Level of politeness

Hi,

I got an email from a friend in japan and she asked me whether I could help someone who comes to germany next month to learn german. So I thought I write him an email but I don't know which level of politeness I should use.

I never met him before and don't know how old he is. So I would choose keigo. Is this too polite?

And a second question: I know how to write formal letters in japanese but never wrote an email to a complete stranger. What would be appropriate as beginning and end of such an email?

Thanks, Jan

Hi sl0815!

Since you're not a native Japanese speaker, neither your friend nor your friend's friend will expect you to follow rigorously the various levels of politeness (unless you have full command of the language).

I can't tell what level of politeness you are talking about, but I'm pretty sure the use of "watashi" for I and "anata" for you and ending your sentences with "desu" or "masu" will be good enough!

Hope it helps!