How Much To Send An Envelope In Germany?

There are many different kinds of E-commerce services available across the globe, but when it comes to Germany Deutsche Post has to be the go-to service provider for most people.

It’s been the top dog of mail in Germany for a really long time. 

The service did become privatized within the 90s but regardless it is still seen as Germany’s ‘official’ mailing service.

They are dedicated to great customer service and reliable and on-time deliveries, so it’s not hard to see why it is so immensely popular. 

But how much does it cost to send your post? How do you send a letter?

And how is mail received? All these questions will be answered throughout this article! 

How To Send A Letter In Germany? 

You’ll be happy to hear that sending a letter in Germany is a super easy thing to do.

All you need to do is pop that postcard or letter into a standard envelope, scribble down the address, ensure you have the correct postage, and then just pop it into a postal box or take it to your nearest post office. Nice and simple. 

To purchase your envelopes and stamps all you need to do is look for a local store with a Deutsche Post or DHL sticker displayed in their window. Alternatively, you can always purchase these items online. 

How To Write An Address On An Envelope In Germany? 

To ensure that your mail arrives on time and to the correct address, you’ll want to make sure you know exactly how to write the address on an envelope in Germany.

This is actually super important that you do it right because the addresses in German post are read by machines and not people. 

So you’ll want to follow the structure below and ensure that you write in block capitals: 

• Write on the front of an envelope only (not the side that you seal)
• Write your address (senders address) in the top left corner. 
• Write the address of the receiver in the bottom right corner. 
• Only place stamps/other printed postage in the top right corner
• Leave the rest of the envelope blank so there is no confusion with postal labels etc. 

Mail Pricing In Germany

Originally, you could only purchase stamps for your mail physically, however, in this new modern society you can also pay for any postage online too.

If you do this online you’ll need to select the correct type of main, pay, and then print out your postage certificate. 

Once you’ve got your stamp, you’ll stick it in the top right corner of your envelope and you’ll be ready to post. 

But how much will it cost? Let’s take a look below! The dimensions(cm) and weights(g) stated below are the maximum weight that each format can be. 

• Postcards – 23.5 x 12.5 – 150-500g – €0.60
• Standard Envelope – 23.5 x 12.5 x 0.5 – 20g – €0.80
• Compact – 23.5 x 12.5 x 1 – 50g – €0.95
• Large –  min 14 x 19 – max L+W+H 90cm2 – 500g – €1.55
• Maxi – min 14 x 19 – max L+W+H 90cm2 – 1000g – €2.70

International Mail

If you are sending mail and packages to other countries, you’ll be paying a little bit more for the privilege.

This will often take a little longer to get to its destination. Usually, through air mail, your letter will arrive within about 4 days, but it can take as long as 14 days. 

Dimensions and weight restrictions stay the same, so in this option, I will just state the price changes. 

• Postcards – €0.90
• Standard Envelope – €1.10
• Compact – €1.70
• Large – €3.70
• Maxi – up to €17.00

Local And International Packages

For each and every package, the prices of postage can vary slightly, dependent on the size, weight, and the destination of the delivery.

If you want a closer estimate as to how much you’ll be spending you can take a look at Deutsche Post’s Shipping Rate Calculator.

There is also a choice for your local and international packages where you can pay an extra fee to insure the item.

This probably won’t be necessary with small letters or postcards. But if you are sending valuable items across the country, or the globe, then I’d definitely take advantage of the offer.

The few extra euros are definitely worth the peace of mind. 

Receiving Mail & Packages In Germany

Like most places across the world, delivering letters or postcards in envelopes in Germany is not a difficult process.

Most get slipped through the mail slot of the front doors, or into mailboxes in the case of apartment dwellers. 

For packages, it really isn’t any different from the US or Uk either.

A delivery driver will knock on your door with your item or the package can be dropped off at an already arranged pick-up spot.

If you opt for the latter option ensure you have some identification with you, or you won’t be able to collect your parcel. 

Typically in Germany, you can expect your post on any weekday and most Saturdays.

It’s really only Sundays and public holidays where the service is not provided. 

What If You’re Not Home? 

You’ve probably seen lots of horror story’s on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and similar social media sites where parcels are left unattended, thrown into random places, or poor hiding spots where the parcel can end up getting stolen. 

Thankfully, this doesn’t really seem to be much of an issue in Germany.

Usually, if you don’t answer, the delivery driver will hold onto your package and try again another time.

If after multiple attempts they still can’t get your package to you, they will either leave it with a neighbor or at a local pick-up point where you’ll need ID to collect it. 

So you won’t have to worry about someone running away with your package! 

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, now, you have all the knowledge you could possibly need to know about the German postal service.

As you can see, posting a letter or a package is a really easy and simple process.

You just need to ensure that you are writing on those envelopes correctly so that the machines can read and decipher where your package should be going. 

Postage to other parts of Germany is pretty cheap, in my opinion. And to ship a letter or package internationally really doesn’t cost that much more either.

Not if you consider how much further it is traveling. Just remember that if you are posting something of high value, you’ll be best paying that little bit extra for insurance. 

And then you are safe in the knowledge that if you miss your delivery man, he won’t be throwing your package over some randomers hedge on your street.

It will stay with your driver until he reaches you, or worst case scenario it will simply be sent to the local postal office or the nearest pick-up point where you’ll need identification to collect it.