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Skill · Emails
Emails in English – Professional & Confident
Salutations, subject lines, the right tone – English emails that hit the mark. With native-speaking trainers and AI avatar exercises for daily writing practice.
From €90 / 90 min · VAT-exempt
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Emails
Writing Emails in English – Clear, Polite, and Effective
Emails are the backbone of international business communication. Whether it is a customer enquiry, a project update, a complaint, or an internal alignment – professionals compose dozens of messages in English every day. What determines an email's success is often not just its content but above all its tone. A wrong salutation, a sentence that is too direct, or an unclear subject line can trigger misunderstandings and strain business relationships. At Simmonds Language Services, you have been training with native-speaking trainers from the UK since 2004 who know exactly what matters in English business correspondence.
15+Years
10+Trainers
50+Corporate clients
Avoiding Typical Translation Mistakes
Many German speakers translate emails too literally from German. 'Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren' becomes a stiff 'Dear Ladies and Gentlemen' (correctly: 'Dear Sir or Madam'), and 'Mit freundlichen Grüßen' becomes 'With friendly greetings' instead of 'Kind regards'. The famous subjunctive is also often missing: 'I want that you send me the report' instead of 'I would appreciate it if you could send me the report.' Such mistakes come across as impolite or unprofessional in English – even when the intention was quite different. Our training systematically uncovers these typical pitfalls and equips you with tried-and-tested phrases you can use at work straight away.
Training with Real Email Scenarios
In our training, we work with real email scenarios from your professional life. You practise answering customer enquiries professionally, structuring project updates clearly, formulating complaints diplomatically, and communicating unpleasant messages – such as a job rejection or a price increase – politely and unambiguously. You will learn the difference between British and American email style, the correct use of CC and BCC in an international context, and how to adapt your writing style to different recipients: board members, clients, colleagues, or external service providers.
Live Training Plus AI Avatar
In addition to live sessions with our trainers, you can practise any time with our AI avatar technology. The avatar simulates email scenarios: you dictate your reply and receive immediate feedback on grammar, word choice, tone, and structure. This helps you develop a feel for the right English email tone – not just during lessons, but every day. This blended learning approach significantly accelerates your progress and makes you the go-to person for international correspondence in your company.
What You Will Learn
Use professional salutations and greetings correctly. Craft clear and effective subject lines. Strike the right tone for every recipient.
Write complaints and claims diplomatically. Distinguish British and American email style.
In Detail
Email Situations in Practice
Click on a section for more details
Responding to Customer Enquiries
Convey trust and competence
Reply to enquiries professionally and promptly: provide information, quote prices, suggest dates – in a tone that builds trust and projects competence.
Communicating Project Updates
Report status clearly and confidently
Structure status reports clearly, summarise milestones, communicate delays diplomatically, and define next steps unambiguously – all in English.
Writing a Complaint
Stay factual, preserve the relationship
Complain factually and firmly without jeopardising the business relationship. Find the right tone between politeness and insistence – with proven English phrases.
Sending a Rejection Letter
Communicate respectfully and clearly
Formulate rejections, price increases, and other unpleasant messages professionally and respectfully. Show empathy without being ambiguous.
How much does it cost?
| Format | Duration | Price (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online — Private lessons | 90 minutes | €90–110 | 1:1, Zoom / Teams / Meet |
| Online — Corporate lessons | 90 minutes | €97.50–105 | Small groups, tailored curriculum |
| In-person | 90 minutes | €115 | On-site or our office in Berlin / Hanover |
Prices depend on format, frequency, and requirements. Language instruction is VAT-exempt (§4 Nr.21 UStG).
Who we work with
DHLToyotaMedia MarktContinentalDeutsche Pop
“Wir schulen seit 5 Jahren unsere Teams über Simmonds. Die branchenspezifischen Materialien und die Flexibilität der Trainer machen den Unterschied.”
“Nach einem dreimonatigen Intensivtraining konnte ich meine erste internationale Präsentation souverän auf Englisch halten.”
“Die kostenlosen Online-Lektionen haben mich überzeugt. Die Qualität des Einzelunterrichts hat meine Erwartungen übertroffen.”
Frequently asked questions
How do I start a formal email in English?+−
A formal English email begins with 'Dear Mr/Ms [Surname]' or 'Dear Sir or Madam' for unknown recipients. Avoid 'Dear Mrs' without certainty of marital status. For repeated contact, 'Dear [First name]' is appropriate. Our training covers all common salutations and cultural differences between British and American English.
Which closing should I use at the end of an English email?+−
The most common closings are: 'Kind regards' (standard business), 'Best regards' (slightly less formal), 'Yours sincerely' (after 'Dear Mr/Ms...'), and 'Yours faithfully' (after 'Dear Sir or Madam'). For internal communication, 'Best' or 'Thanks' often suffices. We train which closing is appropriate in which context.
How do I write a professional subject line in English?+−
A good English subject line is short (under 8 words), specific, and action-oriented. Examples: 'Q3 Budget Approval Required', 'Meeting Follow-Up: Action Items'. Avoid vague subject lines like 'Important' or 'Quick question'. In our training, you practise crafting subject lines that get read immediately.
How do I write a polite complaint email in English?+−
Start factually: 'I am writing to express my concern regarding...' Describe the problem specifically, avoid emotional language, and suggest a solution: 'I would appreciate it if you could...' Close positively: 'Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.' Our training practises balancing firmness with politeness.
How quickly can I learn to write professional emails in English?+−
With targeted training, you will see clear improvements after just 4–6 weeks (at 2 hours/week). You learn standard phrases you can use immediately at work. Our AI avatars enable additional daily practice: you dictate emails and receive instant feedback on tone, grammar, and word choice.
Improve your English for free
Free online lessons twice a week, vocabulary trainer with 600 words, and a placement test – all without signing up.
Get in touch
Tell us briefly what you need English or German for — we'll suggest the best format for your goals and schedule.
We typically respond within one working day.
What to expect
- ✓ Confident in meetings
- ✓ Persuasive presentations
- ✓ Professional negotiations
- ✓ Texts that work