Cold Email in Europe: What's Different

Cold email works in Europe, but the rules are different. GDPR, cultural expectations, and language all matter.

GDPR Reality

B2B cold email is legal under GDPR with legitimate interest basis. You need: business email (not personal), clear opt-out, your identity disclosed. Document your legitimate interest justification.

Country Differences

Germans are formal—use titles, be precise. French appreciate elegance in communication. Nordics are direct and expect you to be. UK is most similar to US style.

Language Decisions

English works for: Nordics, Netherlands, international roles, tech/startup. Local language preferred for: Germany, France, Spain, Italy, especially for non-tech industries.

What Performs

Shorter emails than US (Europeans are more private about time). Faster to the point. Less hype, more substance. Clear value proposition in first sentence.