Writing an email to your child's German teacher is one of those tasks that sits in a slightly uncomfortable middle zone: too formal to wing it, too specific to rely on a generic translation. German schools expect a certain register in parent communications — respectful, clear, and with the right vocabulary for the situation.

Here are the phrases and vocabulary for the most common situations: notifying about absence, requesting appointments, asking about homework, raising concerns, and navigating the difficult conversations.

Salutation and Closing

Sehr geehrte Frau [Nachname], — Dear Ms [Surname], (for a female teacher)

Sehr geehrter Herr [Nachname], — Dear Mr [Surname], (for a male teacher)

Teachers in Germany are typically addressed with their surname and title (Herr or Frau), not first names. In most German schools, this applies to written communication even in relatively informal school environments.

Mit freundlichen Grüßen — Kind regards / Yours sincerely. The standard formal close.

Viele Grüße — Best regards. Slightly warmer; acceptable in ongoing correspondence with a teacher you know.

Always sign with your full name and your child's full name and class: "[Your name], Elternteil von [Child's name], Klasse [X]."

Notifying Absence

"Ich möchte Sie informieren, dass mein Kind [Vorname Nachname] heute/morgen/am [Datum] nicht am Unterricht teilnehmen kann." — I would like to inform you that my child [Name] will not be able to attend school today / tomorrow / on [date].

"[Kind] ist erkrankt." — [Child] is ill.

"[Kind] hat einen Arzttermin, von dem wir nicht früher zurückkommen können." — [Child] has a doctor's appointment from which we cannot return earlier.

"Bitte entschuldigen Sie das Fehlen." — Please excuse the absence.

"Wir reichen die schriftliche Entschuldigung nach." — We will send the written excuse note afterwards.

"[Kind] wird voraussichtlich ab [Datum] wieder am Unterricht teilnehmen." — [Child] is expected to return to school from [date].

Requesting an Appointment

"Ich würde gerne einen Gesprächstermin mit Ihnen vereinbaren, um über [Thema] zu sprechen." — I would like to arrange a meeting with you to discuss [subject].

"Wären Sie am [Datum/Wochentag] zu folgendem Zeitpunkt verfügbar?" — Would you be available on [date/day] at the following time?

"Ich stehe Ihnen während der Sprechstunden oder nach Vereinbarung zur Verfügung." — I am available during office hours or by appointment.

Sprechstunde — teacher office hours. Most German teachers hold regular Sprechstunden, specific times when parents can call or visit.

Asking About Schoolwork

"Mein Kind hatte Schwierigkeiten mit den Hausaufgaben zu [Thema]. Könnten Sie mir kurz erläutern, was erwartet wurde?" — My child had difficulty with the homework on [topic]. Could you briefly explain what was expected?

"Sind Ihnen in letzter Zeit Veränderungen im Verhalten oder in der Leistung meines Kindes aufgefallen?" — Have you noticed any changes in my child's behaviour or performance recently?

"Wie kann ich meinem Kind bei der Vorbereitung auf die nächste Klassenarbeit helfen?" — How can I help my child prepare for the next class test?

Klassenarbeit — a class test. "Wann findet die nächste Klassenarbeit statt?" — When is the next class test?

Hausaufgaben — homework.

Lernrückstand — a gap in learning; falling behind.

Förderung — support / extra help. "Gibt es Fördermöglichkeiten für mein Kind?" — Are there any support options for my child?

Raising a Concern

"Ich möchte Sie auf etwas aufmerksam machen, das mir Sorgen macht." — I would like to draw your attention to something that is concerning me.

"Mein Kind hat berichtet, dass es in der Schule Schwierigkeiten mit anderen Kindern hat." — My child has reported having difficulties with other children at school.

"Ich mache mir Sorgen, dass [Kind] [in der Pause / im Unterricht / auf dem Schulweg] Probleme hat." — I am worried that [Child] is having problems [during break / in lessons / on the way to school].

Mobbing — bullying. The English term is used directly in German. "Ich glaube, mein Kind wird gemobbt." — I believe my child is being bullied.

Klassenlehrerin / Klassenlehrer — the form teacher; your primary point of contact for most issues.

Schulpsychologischer Dienst — the school psychological service; available via the school for serious pastoral or psychological concerns.

About the Grades

"Ich hätte gerne Ihre Einschätzung der aktuellen Schulleistungen meines Kindes." — I would appreciate your assessment of my child's current academic performance.

"Wir haben das Zeugnis erhalten und hätten einige Fragen." — We have received the school report and have some questions.

"Was kann mein Kind tun, um sich in [Fach] zu verbessern?" — What can my child do to improve in [subject]?

Zeugnis — school report.

Note / Schulnote — grade. Remember: 1 is best, 6 is fail.

Versetzung — promotion to the next year group. "Wird [Kind] versetzt?" — Will [Child] move up to the next year?

Sitzenbleiben — having to repeat a year (literally: "staying sitting").

German school communication expects engaged, articulate parents. The phrases above are what that engagement sounds like in writing. Build the vocabulary for these conversations — your child's school experience will be better for it.

Communicating with German teachers in the right register makes a real difference. Vokabulo helps you build the exact phrases for your child's school situation. Available on iPhone and iPad.