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Letters & CVs
Letters & CVs

Letter (DIN 5008)

Laid out for German window envelopes, with templates for cancellations, objections and requests. As PDF or PNG.

What do you want to start from?

A template fills in the subject, text and matching details. Replace anything in [square brackets] with your own. The starter texts are in German, since these letters usually go to German offices.

From you

To

At most 6 lines, no blank lines. Abroad: town and country in capitals.
For registered mail: the post office adds the sticker, the note tells the recipient.

Reference and date

These go to the right of the address, in the information block. A customer number, student ID or file reference helps the recipient match your letter.

Then “Town, date” goes on the right above the subject.

The letter

Without the word “subject”, no full stop at the end.
Separate paragraphs with a blank line.
Signature (optional)
No signature yet
For letters you print, signing by hand is better.

Layout

DIN 5008 form
Form B leaves more room for the letterhead and is the usual one. Both fit window envelopes.
Letterhead
Typeface
Size
Language of fixed words
“Enclosures”, “Page 1 of 2”, month names.
Your draft stays in this browser.
See the preview

What DIN 5008 takes care of here

  • The address sits exactly in the window of a DL envelope (window on the left). Fold twice at the fold marks and you’re done.
  • Text starts 25 mm from the left edge, with at least 20 mm on the right. Two blank lines between subject and salutation, one between paragraphs.
  • Longer letters continue on extra pages with “Page 1 of 2” at the bottom right. Closing and signature are never split.

When you need a signed printout

Ending a tenancy legally requires written form: print, sign by hand, send by post (ideally registered). An objection to an official notice is also safer signed and posted. Phone, internet and gym contracts can usually be cancelled by email or online form too. This isn’t legal advice. If in doubt, your student union’s legal advice service or the consumer advice centre (Verbraucherzentrale) can help.

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