What does it mean word for word?
The phrase met vriendelijke groet literally translates to "with friendly greeting".
Which one should you use?
While met vriendelijke groet uses the singular "groet", the plural form met vriendelijke groeten (with friendly greetings) is also commonly used as a closing. The plural form often feels slightly less formal or more personal than the singular version.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Met vriendelijke groet is the standard, professional way to end a formal or semi-formal business letter or email. For highly official letters, the phrase Hoogachtend (which translates to "Yours faithfully") is used. In contrast, if you are writing to friends or family, you should use the much more informal and colloquial groetjes.
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural version, you use met vriendelijke groeten.
Did you know?
- If you want to sound much more casual than 'kind regards', you can use the diminutive groetjes, which adds a sense of warmth and smallness.
- In traditional Dutch letter writing, the closing Hoogachtend was historically reserved for people of a significantly higher social rank than the sender.
- The root of groet is a verb that functions similarly to the Old High German linguistic traditions, emphasizing the act of greeting someone.
Examples in context
- Met vriendelijke groet, Jan.Kind regards, Jan.
Example conversation
Daan is helping Emma write a formal email.
- DaanHoe moet ik deze e-mail eindigen?How should I end this email?
- EmmaJe kunt afsluiten met vriendelijke groet.You can close with kind regards.
- DaanIs dat professioneel genoeg voor de baas?Is that professional enough for the boss?
- EmmaJa, dat is een heel nette afsluiting.Yes, that is a very polite closing.
