Why the standard exists at all
The standard ensures that the address sits exactly within the window of a DIN-long envelope, that sorting machines can read the address, and that letters lose nothing when filed. Anyone who follows it comes across as professional — and avoids having the postal service manually rework the item.
Form A or Form B?
The two forms differ only in the height of the letterhead. Form A suits short sender details, while Form B suits letterheads with a larger logo.
| Element | Form A | Form B |
|---|---|---|
| Letterhead height | 27 mm | 45 mm |
| Start of address field (from top) | 27 mm | 45 mm |
| Start of subject line | approx. 98.4 mm | approx. 116.4 mm |
The key measurements at a glance
- Left text margin: commonly 25 mm; the precise template determines the text area.
- Right text margin: at least 10 mm; 20 mm is common for readability.
- Address field: 85 mm wide and 45 mm high overall, with separate return-address, additional-information and recipient zones.
- Fold marks: Form A at 87 and 192 mm; Form B at 105 and 210 mm from the top edge.
- Punch mark: at 148.5 mm, i.e. halfway down the page.
- Font size: 10 to 12 point, consistent throughout the letter.
Order of elements
- Letterhead with sender details
- Return-address note (single line, small) above the recipient's address
- Recipient's address: name, street, postcode and town
- Information block, or place and date, right-aligned
- Subject line — bold, without the word "Subject", no full stop at the end
- Salutation, followed by a blank line
- Body text, paragraphs separated by blank lines
- Closing phrase, three blank lines for the signature, name printed in full
- Note of enclosures
Writing the date correctly
Two forms are permitted: the numeric form 2026-08-06 following ISO 8601, and the alphanumeric form 6 August 2026. If a place precedes it, a comma follows: "Berlin, 6 August 2026". The short form 06.08.26 should be avoided in business correspondence.
Common mistakes
- A blank line between the postcode line and the street in the address field
- Writing "Subject:" before the subject line
- Separating postcode and town with a comma instead of a space
- Too narrow a right margin, causing text to be cut off when printed
- An address that has shifted and is no longer fully readable through the window envelope
A template without the millimetre-measuring
Anyone who doesn't want to wrestle with margins and tab stops themselves can use a template that already knows the measurements. The briefsende.de editor generates the DIN 5008 layout automatically: you type the text and address, and the preview shows the finished A4 sheet including page breaks. From page 2 onwards, the header is dropped so the body text can use the full text area.
Window envelopes: a practical print check
- Print a trial page without automatic scaling.
- Fold it to match the envelope.
- Check that the name, street, house number, postcode and town are fully visible.
- Move the paper slightly: no address line should disappear.
These illustrations show the structure, not a print-ready scale template. Printer settings and window positions may require adjustments.
Is DIN 5008 legally mandatory?
There is no general statutory requirement to follow it for ordinary private correspondence. It provides consistent, readable formatting. Signature requirements apply independently.
Does every page need a letterhead?
No. A brief reference and page numbers can help identify continuation pages. Avoid leaving headings alone at the bottom of a page, and keep the closing and signature together.
Create a business letter without manual formatting
Use the letter editor and check the preview. Read how to address the envelope for the outside layout. Consult DIN for authoritative standard details.