Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren
The English phrase "dear sir or madam" is translated into German as Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren.
The phrase Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren translates to "Dear Ladies and Gentlemen" and is used to address multiple recipients or a company.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "Very honored ladies and gentlemen".
Which one should you use?
While Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren is strictly formal, Hallo is used for informal or semi-formal correspondence.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, the adjective geehrte takes the -e ending because it is a plural nominative adjective modifying Damen und Herren.
Did you know?
- In German correspondence, the first word of the actual letter body starts with a lowercase letter if the greeting Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren ends with a comma.
- The word sehr, used here to mean 'very', shares a root with the English word 'sorely'. In early Germanic languages, the word described being 'sored' or 'injured' before it evolved into an intensifier.
- In modern German business etiquette, using Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren is often seen as a sign that you have not done enough research. If a specific department or contact person is known, using their name is much more professional.
Examples in context
- Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, ich schreibe Ihnen heute.Dear sir or madam, I am writing to you today.
- Er begann seinen Brief mit: Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren.He began his letter with: Dear sir or madam.
Example conversation
Felix and Hannah are discussing how to write a formal letter.
- FelixWie fange ich diesen Brief am besten an?How should I best start this letter?
- HannahSchreib einfach: Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren.Just write: Dear sir or madam.
- FelixIst das passend, wenn ich keinen Namen kenne?Is that appropriate if I don't know a name?
- HannahJa, das ist sehr höflich und korrekt.Yes, that is very polite and correct.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sehr, und, CC BY-SA 4.0.
