freundliche Erinnerung
The English phrase "gentle reminder" is translated into German as freundliche Erinnerung.
freundliche Erinnerung is a polite way to tell someone that they have forgotten to do something. In German emails, the phrase is often used in the construction als freundliche Erinnerung (as a gentle reminder) to soften the tone of a follow-up.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase freundliche Erinnerung literally translates to "friendly reminder".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Eine freundliche Erinnerung (a friendly reminder) and Bitte denken Sie daran (please remember) are formal. For informal situations, you can use Nur zur Erinnerung (just a reminder), Vergiss bitte nicht (please don't forget) or Nochmal zur Erinnerung (just another reminder). Nur eine kurze Erinnerung (just a quick reminder) is a more colloquial way to express a gentle reminder in an office setting.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "a gentle reminder" in a sentence, you use the indefinite article eine before the phrase: eine freundliche Erinnerung. The plural form of the phrase is freundliche Erinnerungen.
Did you know?
- While English uses 'gentle' to soften a reminder, German uses freundlich, which means 'friendly'. Using 'gentle' as sanft in this context would sound strangely physical, as if you were describing a soft touch rather than a polite email.
- In very formal German bureaucracy, a 'reminder' for an unpaid bill is called a Mahnung, which is far more stern and legalistic than a freundliche Erinnerung.
- The word Erinnerung is used both for the act of reminding someone else and for the internal act of remembering a personal memory.
Examples in context
- Eine freundliche Erinnerung, dass Ihre Zahlung bis zum 30. November fällig ist.A friendly reminder that your payment is due by November 30th.
- Nur zur Erinnerung, unser Treffen ist morgen um 14 Uhr in der Café-Lounge.Just a reminder, our meeting is tomorrow at 2 pm in the café lounge.
- Nochmal zur Erinnerung, der Termin für die Party ist nächste Woche Samstag.Just another reminder, the date for the party is next Saturday.
- Dies ist nur eine freundliche Erinnerung.This is just a gentle reminder.
- Ich schicke Ihnen eine freundliche Erinnerung an den Termin.I am sending you a gentle reminder about the appointment.
- Betrachten Sie dies bitte als eine freundliche Erinnerung.Please consider this a gentle reminder.
Example conversation
Hannah sends an email to Maximilian about an unpaid invoice.
- HannahHallo Maximilian, dies ist eine freundliche Erinnerung an die Rechnung.Hello Maximilian, this is a gentle reminder regarding the invoice.
- MaximilianOh, danke Hannah, ich habe es total vergessen.Oh, thanks Hannah, I totally forgot about it.
- HannahKein Problem, ich wollte es nur kurz erwähnen.No problem, I just wanted to mention it briefly.
- MaximilianIch kümmere mich sofort darum.I will take care of it immediately.
