Once again: Swedish can be so easy! When you write a formal letter »to whom it may concern&laq

Once again: Swedish can be so easy!

When you write a formal letter »to whom it may concern«, in German you have to address it to »Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren« which literally means »very honored ladies and gentlemen«.

In Swedish there are some more possibilities, but very easy rules. If you write a formal letter to an unknown woman you should write to »Bästa fru« or to an unknown man »Bäste herrn«—just like the English »Dear Madam« or »Dear Sir«. The gender-neutral version is »Bäste herr eller fru«—again like »Dear Sir or Madam« in English. However, this salutation is not so common in Sweden due to the very informal use of language. Since the abolishment of most polite forms in the 60’s, you can just write: »Hej!«

There is one exception if you want to send your formal letter to the king or queen. In this case, only »Eders Majestät« (»Your Majesty«) is correct in Sweden, while a letter to The Queen should should open with »Madam«.

Phrases for formal letters (German, Swedish): http://de.bab.la/phrasen/geschaeftlich/bab.la-phrasen-brief-deutsch-schwedisch.pdf

How to address the Swedish king: http://blogg.vett-och-etikett.com/kungligt-hur-inleds-ett-brev-till-till-kungen/

How to address The Queen: http://www.royal.gov.uk/hmthequeen/contactthequeen/overview.aspx

Photo: William Arthur Fine Stationery https://flic.kr/p/8513JQ