Writing a formal letter in Hungarian can be a valuable skill to have, particularly if you are communicating in a professional setting or addressing a government official. Hungarian letter-writing conventions can be quite different from what you may be familiar with in other languages. In this post, we will guide you through the steps to write a proper formal letter in Hungarian and discuss some important tips to keep in mind.
Table of Contents
Setting up the format
The first step in writing a formal letter in Hungarian is setting up the correct format. Here are the key elements that should be present in your letter:
– Your name, address, and contact information: At the top left corner of the page, write your full name, address, phone number, and email address. This allows the recipient to know who the letter is from and how to get in touch with you.
– Date: Following your contact information and after leaving a line space, write the date in the format of day (Arabic numerals), month (in words), and year (Arabic numerals), e.g., 20 január 2022.
– Recipient’s name and address: Skip a line and write the recipient’s full name, title, and address on the left side of the page. Be sure to include their professional title if applicable (e.g., Dr., Prof.).
– Salutation: After another line, address the recipient with a formal salutation. In Hungarian, the typical formal salutation is “Tisztelt [Recipient’s last name and title]!” (e.g., “Tisztelt Kovácsné Dr.!”). However, if you are unsure of the recipient’s gender or marital status, simply use “Tisztelt Címzett!”.
Writing the body of the letter
Once the format is set up, you can move on to writing the body of your letter. Here are some guidelines to follow:
– Opening statement: Begin your letter with a concise statement explaining your reason for writing. It is essential to be straight to the point and specific. For example: “A pályázati dokumentáció elkészítése céljából kérném az alábbi információkat…”
– Main content: In the following paragraphs, provide a detailed account of the issue or request. Be clear, concise, and well-organized. If necessary, use bullet points or numbered lists to separate your ideas.
– Closing statement: In the final paragraph, wrap up your letters’ purpose with a polite and concise statement, reiterating your request or summarizing the purpose of your letter. You may also use this space to mention any attached documents (e.g., “Mellékelten küldöm Önnek a szükséges igazolásokat”).
– Sign-off: A formal letter in Hungarian typically ends with “Tisztelettel,” followed by your name typed out, leaving a space for you to sign above it.
Final tips and guidelines
Here are some additional tips to help you produce an effective formal letter in Hungarian:
– Proofread your text: Make sure there are no typos or grammatical errors in your letter. This will demonstrate professionalism and attention to detail.
– Keep it concise: A formal letter should be clear and to the point. Avoid using overly long sentences or unnecessary jargon.
– Be polite: Always maintain a polite and respectful tone throughout your letter.
By keeping these guidelines in mind, you will be well-equipped to write an impressive and effective formal letter in Hungarian. Good luck!
