Writing a good business or formal letter in Dutch. What is a business letter and how do you write one? Advice on the content, structure, layout and layout of a Dutch business letter. An example of the address, date, subject, salutation, text, closing and signature when writing a formal or business letter in Dutch.
Write a business letter
A business letter in Dutch is written to maintain and initiate business relationships. It is important that you observe a number of formalities during the layout. Not only with regard to the content and / or business language, but also with regard to the structure and layout, some matters are important. Here you can find out how to write a good business letter or formal letter.
Looking for a personal letter? Or interested in writing good letters in English?
- Personal letters in Dutch with examples
- Informal / personal and business letters in English with examples
Standard parts of a business letter Dutch
A number of things are indispensable when writing a good business letter. Here you can find an explanation and an example per part.
- Address
- Date
- Subject / Subject
- Salutation
- Text and Content
- Opening sentences – examples
- Closing
- Signature
Address
In a business letter you state both your own address and the address of the addressee.
Own Address
Top left of the letter. Often the name of the company and the visiting address are also mentioned here. You can also choose to insert your company logo. In addition, many companies choose to include both the telephone number and the e-mail address in the business letter.
Example of your own address in a business letter
Private:
Warren Buffet
Briefplein 11
5555 AH Amsterdam
Telephone: 0658983
Email: person@hotmail.com
If you only write on behalf of the company, the company name will appear at the top instead of your own name.
Addressee address
In a business letter, the addressee’s address comes after the Date (to follow below) and your own address on the left. The address on the envelope is the same as in the letter.
Sample address of the addressee in a business letter
Name of company or organization:
Department:
Attn Mr. Harry Geldwolf
Business Street 55
AH 5555 Amsterdam
the Netherlands
When it is only for a private individual, the name, address and zip code are required.
Date
Unlike in other countries, in the Netherlands often both the date and the place are noted. Always write it out in full.
Sample date
- Amsterdam, 23 November 2011
Subject / Subject
Here you explain 2 or 3 words about the subject of the letter.
Example subject:
- Concerns: delivery of your order
Salutation
If you know the name of the addressee, you should use it. In very formal letters is sometimes still Noble scholar, but this is now very rare. In almost all cases Dear the norm. If you know the name, always write it out as completely as possible, including titles and the like.
Example salutation
Dear Mr. De Boer,
Dear Mrs. De Vries,
Dear Ms,
Dear Sir or Madam, (in case gender is unknown)
Dear Sir / Sir / Sir,
Dear Management,
Dear Professor Bruinsma,
Text and Content
In the first paragraph you indicate the reason for writing and what you will be talking about. In the first paragraph, you should never begin with me or us. In the following paragraphs, you will write about what you announced in the first paragraph. Then you close the letter in the last paragraph. When speaking in the name of a company, it is recommended that the company name or we to use. Write relatively short but clear sentences. Always remain polite and estimate the business relationship.
Opening sentences – examples
In response to your letter ……, we
In response to …, we
Thank you for your letter of 8 March.
It is with great pleasure that we can inform you that …
Closing
A number of standard phrases for a good closing of a business letter. When closing, for example, you want to make it clear that the addressee can contact you if desired. Or you make it clear again what exactly you expect from the recipient.
- We hope to receive your reply soon,
- We look forward to your decision,
- Thanks for your time and your attention,
- We hope to avoid such mistakes in the future,
- Thanks again,
- If you need more information, you are welcome to contact us,
- We are looking forward to doing business with you / your company,
Signature
Most common closing greetings are:
- Yours sincerely,
- With best regards,
Further
- On behalf of the organization or company,
- Own name
- (possibly the function)
- Signature