Ok, this might seem like a very small point, but it’s one which I think makes a world of difference when it comes to creating a positive impression if you’re writing to someone.
Think big
The main body of English emails or letters always begins with a capital letter. Yes, really. Yes, always.
So it’s:
Dear Tom
Thank you for …
or:
Dear Tom,
Thank you for …
With or without a comma?
In British English, the comma after Dear Tom is optional. If you omit the comma here, you won’t use one after the complimentary close (e.g. Best regards), either. In American English, Dear Tom has to be followed by a comma (or colon).
Where else do you need a capital letter?
There are a couple of other cases in which capital letters are used in English, but not in German:
Firstly, for nouns and adjectives referring to nationality:
It’s a wonderful French film. The British are excellent cooks.
Secondly, for languages:
He speaks fluent Spanish.
Otherwise capital letters are used – as in German – for names of people, places and companies as well as for days, months and festivals.
