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French Business Letters - Correspondance commerciale

Salutations

Of course it would be impossible to list every possible title, but this list should give you an idea of how to address your letter.

Monsieur, Madame To whom it may concern
Messieurs Dear Sirs
Monsieur Dear Sir
Madame Dear Madam
Mademoiselle Dear Miss
Monsieur le Directeur Dear Director
Monsieur le Ministre Dear Minister
Monsieur/Madame le* Professeur   Dear Professor...
   
Cher/Chère + salutation Used only if you know the person that you are writing to
Also see my lesson on personal correspondence.

Note: The exact salutation that you use to begin your letter must be used in your closing formula.

* In so-called "standard" French, the word professeur is always masculine. However in Québec and parts of Switzerland, there is a feminine version: la professeure, so pay attention to the country of the person you are addressing.

More French business letter formulas     Sample French business letter

 

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