Postal charges and sizes
Fees for letters, postcards and postal packages.Things to note in sending them.
Please note that postage fees may change (As of October 01, 2023).
Postcard: Permissible length between 14 – 23.5 cm and a width of between 9 – 12.5 cm. The strength of the paper can be from 150g/qm bis 500g/qm. Price is 0.70€.
Charges for mailings that deviate from these standards depend on their size and weight. Also, whether the letter is domestic or is destined to go abroad.
There are four classes of letters:1. Standard letter up to 20g, rectangular only. Normal size = 23.5 cm x 12.5 cm, maximal height of 5 mm. Price is 0.85€
2. Compact letter up to 50g, rectangular only. Price is 1€
3. Large letter up to 500g, length, width, and height up to 90 cm. Each side may not exceed 60 cm in length. Price is 1.60€
4. Maximum letter up to 1,000g, length, width, and height up to 90 cm. Each side may not exceed 60 cm in length. Price is 2.75€
The fee can be determined with a fee calculator of the German Postal Service or queried at a local Post Office.
With colored envelopes please note that the writing must be black on white or on a bright background. In case of doubt, use a label.
The Code-Zone on the right lower edge must remain blank.
Standard and Compact letters are automatically sorted. They must therefore be flexible.
Stick-on or paste-on items may not resemble Postal markings.
If small objects such as USB Sticks (Thumb Drives), CDs, or cellphones are mailed, you must use a bubble-wrap type envelope or a hardened box.
Letters going outside of Germany must have the destination country’s abbreviated name written before the town or city name (F, NL, USA etc.). Under the city name you must write the name of the destination country in capital letters.
Wert-Briefe
Sending cash or valuables through a letter (“Wertbrief”) – when sending cash, this resembles a “Money Order” as you can use in North America. But you can also send valuables through this mechanism.You can send cash up to 100€ (Euros) and valuables up to 500€ (Euros).
The Post Office insures up to these amounts.
Receipt of the “Wertbrief” will be confirmed in writing.
Online tracking is possible. You receive a tracking number at the Post Office when you buy the envelope in which to send the cash or valuables.
Attention: You are not allowed to send both cash and valuable items together in the same envelope. You can only send one or the other.
It’s not possible to send cash to destinations outside Germany.
The Money Order costs 4.30€ to send anywhere within Germany.
Attention: As a result of the “liberalization” of postal operations (e.g., introducing competition), several private services have been established whose products can be very cost-competitive, especially if large mailings are needed.
Prices of Deutsche Post
Small Packages
This is the cheapest form of sending. Your weight is limited to 2kg. There are two types of packages to choose from: National:
1. Package S = max. 35 x 25 x 10 cm = 3.99 €
2. Package M = max. 60 x 30 x 15 cm = 4.79 €
International:
Prices can be found here.
Large Packages
For larger packages, see the following weight and size limitations:Within Germany:
1. Up to 2 kg, max. 60 x 30 x 15 cm = 5.49 € (only online)
2. Up to 5 kg, max. 120 x 60 x 60 cm = 6.99 €
3. Up to 10 kg = 10.49 €
4. Up to 31.5 kg = 16.49 €
Additional services can be added at the following prices:
Each additional last name = 6.90 €
Transportation insurance up to 2,500 € = 6 €.
Up to 25,000 € = 18 €.
Additional exceptional services can be requested.
International:
Prices may vary and can be seen here.