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German Letter Writing Guide: Difference between revisions
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''[[Germany Genealogy|Germany]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]]'' '''Letter Writing Guide''' {{Germany-sidebar}} | ''[[Germany Genealogy|Germany]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]]'' '''Letter Writing Guide''' {{Germany-sidebar}} | ||
===What to Expect=== | |||
I*t may take six months or longer for you to receive a reply to your request for information (airmail improves the response time). The results of writing to parishes or civil registration offices can vary greatly. | |||
*You may get a great deal of information, or you may get no answer at all. Some pastors and civil registrars are willing to do considerable research. Others will not answer until money is sent or offered. Some may be unable to provide information. | |||
*Because some information is not easily obtained by writing directly to a pastor or registrar, you may need to hire a local private researcher. We suggest that you inquire about a competent local researcher when you write. | |||
*When you receive a reply, send a note of thanks or acknowledgement. You may wish to do this in a follow-up letter requesting further information. Refer to your earlier letters and their return letters by date. If they have assigned you a reference number, include that number as well. | |||
*If you do not receive an answer, write again sending a copy of your first letter. Do not send more money unless you verify that your first letter did not arrive. | |||
===Your Letter Should Include: === | |||
*The date (at the top) | *The date (at the top) | ||
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*A brief introduction | *A brief introduction | ||
*Biographical information about your relative | *Biographical information about your relative | ||
*A | *A short, specific, genealogical request | ||
*Referral request(s) | *Referral request(s) | ||
*A | *A comment about payment | ||
*Closing remarks | *Closing remarks | ||
*Your signature | *Your signature | ||
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The following English-to-German translations will help you compose your letter. Read the sentences in English and choose those that best express what you want to say. Be sure that your sentences are arranged logically. You may want to write your letter first in English using the following sentences, then replace the sentences with their German translations. However you proceed, make sure you type or neatly print your letter and, when necessary, add any diacritical marks and special characters (such as ä, ö, ü, ß) using your computer's wordprocessing program or a pen. | The following English-to-German translations will help you compose your letter. Read the sentences in English and choose those that best express what you want to say. Be sure that your sentences are arranged logically. You may want to write your letter first in English using the following sentences, then replace the sentences with their German translations. However you proceed, make sure you type or neatly print your letter and, when necessary, add any diacritical marks and special characters (such as ä, ö, ü, ß) using your computer's wordprocessing program or a pen. | ||
Do not use this guide as the letter itself! That might insult the recipient and lessen the chance of a reply. | '''Do not use this guide as the letter itself! That might insult the recipient and lessen the chance of a reply.''' | ||
===How to Address the Envelope === | ===How to Address the Envelope === | ||
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=== Payment === | === Payment Arrangements=== | ||
{| class="FCK__ShowTableBorders" | {| class="FCK__ShowTableBorders" | ||