The kind of letter of condolence you write depends on the relationship you had with the deceased and the person you are writing to.
Here are some guidelines:
- write as soon as you hear the news
- use good quality paper
- do not use company paper with bank details, VAT number, etc.
- do not use paper with a black border
- write by hand
- keep the letter or note short
- be sincere, but not too dramatic
- never send an email or fax
In the UK and USA, it is not customary to send individual notices to announce that someone has died. Instead, you put a notice in a newspaper announcing the death, the date and time of the funeral service and, if applicable, details about flowers, donations or memorial gifts.
Let’s talk Business English – Fit in Business English the easy way
A letter of condolence to a business associate should
- acknowledge what a loss the death is for the bereaved
- express your sympathy
- raise the accomplishments and character of the deceased
- offer some help
Avoid stressing how terrible you feel. This will only make the bereaved feel worse. When people write letters of condolence on the death of someone they knew well, they often include a short anecdote.
A letter of condolence to a business associate (BE)
I was sad to read in The Times this morning that your director, Arthur Jones, has died. I am writing to express my deep sympathy.
I met him regularly at the Berlin workshops of the early 1990s. It was when I was just starting to learn about the stock market. I was trying to learn as much as I could and not everyone understood my somewhat green questions. He immediately grasped what I needed and helped me enormously. The advice he gave me was priceless.
He will be sadly missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him.
Please convey my sympathy to Mrs Jones and her family.
Sincerely yours
A letter of condolence to the family of a business associate (BE)
I was sad to read in The Times this morning that your husband, Anthony, has died. I am writing to express my deep sympathy.
We first met twelve years ago when we were both working for the National News in New York. He was years older than me and already a living legend in the political features department. Despite his success and fame, he always remained down to earth. He once told me: "The most important thing is how you see yourself. I am no different from you. We put people on pedestals and think they’re something special because of what they do. We should really be looking at what they are."
He will be remembered for his intellect, but also for his compassion, and as an inspiration to all who cherish their individualism.
He will be sadly missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him.
Please convey my sympathy to your family.
Sincerely yours
Viele weitere Musterformulierungen finden Sie in Let's talk Business English – Der Spezial-Fernkurs für Sekretärinnen und Assistentinnen.
You can make your letter of condolence more personal by adding a few words like
- Those we hold most dear never truly leave us for they live forever in our hearts.
- May the love you and (deceased) share be of comfort to you and your family.
- May your heart mend and your memories stay strong.
- Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
- Very few people are ever really alive, and those that are never die no matter how long they are gone. (Ernest Hemingway)