Writing Business Letters - Translation Exercise

Übung: Wie übersetzt man englische Geschäftsbriefe? Geschäftskorrespondenz enthält immer wieder typische Wendungen, sie haben deutsche Entsprechungen, die oft nicht direkt zu übersetzen sind. Diese Übung soll Ihnen helfen, die wichtigsten Formulierungen zu beherrschen.


When 'Yours faithfully' and when 'Yours sincerely' in a letter?

When the recipient's name is unknown to you:

Dear Sir ... Yours faithfully

Dear Madam ... Yours faithfully

Dear Sir or Madam ... Yours faithfully

When addressing a good friend or colleague:

Dear Jack ... Best wishes/Best regards

When you know the recipient's name:

Dear Mr Garfield ... Yours sincerely

Dear Mrs Garfield ... Yours sincerely

Dear Miss Garfield ... Yours sincerely

Dear Ms Garfield ... Yours sincerely


Addressing whole departments:

Dear Sirs ... Yours faithfully

 

Task: Write down in German when to use which phrases.

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Task: Try to find German versions for the phrases given. Do NOT translate these sentences. Just aks yourself "How would I say this in a German business letter?". The words might be quite different. If you need help, try to find answers in Linguadict.de first. If necessary, ask you teacher.


Opening lines

Why do we need an opening line in a letter or email?

- to refer to previous correspondence
- to say how you found the recipient's name/address
- to say why you are writing to the adressee.

10 Good Opening Lines ...

With reference to your letter of 8 May, I ... ________________________________________________________________________________

I am writing to enquire about … ________________________________________________________________________________

After having seen your advertisement in … , I would like …

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After having received your address from … , I ...

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I received your address from … and would like …

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We/I recently wrote to you about …

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Thank you for your letter of 8 May.   ________________________________________________________________________________

Thank you for your letter regarding … ________________________________________________________________________________

Thank you for your letter/e-mail about … ________________________________________________________________________________

In reply to your letter of 8 May, … ________________________________________________________________________________

 


Closing lines

Why do we need a closing line?

- to refer to a future event
- to repeat an apology
- to offer help

10 Good Closing Lines ...

If you require any further information, feel free to contact me.

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I look forward to your reply. ________________________________________________________________________________

I look forward to hearing from you. ________________________________________________________________________________

I look forward to seeing you. ________________________________________________________________________________

We look forward to a successful working relationship in the future.

________________________________________________________________________________

Should you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

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Once again, I apologise for any inconvenience.

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We hope that we may continue to rely on your valued custom.

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I would appreciate your immediate attention to this matter.

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Business Correspondence                Weberberg.de/skool