As of:
Translated from German. In case of discrepancies, the German version applies.
Glossary Email
Basic terms on newsletters and sender authentication; covered in detail on a separate specialist site (link to follow).
Matching task: Newsletter marketing · All topics in the glossary
Terms
- DKIM
Also: DomainKeys Identified Mail
Procedure in which the sending server digitally signs emails; the domain publishes the matching public key in the DNS (RFC 6376). This makes it possible to check that a message was not altered in transit and belongs to the domain.1
Related: SPF, DMARC, TXT record · More on this
- DMARC
Also: Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance
DNS record with which a domain specifies how recipients should handle emails that fail the SPF and DKIM checks, and where reports should go. On the standards track as RFC 9989 since May 2026; it replaces RFC 7489.2
Related: SPF, DKIM, TXT record · More on this
- Double opt-in
Also: DOI, confirmed sign-up
Two-step sign-up procedure: after entering their address, the person receives an email with a confirmation link and is only added to the mailing list after clicking it. This makes it possible to prove that the owner of the address has agreed.3
Related: Newsletter, Consent · More on this
- Newsletter
Also: email newsletter, circular
Regularly sent email to people who have signed up for it. If it contains advertising, prior express consent is generally required in Germany (Section 7(2) no. 2 UWG, the German Act against Unfair Competition).3
Related: Double opt-in, SPF, DKIM, DMARC · More on this
- SPF
Also: Sender Policy Framework
DNS record in which a domain specifies which servers may send emails on its behalf (RFC 7208). Receiving servers can use it to detect forged senders.4
Related: DKIM, DMARC, TXT record · More on this