Which one should you use?
While aufrichtig describes the sincerity of an emotion or an apology, it is not used as a complimentary closing in letters like the English 'Sincerely yours'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word aufrichtig is pronounced /ˈaʊf.ʁɪç.tɪç/. It has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use aufrichtig as a sign-off in formal emails. Instead, you should use Mit freundlichen Grüßen.
When do people say it?
In German correspondence, different closings are used depending on the level of formality. For business letters or professional emails, use Mit freundlichen Grüßen (With kind regards). If you are writing to someone in a position of higher authority, use Hochachtungsvoll. For informal emails or friendly letters, you can use Herzliche Grüße (Warm regards) and when expressing affection to someone close, use Alles Liebe (All the best or Lots of love).
Did you know?
- The word aufrichtig implies an 'upright' nature, derived from the combination of auf meaning 'up' and richtig meaning 'right'.
- If you use aufrichtig to end a professional email, you might sound like a character from a 19th-century novel instead of a modern employee.
- The formal closing Hochachtungsvoll literally translates to 'full of high esteem', which is far more intense than the English 'Sincerely'.
Examples in context
- Ich hoffe aufrichtig, daß es nicht dazu kommen wird.I sincerely hope it won't come to that.This sentence shows how to use aufrichtig to express a sincere hope.Tatoeba #13097190 by Waldelfe, translation #3820192 by CK
- Wir bitten für unseren Irrtum aufrichtig um Entschuldigung!We sincerely apologize for our error.This sentence demonstrates using aufrichtig when offering an apology.Tatoeba #3448216 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2953800 by CK
- Ich entschuldige mich aufrichtig. Das ist alles meine Schuld.I apologize sincerely. All of this is my fault.This sentence illustrates an apology made with aufrichtig.Tatoeba #12424591 by Waldelfe, translation #10714766 by warikdigital
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Lukas are discussing their feelings after a disagreement.
- LauraBist du aufrichtig zu mir?Are you being sincere with me?
- LukasJa, ich meine das aufrichtig.Yes, I mean that sincerely.
- LauraDas freut mich zu hören.I am happy to hear that.
- LukasIch werde immer aufrichtig sein.I will always be sincere.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry aufrichtig, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aufrichtig, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
