[header] How to end a letter in german [title] Be aware of your audience's age. [step] Language is constantly changing, and this is reflected in verbal as well as written communication. For older generations, it's always safer to go with a more formal letter structure and ending. 
For younger generations, you might be able to remain more colloquial. [substeps] A good rule of thumb is to be more formal (yes, even in informal letters) with people 60 years of age and older.