Bezüglich Ihrer Anfrage vom 15. Januar teilen wir

Grammar fans, grab your coffee because we need to talk about the Genitive case. The word bezüglich is a preposition that demands the Genitive. This is why we say Ihrer Anfrage and not Ihrer Anfragen (unless there are multiple). You start your sentence with this block, then you add the date using vom (which is a contraction of von dem). After the date, you need the verb teilen. But wait! In German, this is usually part of the separable verb mitteilen. So, while the sentence starts with teilen wir, it will almost always end with the word mit. It sounds like a lot to juggle, but once you memorize the rhythm, it flows naturally. Think of it as a three-part harmony: the reference, the date, and the action. It's like building a Lego set where every piece has a specific, unchangeable slot. Just don't try to use it while ordering a pizza, or the delivery guy might think you're trying to sue him.

This phrase lives at the highest level of formality. You will see it in letters from insurance companies, banks, universities, or when you are complaining about your neighbor's loud techno music at 3 AM. It is "Very Formal." You would never use this with a friend or even a close colleague you get lunch with. Using this in a WhatsApp message to your mom would be like showing up to a backyard BBQ in a tuxedo. It signals that this is a "serious business" moment. It removes personal emotion and replaces it with professional distance. In a world of "Hey!" and "What's up?", this phrase stands tall as a monument to traditional etiquette. It tells the reader that you respect the process and the hierarchy. It’s the linguistic version of a firm, dry handshake.

You'll find this phrase most often in your inbox after you've sent a question to a German company. For instance, if you asked about your gym membership cancellation on January 15th, their reply will likely start this way. You might also see it in official government documents regarding your residence permit or tax returns. Even when interacting with your landlord about a broken radiator, this phrase helps keep the record straight. On LinkedIn, if a recruiter is following up on an initial message you sent, they might use a variation of this to look extra professional. It's also the star of the show in formal "Widerspruch" (appeals) if you're arguing against a fine. Basically, anywhere there is a paper trail, this phrase is the ink that holds it together.

Use this phrase when you want to sound like you have your life completely together. It’s perfect for the opening sentence of a formal reply. If someone sent you an email a few days ago and you finally have the answer, this is your go-to move. It is also great when you need to be extremely clear about which specific topic you are addressing in a complex project. Use it in job applications when referencing a previous interview or phone call. It shows that you are detail-oriented and understand German professional norms. It’s also a powerful tool when you are being firm but polite—like when a company hasn't refunded your money yet. It says, "I am watching the calendar, and I expect you to do the same."

Please, for the love of all that is holy, do not use this in a casual text. If you're texting your partner: "Bezüglich deiner Anfrage vom Vormittag teilen wir mit, dass wir Brot kaufen werden," they might think you've been replaced by an AI bot. Avoid it in Slack channels unless the company culture is incredibly stiff. You should also skip it if the conversation is already flowing rapidly back and forth. If you just emailed five minutes ago, referencing the date feels a bit dramatic and redundant. It’s also not great for "good news" between friends, like a birthday invite. It makes the invitation feel like a summons to court. Save the tuxedo for the opera, not the grocery store.

The biggest pitfall is the case system. Many people accidentally use the Dative because it feels more natural to them.

You don't need the zu! Another classic error is forgetting the mit at the very end of the sentence.

Without the mit, you're just "sharing" the result like a piece of cake, rather than "informing" them of it. Also, watch out for the date format. In German, we use dots, not slashes or dashes. It’s 15. Januar, not 15/Januar. If you mess up the date, you lose that sweet, sweet German precision points. It’s like wearing brown shoes with a black belt—people notice.

If bezüglich feels too heavy, you can try In Bezug auf Ihre Anfrage. It means the same thing but feels slightly more modern to some ears. For something a tiny bit shorter, use Betreffend Ihre Anfrage. If you are in a slightly less formal (but still professional) setting, you might just say Wegen Ihrer Anfrage. On the other hand, if you want to sound even more like a 19th-century lawyer, you could go with Bezugnehmend auf Ihr Schreiben. That one really screams "I have a very expensive fountain pen." In spoken German, people rarely use these long phrases; they’ll usually just say Wegen der Mail vom.... But in writing? Stick to the classics. They are classics for a reason.

Is this phrase too old-fashioned? Not at all! It is still the gold standard for business. Can I use it for an email sent today? Usually, you reference a date in the past, but if it's today, you'd say von heute. Does the date have to be at the start? Yes, usually the date follows the noun it modifies. Is Anfrage the only word I can use? No, you can use E-Mail, Schreiben, Nachricht, or Anruf. Do I have to use teilen wir mit? You can also use informieren wir Sie or bestätigen wir. Is this common in Austria and Switzerland? Yes, it's standard across the DACH region. Why is German so complicated? Because if it were easy, everyone would be doing it! Just keep practicing, and soon you'll be writing emails like a pro.