How to write letters of praise and congratulation


Sie kennen das? Ihr Chef bittet Sie, einen Gratulationsbrief zu schreiben. "Schreiben Sie das Übliche", sagt er. Aber was ist "das Übliche" auf Englisch? Lesen Sie, wie Sie schlichte und dennoch herzliche englische Gratulationsbriefe schreiben, die beim Empfänger hoch geschätzt werden.

Professionelles Business English für Sekretärinnen und Assistentinnen trainieren Sie mit dem Newsletter Secretary Today.

You´re probably well-acquainted with the phrase: "Just write the usual." Bosses love it. It means they don´t have to think. But what is "the usual"? It´s often difficult enough in your own language, now you have to know it in English! But writing a letter of praise or congratulation is an important skill, because these letters create goodwill. They can be as brief and as simple as you like, but they must express your or your boss´s appreciation with warmth and sincerity, so the reader feels you really mean what you say - and that you enjoy saying it.

Never talk about specific sales matters or other business in letters of praise or congratulation. The reader will think your praise is just another excuse for promoting business.

Here are some useful phrases for letters of praise and congratulation:

  • I was delighted to hear ...
  • I would like to add my congratulations to the many you will be receiving.
  • I was absolutely thrilled to see that ...
  • I would like to convey my warm congratulations ...
  • It gave us all great pleasure to hear about ...
  • We all join in sending you our very best wishes for the future.

Here are some ideas for your letters of praise and congratulation

Informal letter of congratulation on the award of a public honour

Dear Jacob Brown

On looking through The Times this morning I came across your name in the New Year Honours List. I would like to add my congratulations to the many you will be receiving. Your services to international industry and commerce over many years have been quite outstanding. Everyone who knows you and your work will be delighted to hear that your efforts have been so suitably rewarded.

With very best wishes

Viele weitere Vorlagen für Ihren Gratulationsbrief finden Sie im Newsletter Secretary Today.

Letter of congratulation on an employee´s 5th anniversary

Dear Bill

This month marks your fifth anniversary as a member of staff of the ABC Company. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for these past five years of workmanship and company loyalty. The growth and success of our company is largely dependent on strong and capable staff members like yourself, and we recognise the contributions you make in helping us maintain the number one position in the industry. We hope that you will remain with us for many years to come. Congratulations on this special anniversary.

With very best wishes


English                Deutsch
appreciation          Anerkennung, Wertschätzung
thrilled                  verzückt
New Year              Ehrungen/Auszeichnungen (des Kabinetts)
Honours List         anlässlich des Jahreswechsels
review                  Rezension
not too distant      nicht zu weit entfernt
promotion             Beförderung
Board                   Vorstand
fellow directors     Mitdirektoren
capable                fähig
to maintain          aufrecht erhalten