Dear Sir" in German in business or official settings. When someone has a doctoral degree, it is polite to use their title along with the formal greeting, such as in Sehr geehrter Herr Doktor. Similarly, when addressing someone with an academic title, it is customary to use their title along with the formal greeting, for example Sehr geehrter Herr Professor.
Meaning: Translations (phrase)

Which one should you use?

Use sehr geehrte Frau instead of sehr geehrter Herr when addressing a woman. If you do not know the gender or the specific name of the person you are addressing, use Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren (Dear Sir or Madam / Dear Ladies and Gentlemen).

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

Sehr geehrter Herr is a formal greeting. A slightly more formal version suitable for professional or legal matters is Verehrter Herr. In contrast, Lieber Herr… is less formal than Sehr geehrter Herr… and is used when you have an established relationship with the person. In German, Sehr geehrter Herr is almost always followed by a surname. Using it without a name sounds incomplete or unnatural in formal correspondence.

How does it change in a sentence?

In German correspondence, a comma is placed after the salutation, such as in Sehr geehrter Herr [Name]. The first word of the actual letter body begins with a lowercase letter unless it is a noun.

Did you know?

  • The word Herr is a cognate of the English word 'hoar', as used in 'hoarfrost'. Both words share an ancient root referring to the whiteness of age.
  • While 'dear' in English often implies affection, the word sehr in this greeting literally means 'very', making the phrase feel more like 'very honored sir' to a German speaker.

Examples in context

  • Sehr geehrter Herr Müller,
    Dear Mr. Müller,
  • Verehrter Herr Schmidt,
    Dear Mr. Schmidt,
  • Hochgeschätzter Herr Direktor,
    Esteemed Director,
  • Sehr geehrter Herr Professor Wagner,
    Dear Professor Wagner,
  • Sehr geehrter Herr Doktor Müller,
    Dear Dr. Müller,
  • Sehr geehrter Herr Schmidt, ich schreibe Ihnen heute.
    Dear Mr. Schmidt, I am writing to you today.
  • Sehr geehrter Herr Müller, vielen Dank für Ihre E-Mail.
    Dear Mr. Müller, thank you very much for your email.

Example conversation

Maximilian is asking Hannah for help with a formal letter.

  1. Maximilian

    Hannah, wie fange ich diesen Brief an?
    Hannah, how do I start this letter?
  2. Hannah

    Schreibe zum Beispiel: Sehr geehrter Herr Weber.
    Write, for example: Dear Mr. Weber.
  3. Maximilian

    Ist das zu formell für ihn?
    Is that too formal for him?
  4. Hannah

    Nein, das ist für einen Geschäftsbrief perfekt.
    No, that is perfect for a business letter.

Sources

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Catherine Shelby
Catherine ShelbyHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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