How do I adress my mentor?

Is it "Du oder Sie" in german language, when I adress my mentor for the first time?



A mentorship often ends in a friendly relationship between mentee and mentor; the fact that they sympathise with each other is already established during the introductory conversation. Nevertheless, the beginning of a mentoring resembles a conventional application, and should be perceived as such. Although it is not necessary to send a cover letter, CV and references, the focus is on the professional appearance.


So how do I address my mentor in german language?

In the written mentoring request, you should absolutely adress she or him with the german salutation "Sie". Because here applies according to the business etiquette: the older or professionally more experienced person offers the "Du" to the mentee. This means that you as a mentee wait until the informal form of address is offered to you by the mentor.

If this does not happen, there is often a reason for it. Example: If the mentoring relationship transitions into an actual professional relationship, where it is customary for colleagues to be on last-name terms with each other,