. What I need to know is --- do I need to write the letter in > German (I am foreign language disabled.) or can I write it in english as so > many Germans are better educated and speak english fluently. I don't want to > insult them, but I am more afraid that my fumbling with their language would > turn them foo even more than my not using their language. Please give me some > guidance on this matter. Jan Hello Jan It is a matter of personal taste, I always write in English, and ask them to forgive the letter being in English, the reason I write in English is because I am hoping for a reply in English. However there is a free real people (not computer) translation service, which works by email. My personal opinion, probably not worth much, but if I were to send a German letter, I would include the English version with it, and explain I am not familiar with the language. Here is the URL, for the email translation service http://www2.genealogy.net/gene/www/abt/translation.html Hope it helps Warren Lambing