Abbreviation "For hands": That's how it works

If you send a formal letter, in many cases you need the correct abbreviation for "at hand". In this practical tip, we will show you how to shorten the printout correctly.

"For hands": which abbreviation is correct?

Formal and business letters should usually end up with certain people. The expression "at hand" is used to ensure that the letter not only reaches the company but also the right employee.

• Since this takes up a lot of space in the address, it is simply abbreviated. The most common abbreviation is "Attention". Also common are "z. H." and "z. Hdn". You can also leave out the space between the two abbreviated words.
• The abbreviation z. Hd. Is written directly in front of the recipient's name. In the case of personal letters, you can leave the line "personal" one line above.
• For letters to authorities you can use the name "o. V. i. A.". With the note "or representative in office" your letter will be processed even when the employee is absent.

When is "at hand" used?

If you send an e-mail, you can usually be sure that it will go directly to the person you want. Unfortunately, the situation is somewhat different for letters.

• Send a letter to a private person, the name and address are sufficient. However, if you send the letter to a company, it has several hundred employees if in doubt.
• Letters then often end up in the post office or with a specific person who then does not necessarily correspond to the addressee you want.
• So that your letter is not opened by other employees of the company and then passed from department to department, you should use the addition "For the attention". This makes it clear that the letter should only be opened by this very employee.

Use the abbreviation in the letter address

The following two examples show how to use the abbreviation in the address correctly.

• CHIP Digital GmbH
  z. Hd. Mr. Mustermann
  St.-Martin-Strasse 66
  81541 Munich
• CHIP Digital GmbH
  Department practical tips, e.g. Hd. Mr. Mustermann
  St.-Martin-Strasse 66
  81541 Munich