
Germany has a well-organized postal system, and understanding how it works is crucial for both locals and expats.
The basic format of a German post address is a combination of letters and numbers that identify the recipient, the street, the house number, the postal code, and the town or city.
In Germany, the postal code is a 5-digit number that is used to identify a specific area, and it's usually written in the format "12345 Berlin".
The postal code is crucial because it helps the postal service deliver mail and packages efficiently.
Writing a German Address
Writing a German address can be a bit tricky, but don't worry, I've got you covered.
The recipient's address needs to be on the bottom right of the envelope, with at least 15 millimeters of space to the right, left, and bottom edge.
You should write the address left-aligned with the same font and size and no spacing between the name or address.
In some cases, you may need to add extra information to ensure that the courier can find the recipient and deliver the parcel.
To add the name on the doorbell or mailbox, use "bei" (=care of) followed by the respective name.
If you're unsure what the post code (or Postleitzahl) is, you can use the Deutsche Post online tool to find it.
The correct format for writing a German address is: [Street Address] [Village] [Postcode] [State], [Country].
Don't prefix the numeric postal code with any country code, as Deutsche Post prefers it without.
For example, the correct format would be: Quergasse 19 81671 München Germany.
Address Structure and Format
When shipping to Germany, you'll want to pay attention to the address structure and format. Here are the key details to keep in mind:
The address should be written in a specific order, with the salutation (optional) followed by the recipient or company name, further recipient designations (optional), and then the street and house number or P.O. box and P.O. box number. You can separate additional information like staircase C, backyard, or flat 7 with a double slash (//) after the house number.
You'll also want to include the 5-digit postcode and city in one line, without a comma separation between postcode and city. Omit the destination country code.
For the address to be processed correctly by Deutsche Post, make sure to maintain uniform line spacing between the descenders of the top line and the ascenders of the bottom line, with a minimum of 0.5 mm and a maximum of 2.5 mm.
If you're writing the address on an envelope, place it on the bottom right, leaving at least 15 millimeters of space to the right, left, and bottom edge, and 40 millimeters to the top edge.
Here's a breakdown of the address format:
Address Requirements and Issues
When sending mail in Germany, it's essential to get the address right.
Deutsche Post, the country's postal service, has specific address requirements.
Usually, Deutsche Post doesn't accept addresses with missing or incomplete information.
If you're sending mail to a German address, make sure to include the recipient's name, street name, house number, postal code, and city.
Deutsche Post doesn't accept addresses with abbreviations or shortened words.
Typically, Deutsche Post requires the full street name, including any prefixes or suffixes.
Postal Codes and Street Names
In Germany, the postal code, also known as Postleitzahl or PLZ, is a crucial part of the address. It has 5 digits, like the postcode of Alexanderplatz in Berlin, which is 10178.
To write the address correctly, you need to know the different names of streets and how to shorten them. For example, "straße" can be shortened with "str." and "allee" can be shortened with "al.".
If you're unsure what the postal code is, you can use the Deutsche Post online tool to find it.
What Is a Postal Code?
A postal code, also known as a Postleitzahl in German, is a crucial piece of information for sending mail and parcels to the right destination.
In Germany, postal codes are standardized to have 5 digits, making it easier to identify the correct address.
The Deutsche Post online tool is a helpful resource for finding the correct postal code when you're unsure.
A 6-digit postcode, however, is not valid in Germany, and you may need to check the last or second-last address line to verify the correct code.
For example, the postal code for Alexanderplatz in Berlin is 10178, a 5-digit code that helps ensure your mail reaches its destination accurately.
Writing Correct Postcodes
Writing a correct postcode in Germany is crucial to ensure your parcel or letter reaches its destination. Deutsche Post usually doesn't accept postcodes with fewer or more than 5 digits.
Postcodes in Germany must have exactly 5 digits to be considered valid. If a postcode has fewer or more than 5 digits, it will be rejected by Pingen.
If you're unsure about the postcode, you can use the Deutsche Post online tool to find the correct one. This tool will help you determine the correct postcode for your recipient's address.
In Germany, postcodes are also checked for their length in the last or second-last address line. If a postcode has 6 digits, it's likely to be in the wrong position.
Name of Streets
In Germany, you'll often come across street names that end in "-straße" or "-allee", which can be shortened to make them easier to write.
Straße, which means "street" in German, can be shortened to "str". For example, "Bahnhofstraße" can become "Bahnhofstr.".
Allee, which translates to "avenue", can be shortened to "al". So, "Schlossallee" can be written as "Schlossal.".
Sending Mail to Germany
Sending mail to Germany can be a bit tricky, but don't worry, I've got you covered.
In Germany, a letter with tracking is called Einschreiben. You can choose from three main types of tracking: Einschreiben Einwurf, Einschreiben Rückschein, and Einschreiben Eigenhändig.
If you need to add extra information to ensure the courier can find the recipient, you'll need to know the most common cases. In some situations, you may need to add extra information to the delivery address.
When addressing a letter or package to a family in Germany, start with the term "Familie" followed by the last name. This is the standard way to address a family.
If you're shipping to a company in Germany, you'll need to add an extra line on the address field. This line should include the details of the department or contact person, and you should write "z.H." followed by the name.
About 90% of national letters sent in Germany get delivered by the Deutsche Post on the next business day if placed in a letterbox or postal shop before the last pick-up time. However, during peak periods or special events like the COVID-19 lockdown, you might encounter delays.
Choosing a German Company
Germany is the crown jewel of Europe's economy, with an unemployment rate far lower than the rest of the continent and consistent growth in many international sectors.
The country's vibrant business-friendly atmosphere, particularly in Berlin, makes it an attractive location for businesses to establish a presence. Berlin outstrips the rest of the country in its vibrancy and business-friendly atmosphere, according to the Berlin Business News.
Getting a German postal address can lend your business affairs an aura of stability and efficiency that will put you head and shoulders above the competition. This is especially true if you're looking to expand your business into the European market.
With a German postal address, you can take advantage of comprehensive cloud backup services, global mail solutions, and airtight storage of your important documents. ClevverMail's virtual post service makes it easy to receive and manage your mail from anywhere in the world.
Germany's economy is a key factor in why choosing a German company is a good idea, but it's not the only reason. The country's business-friendly atmosphere and global connectivity make it an attractive location for businesses of all sizes.
Customs Declaration and Tracking
In Germany, you can send a letter with tracking, known as Einschreiben, to have proof of delivery. There are three main types of tracking to choose from.
Einschreiben Einwurf is the simplest option, where the envelope is just dropped in the recipient's letterbox. With Einschreiben Rückschein, you'll receive a return receipt signed by the recipient. This type of tracking provides an added layer of security.
Einschreiben Eigenhändig is the most secure option, where the envelope is only delivered to the actual recipient or an authorized person, who must sign with the mailman. This ensures that the letter is received by the right person.
You can also print tracking postage online at home or with your local post office. This convenient option saves you time and effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PLZ and ort in Germany?
In Germany, "PLZ" refers to the postal code, while "Ort" translates to "city" or "location". Understanding these terms is essential when filling out forms or providing address information in Germany.
Sources
- https://help.pingen.com/en/templates-and-postal-requirements/address-requirements-deutsche-post
- https://www.clevver.io/german-postal-address/
- https://www.simplegermany.com/how-to-send-a-letter-in-germany/
- https://www.eurosender.com/en/info/address-details/germany
- https://german.stackexchange.com/questions/28167/what-is-the-address-format-i-should-use-for-sending-a-letter-mail
- https://uk.interparcel.com/blog/shipping-advice/how-to-address-parcel-to-germany
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