Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren
The English phrase "dear sir/madam" is translated into German as Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren.
Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren is used as a formal greeting at the beginning of a letter or email when the name of the recipient is unknown. It translates to "Dear Ladies and Gentlemen" and is used when addressing a group of people in a formal context. If you are addressing a specific gentleman formally, you should use Sehr geehrter Herr instead.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren literally translates to "Very honored ladies and gentlemen".
Which one should you use?
While Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren is used for the opening of a formal letter, Liebe Grüße is an informal closing and should never be used with this formal opening.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren is the standard formal greeting used in business correspondence when the specific recipient is unknown. Sehr geehrter Herr is also a formal phrase used for a specific gentleman.
How does it change in a sentence?
In German, a comma is almost always placed after this greeting. The first word of the following sentence starts with a lowercase letter unless it is a noun.
Did you know?
- The word sehr in this greeting is a distant relative of the English word 'sorely'. Both evolved from a root meaning 'injured' to describe an intense degree of feeling.
- In some highly traditional German circles, if you know the recipient's title, such as 'Doctor', you must include it in the greeting, making it longer than the standard 'Sehr geehrter Herr'.
- In modern German business culture, using Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren is increasingly seen as overly stiff. Many companies now prefer Guten Tag to sound more approachable.
Examples in context
- Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, ich möchte mich bewerben.Dear Sir/Madam, I would like to apply.
- Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, haben Sie die Rechnung erhalten?Dear Sir/Madam, did you receive the invoice?
Example conversation
Lukas and Laura are discussing a formal email Lukas needs to send.
- LukasWie soll ich die E-Mail beginnen, Laura?How should I start the email, Laura?
- LauraSchreib am besten: Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren.It is best to write: Dear Sir/Madam.
- LukasIst das für einen formellen Brief richtig?Is that correct for a formal letter?
- LauraJa, das ist perfekt für einen Unbekannten.Yes, that is perfect for someone unknown.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sehr, und, CC BY-SA 4.0.
