Ending an English email to a business partner might feel a bit difficult. First there’s a short sentence to thank the person for their help or attention, or to remind them of what you need from them and when.
And now what about that little word or phrase that goes above your name? What would you write in German? “Mit freundlichen Grüßen” or maybe “Viele Grüße” or something else?
If you’re answering someone’s email, the best thing to do is look and see how your business partner closed their email. You can simply use the word or phrase the sender used.
If you’re not answering anyone’s message, you can think about what kind of closing — in English we call these “complimentary closes” — fits best. Here are some ideas for formal emails and less formal emails:
Formal business closings: Sincerely, Sincerely yours, Yours sincerely, Best regards
Less formal business closings: Best wishes, Regards, All the best, Best
Personally, I use “Sincerely” for very formal emails, and “Best wishes” for less formal emails.
It’s true that there are many more complimentary closes in English. But if you use a word or phrase from the two lists above, ending an English email is quick and easy!
