Survival German #10
Sending letters, receiving parcels, and dealing with missed deliveries in Germany means Deutsche Post, DHL, and the handy Packstation. Here’s how it works and the German to use.
How it actually works
- For letters and stamps, go to a Postfiliale (often a counter inside a shop) or buy Briefmarken (stamps) there or online.
- Parcels usually come via DHL. If you’re out, the courier leaves a Benachrichtigung (slip) saying where it went — a nearby shop or a neighbour (Nachbar).
- Collect with the slip and your Ausweis (ID) at the Filiale — or set up a free DHL Packstation (parcel locker) for 24/7 pickup.
- To send a parcel, weigh it, choose a size (Päckchen or Paket), pay, and get a Sendungsnummer (tracking number).
- Track it online with the Sendungsnummer.
The German you’ll need
Ich möchte ein Paket abholen. — I’d like to collect a parcel.
Hier ist meine Benachrichtigung. — Here’s my collection slip.
Ich möchte ein Paket verschicken. — I’d like to send a parcel.
Wie viel kostet der Versand? — How much is postage?
Ich brauche Briefmarken. — I need stamps.
Wann kommt die Post? — When does the post come?
At the post office: a real dialogue
Anna: Guten Tag, ich möchte ein Paket abholen.
Hello, I’d like to collect a parcel.
Mitarbeiter: Haben Sie eine Benachrichtigung?
Do you have a collection slip?
Anna: Ja, hier. Und mein Ausweis.
Yes, here. And my ID.
Mitarbeiter: Danke. Einen Moment, bitte.
Thanks. One moment, please.
Anna: Kann ich hier auch ein Paket verschicken?
Can I also send a parcel here?
Mitarbeiter: Ja. Wie schwer ist es?
Yes. How heavy is it?
Anna: Etwa zwei Kilo. Wie viel kostet der Versand?
About two kilos. How much is postage?
Mitarbeiter: Als Paket sechs Euro.
As a parcel, six euros.
Vocabulary
| Deutsch | English |
|---|---|
| die Post | post / post office |
| die Postfiliale | post office branch |
| das Paket | parcel |
| das Päckchen | small parcel |
| die Briefmarke | stamp |
| die Benachrichtigung | collection slip |
| der Versand | postage / shipping |
| die Sendungsnummer | tracking number |
| die Packstation | parcel locker |
| der Nachbar | neighbour |
Quick check
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Practise with a tutor on italki →Insider tips
- Missed a delivery? The Benachrichtigung slip tells you where it went — often a nearby shop or a neighbour who accepted it.
- Set up a free DHL Packstation and get parcels delivered to a locker you open 24/7 with an app.
- Bring your Ausweis (ID) to collect parcels — they won’t hand them over without it.
- Post offices are often counters inside supermarkets or kiosks now — look for the yellow Post sign.
- Keep the Sendungsnummer (tracking number) for anything you send.
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