[HIGHLIGHTS] Address at work: “Dear Sir or Madam” – how formal does it have to be?

Jonathan Lösel is the chairman of the Etiquette Council in Germany. He says a salutation like “Dear Sir or Madam” is still appropriate.

But he says it should only be used in a professional or university context. "Dear" is also recommended in DIN standard 5008 for communication in the office and administrative areas, he says. The goal should be to meet each other on equal terms, according to Lösels, who says age doesn't play a role.