DIN 5008 letter format, explained

What DIN 5008 covers

The standard, published by the German Institute for Standardization (DIN), covers two things: the physical layout of a letter on A4 paper, and writing conventions such as how to format dates, phone numbers and amounts. Most people use it for the layout, as a reference for positioning the address; test the finished print in your actual envelope.

Type A vs Type B

DIN 5008 defines two layouts that differ in the height of the letterhead area:

• Type A has a shorter letterhead area (27 mm). The address field starts higher, at 27 mm from the top, and the first fold mark is at 87 mm.
• Type B has a taller letterhead area (45 mm), leaving more room for a logo and company details. The address field starts at 45 mm and the first fold mark is at 105 mm.

Type B is the more common choice for companies with a prominent letterhead, and it is what Letter Studio uses by default.

Key measurements (Type B)

• Page: A4, 210 × 297 mm.
• Left margin: 25 mm; right margin: at least 20 mm.
• Address field: 45 mm high × 85 mm wide, starting 45 mm from the top and 20 mm from the left edge.
• Return address line: a single line at the top of the address field in small type, so it also shows through the window.
• Fold marks: at 105 mm and 210 mm from the top — the common Type B fold pattern uses unequal panels.
• Punch/centre mark: at 148.5 mm, which helps align hole punches for filing.

Other DIN 5008 conventions

• Dates in numeric form are written as YYYY-MM-DD (2026-09-09) or DD.MM.YYYY; written out, 9 September 2026 is common in international letters.
• The subject line has no "Subject:" label in the strict German style and is often set in bold.
• Paragraphs are separated by one blank line and are not indented.
• The complimentary close is followed by space for a signature, then the signer's typed name.

How to create a DIN 5008 letter

1. Open a template in Letter Studio — the address block, margins and fold marks already follow DIN 5008.
2. Add your logo and company details once; they stay in the letterhead area.
3. Type the recipient's address into the address block. It stays inside the 45 × 85 mm window area.
4. Write your subject and message, then export a PDF or print.

Tip: Printing at "Actual size" (not "Fit to page") avoids automatic scaling. Test a folded copy in your own envelope before sending.

A practical envelope-fit test

Envelope windows and printer settings vary. Treat a DIN-style template as a starting layout, then check the actual paper and envelope you intend to use. US Letter is not A4, so do not assume an A4 fold pattern transfers unchanged.

1. Select A4 in the editor and printer when testing an A4 layout. Export a PDF and choose actual size or 100% scaling.
2. Print one copy and fold it using the template's marks. Insert it into your own envelope.
3. Check that all address lines remain visible when the sheet shifts inside the envelope, and that no confidential body text is exposed.
4. If the address misses the window, check scaling and paper size first, then adjust the layout or use a non-window envelope.

Layout guidance versus verified compliance

This guide explains the common layout choices and how to test your output. It does not replace the full standard or certify every Letter Studio layout, font and field as compliant. If an organisation requires strict DIN 5008 compliance, use the official standard and its specific submission requirements to review the finished document.