anbei finden Sie
The English phrase "please see attached" is translated into German as anbei finden Sie.
This phrase is used in emails to inform the recipient that a file is included with the message. In very brief, modern business emails, the single word anbei can be used on its own to mean "attached".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "enclosed find you".
Which one should you use?
While anbei finden Sie is a standard way to direct someone to an attachment, you can also use im Anhang finden Sie, which specifically mentions the attachment.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
anbei finden Sie is appropriate for professional correspondence. For a slightly more formal alternative, you may use anbei erhalten Sie.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase anbei finden Sie uses Sie, which is the formal version of "you". If you are writing to a friend or a close colleague, you should use the informal version anbei findest du instead.
Did you know?
- While anbei finden Sie is standard, some very traditional German offices still prefer the phrasing of physical mail, imagining the file is 'enclosed' in an envelope.
- The capitalization of Sie in anbei finden Sie only became common in the 17th century to tell the formal 'you' apart from the word for 'she' or 'they'.
- In German, the choice between Sie and du in your email is not just about politeness, but strictly dictates the verb conjugation in the phrase.
Examples in context
- Sehr geehrter Herr Schmidt, im Anhang finden Sie bitte die erforderlichen Unterlagen für Ihre Überprüfung.Dear Mr. Schmidt, please find in the attachment the required documents for your review.
- Anbei finden Sie die Rechnung.Please find the invoice attached.
- Anbei finden Sie meinen Lebenslauf.Please find my CV attached.
- Anbei finden Sie das Protokoll der Sitzung.Please find the minutes of the meeting attached.
Example conversation
Julian sends a follow-up email to Hannah regarding a contract.
- JulianHallo Hannah, anbei finden Sie den Vertrag.Hello Hannah, please find the contract attached.
- HannahVielen Dank für die E-Mail, Julian.Thank you for the email, Julian.
- JulianBitte prüfen Sie das Dokument kurz.Please review the document briefly.
- HannahIch schaue es mir sofort an.I will look at it immediately.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Sie, finden, sie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
