Templates& Examples

Writing shouldn't require guesswork. This page collects ready-to-use templates for letters and emails using the gender-neutral salutation Ser – from job applications to correspondence with authorities. Copy any template and add the surname.

Letter salutations

Formal business letter

Sehr geehrtes Ser Müller,

vielen Dank für Ihre Anfrage vom 3. Juli. Gerne unterbreiten wir Ihnen im Folgenden unser Angebot.

A classic letter to a business partner who uses the Ser form of address.

Official correspondence

Sehr geehrtes Ser Schmidt,

in der oben genannten Angelegenheit beziehe ich mich auf Ihr Schreiben vom 15. Juni und bitte um Überprüfung des Sachverhalts.

A citizen writing to a caseworker who uses Ser.

Email templates

Formal

Sehr geehrtes Ser Schmidt,

anbei erhalten Sie die besprochenen Unterlagen. Für Rückfragen stehe ich gerne zur Verfügung.

First contact, salutation unknown

Hello Alex Müller,

I am writing regarding your inquiry of July 8 and have attached the requested information.

Use “Hello [first name last name]” until the preferred form of address is known. Once a person states or displays Ser, use it consistently from then on – in every piece of correspondence.

“Dear Sir or Madam” – and what to use instead?

“Dear Sir or Madam” addresses only two categories, leaving non-binary people out entirely. Since 2017, German constitutional law has recognized a positive third gender identity (Federal Constitutional Court, 1 BvR 2019/16), and since November 2024 the Self-Determination Act (SBGG) provides the civil-status entries “diverse” and “no entry”.

For groups, gender-neutral collective greetings work well: “Dear Team”, “Hello”, or “Dear Colleagues”. For a specific individual who uses Ser, address them directly with Ser – it is more precise and more personal than any collective phrase.

Common questions

How do I know if someone prefers Ser?

Check the email signature or business card, or ask directly – no proof is needed or appropriate to request.

What if I get it wrong?

Correct it briefly, say thanks for the note, move on.

Does Ser work in speech too?

Yes – “Guten Tag, Ser Ehre” works in conversation exactly like “Herr” or “Frau”.

A client uses Ser in their signature – how do I respond?

Adopt it and use it consistently from then on, just as you would with Herr or Frau.

For more detail – address forms, letter and email salutations, pronouns – see the grammar guide on the Ser-in-everyday-life page.

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