Person typing an email with a Dutch sign-off on a laptop

Kind Regards in Dutch: The Right Sign-Off for Every Situation

You're looking for 'kind regards in dutch' because you need to sign off an email or letter in Dutch and you're not sure which words to use. The most direct translation is 'met vriendelijke groet' or 'vriendelijke groeten'. But there are more options, and the right choice depends on how formal the situation is and who you're writing to. In this guide you'll get exactly what you need to sign off with confidence.

In the Netherlands, the tone in emails and letters is often a bit more informal than in many other countries, but there are still clear rules. If you're writing a job application, sending a complaint to the municipality, or texting your doctor, the sign-off matters. A wrong sign-off can come across as unprofessional or, on the other hand, too distant. Dutch people notice, even if they often don't say anything.

This guide gives you concrete example sentences, a step-by-step plan, and a checklist. You'll learn which sign-off to use when, how to avoid mistakes, and how to practice with real situations. After 15 minutes of reading, you'll know exactly how to say and apply 'kind regards' in Dutch. You can print this article and keep it handy when you write.

What is 'kind regards' in Dutch?

The standard translation of 'kind regards' is 'met vriendelijke groet'. This is the most used and safest sign-off in formal and semi-formal emails. You write it with a capital letter at the beginning and a comma at the end if you put your name after it. For example: 'Met vriendelijke groet, Jan de Vries'. In plural you say 'met vriendelijke groeten', but that's a bit less common in emails. 'Vriendelijke groeten' on its own also appears, but it sounds a bit more informal.

There's also 'vriendelijke groet' without 'met'. That's fine in a slightly looser context, for example to a colleague you know fairly well. 'Groet' or 'groeten' on its own is very informal and you use it in texts or quick messages to friends. Note: 'kind regards' doesn't have an exact Dutch equivalent that combines the same warmth and distance. 'Met vriendelijke groet' is neutral and professional, and that's exactly what you want in most Dutch business emails.

Formal sign-offs for emails and letters

If you're writing a formal email, for example to a municipality, a school, a landlord, or a job application committee, you use 'Met vriendelijke groet'. This is the standard and no one will say anything about it. You can also use 'Hoogachtend', but that's very formal and almost only in letters to government agencies or in legal correspondence. 'Hoogachtend' sounds distant and is being used less and less. Only use it if you're sure the situation calls for it.

Another formal option is 'Met vriendelijke groeten'. This is a bit more old-fashioned and is used more in letters than in emails. In emails to agencies you often see 'Met vriendelijke groet' in the singular. If you're in doubt, choose 'Met vriendelijke groet'. That's never wrong. You can also use 'Vriendelijke groet' if you've already spoken to the person before or if the tone of the email is already a bit more relaxed. But for a first contact with a stranger, 'Met vriendelijke groet' is the safest.

Met vriendelijke groet, [your name] - standard for almost any formal email.
Met vriendelijke groeten, [your name] - a bit more formal, more common in letters.
Hoogachtend, [your name] - very formal, only for official agencies.
Vriendelijke groet, [your name] - slightly more informal, for when you already know the person.
Met vriendelijke groet en een glimlach, [your name] - warm but professional, use with acquaintances.
Vriendelijke groeten uit [city], [your name] - personal, for informal business emails.

Informal sign-offs for friends, family, and colleagues

In informal messages to friends, family, or good colleagues you often use 'Groetjes', 'Groet', or 'Liefs'. 'Groetjes' is very common in texts and informal emails. 'Groet' is a bit more neutral and can also be used with colleagues you know well. 'Liefs' is for people who are truly dear to you, like family or good friends. Don't use 'Liefs' in business emails, because it can come across as unprofessional.

For colleagues you work with daily, 'Groet' or 'Groeten' is fine. You can also add 'Fijne dag' or 'Fijne avond'. For example: 'Groet, Lisa' or 'Groeten, Mark'. If you're texting a friend, you can just use 'Groetjes' or 'Doei'. There's no fixed rule, but keep in mind that Dutch people are fairly direct. Too much formality in an informal context can actually come across as distant.

Practical example sentences for every situation

Below you'll find concrete examples you can use right away. Note the comma after the sign-off and your name on the next line. In emails it's common to leave a blank line after the sign-off and then type your name. In letters you put your name under the sign-off, sometimes with your signature above it. In texts it can all be a bit looser.

Email to municipality: 'Met vriendelijke groet, Fatima El Amrani.'
Job application letter: 'Met vriendelijke groet, Jan Jansen.'
Email to doctor: 'Met vriendelijke groet, mevrouw De Boer.'
Email to landlord: 'Met vriendelijke groet, Peter van Dijk.'
Email to colleague: 'Vriendelijke groet, Sophie.'
Text to friend: 'Groetjes, Ahmed.'
Email to your child's school: 'Met vriendelijke groet, meneer Yilmaz.'
Informal email to acquaintance: 'Groeten, Linda.'

Step-by-step plan: how to choose the right sign-off

Choosing the right sign-off isn't difficult if you follow a few steps. First determine the relationship: is it a stranger, an agency, a colleague, or a friend? Then you choose the matching sign-off. In doubt? Choose 'Met vriendelijke groet'. That's always good. Below is a step-by-step plan you can apply this week.

Step 1: Determine whether the email is formal or informal. Formal = stranger, agency, job application. Informal = friend, family, good colleague.
Step 2: Choose the sign-off. Formal: 'Met vriendelijke groet'. Informal: 'Groetjes' or 'Groet'.
Step 3: Put a comma after the sign-off and your name on the next line.
Step 4: Check that you've used the right salutation. For example 'Geachte heer De Vries' or 'Beste mevrouw Jansen'.
Step 5: Read your email once more and check that the tone matches the sign-off.
Step 6: Send it and save the email as an example for next time.

Common mistakes (and what works instead)

Newcomers often make mistakes with sign-offs because the rules in their own language are different. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them. Read them carefully, because a small mistake can make a big impression.

Mistake: translating 'Kind regards' literally as 'Vriendelijke regards'. Fix: use 'Met vriendelijke groet'.
Mistake: using 'Hoogachtend' in an ordinary email. Fix: save 'Hoogachtend' for very formal letters to agencies.
Mistake: using 'Liefs' in a business email. Fix: use 'Met vriendelijke groet' or 'Vriendelijke groet'.
Mistake: no comma after the sign-off. Fix: always put a comma: 'Met vriendelijke groet,'.
Mistake: your name on the same line as the sign-off. Fix: put your name on the next line.
Mistake: using 'Groetjes' in a job application. Fix: use 'Met vriendelijke groet'.

Mini checklist for every email

Use this checklist before you hit send. It takes 30 seconds and prevents awkward situations. You can also keep this checklist next to your keyboard if you often write Dutch emails.

Have I used the right salutation? (Geachte/Beste/Hallo)
Does the sign-off match the relationship? (formal/informal)
Is there a comma after the sign-off?
Is my name on the next line?
Have I avoided using 'Liefs' or 'Hoogachtend' in the wrong context?
Have I read the email through one more time?

How to practice this (with Dutch Fluency)

Practicing sign-offs is easier than you think. You can write a short email to yourself or a friend every day, and then consciously choose the sign-off. For example, write a formal email to the municipality about a broken streetlight and use 'Met vriendelijke groet'. Then write a text to a friend with 'Groetjes'. That way you learn the difference in practice. You can also use our exercises on Dutch Fluency to improve your writing skills.

At Dutch Fluency we have writing exercises at A2 and B1 level that help you with everyday situations like this. You learn not only sign-offs, but also how to write a complaint, make an appointment, or draft a job application letter. The exercises are short and practical, so you can do them in your busy schedule. Give it a try and notice how quickly you improve.

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Frequently asked questions

How do you say 'kind regards' in Dutch?

The standard translation is 'Met vriendelijke groet'. You use this in formal emails and letters. In informal messages you can use 'Groetjes' or 'Groet'. 'Met vriendelijke groet' is always safe.

Is 'Met vriendelijke groet' the same as 'Kind regards'?

Yes, it's the Dutch equivalent. 'Kind regards' is a bit warmer than 'Yours sincerely', and 'Met vriendelijke groet' has that same neutral warmth. It's suitable for almost any professional situation.

When do you use 'Hoogachtend' instead of 'Met vriendelijke groet'?

'Hoogachtend' is very formal and you only use it in letters to government agencies, in legal correspondence, or if you're filing an official complaint. In ordinary emails to a municipality or school, 'Met vriendelijke groet' is enough and even customary.

Can I use 'Groetjes' in an email to my boss?

That depends on your relationship with your boss. If you have an informal bond and you use 'je' with each other, 'Groet' or 'Groetjes' is fine. In a more formal work environment, it's better to use 'Met vriendelijke groet'. In doubt? Choose the more formal option.

What's the difference between 'Met vriendelijke groet' and 'Vriendelijke groet'?

'Met vriendelijke groet' is the full, formal version. 'Vriendelijke groet' is slightly more informal and is often used when you already know the person or when the tone of the email is already a bit more relaxed. Both are correct, but 'Met vriendelijke groet' is safer for a first contact.

Do I need to put a comma after the sign-off?

Yes, in Dutch it's customary to put a comma after the sign-off, followed by your name on the next line. So: 'Met vriendelijke groet,' and then your name on the next line. Without a comma it's not wrong, but with a comma it's neater and more professional.

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