If you are new to Germany, even something as basic as mailing a letter can feel oddly confusing. Where do you buy stamps? How much postage do you need? Can you drop the letter into any yellow mailbox? And what does Standardbrief actually mean?

The good news is that sending a letter in Germany is usually straightforward once you understand the basics. Deutsche Post handles regular letter mail, and for most everyday letters, the process is simple: write the address correctly, put enough postage on the envelope, and drop it into a yellow Deutsche Post mailbox or take it to a post office. Deutsche Post currently lists four main domestic letter formats: Standard, Kompakt, Groß, and Maxi.

Who This Guide Is For

This guide is especially useful if you are:

In Germany, physical mail still matters more than many newcomers expect. Universities, banks, landlords, insurance companies, and government offices often still send and receive important documents by post.

Step 1: Choose the Right Envelope and Letter Type

In Germany, postage depends mainly on three things:

For domestic letters, Deutsche Post currently uses these common categories:

For most normal personal letters, printed forms, or a few folded A4 pages, a Standardbrief is enough. If you are mailing several documents, you may need Kompakt or Groß instead.

A common mistake in Germany is assuming that a slightly thicker envelope still counts as a standard letter. If it is too heavy or too thick, it may be returned or delayed. When in doubt, take it to a post office and ask staff to weigh it.

Step 2: Write the Address the German Way

German envelopes follow a fairly strict layout. On the front of the envelope:

A typical address looks like this:

If you are writing to a person in Germany, use this order:

That postcode matters. German postal codes are very important for automated sorting, so double-check them.

If you are sending a letter internationally from Germany, it is a good idea to write the destination country in capital letters on the last line, preferably in English or in the language commonly used internationally.

Step 3: Buy the Right Postage

You can buy stamps in Germany in several ways:

If you only send letters occasionally, the easiest option is usually to buy a physical stamp at a post office. If you prefer digital solutions, Deutsche Post also offers online and mobile franking options.

For international letters, prices are different. Deutsche Post currently lists €1.25 for a standard international letter up to 20 g.

Step 4: Put the Stamp in the Top Right Corner

This part is simple, but it matters: the stamp always goes in the top right corner of the envelope. If you use printed online postage or a mobile code instead of a classic stamp, place it in the same general area so the letter can be processed correctly. Deutsche Post’s addressing guidance explicitly places franking in the top right.

Do not cover the address area with stickers, tape, or decorative elements. German mail sorting is highly automated, and messy envelopes can cause delays.

Step 5: Mail the Letter

Once the letter is addressed and stamped, you have two main options:

Option 1: Drop it into a yellow Deutsche Post mailbox

These yellow mailboxes are everywhere in Germany: on streets, near supermarkets, near train stations, and outside post offices. If your letter already has the correct postage, this is the easiest method.

Look at the collection times printed on the mailbox. If you post your letter after the last pickup of the day, it will be collected the next working day.

Option 2: Take it to a post office or postal shop

This is the better option if:

At the counter, staff can weigh the letter, tell you the correct price, and add any extra service you need.

When You Should Use Registered Mail in Germany

For normal letters, a standard stamp is enough. But if you are sending something important, for example:

you may want to use Einschreiben, which is registered mail. Deutsche Post recommends it for important letters that require proof of mailing or delivery.

This is especially relevant in Germany because many deadlines depend on whether a document was sent or received on time. Expats often discover this only after dealing with insurance, landlords, or government offices.

A Few Practical Tips for Foreigners in Germany

1. Do not guess the postage

German mail rules are quite precise. A letter that looks normal may still be too heavy or too thick for the cheapest rate.

2. Print clearly

If you handwrite the address, make it very legible. Automated sorting works best with clean formatting.

3. Always include a return address

It is not always mandatory, but it is highly recommended. If the letter cannot be delivered, it is much easier for it to come back to you.

4. Keep proof when mailing important documents

If the contents matter, do not rely on an ordinary letter. Use a tracked or registered option and keep the receipt.

5. Remember that Germany still uses paper mail a lot

Many official institutions still prefer or require letters. That includes banks, health insurers, public authorities, universities, and some employers.

Sending a Letter in Germany: Quick Checklist

Before you mail your letter, check these five points:

If the answer is yes, you are ready.Sending a letter in Germany is easy once you know the basics. To mail a letter in Germany, write the recipient’s address clearly, add the correct postage, place the stamp in the top right corner, and drop the letter into a yellow Deutsche Post mailbox or take it to a post office. For expats, international students, and foreigners in Germany, understanding German letter postage, envelope formats, and registered mail options can help avoid delays and missed deadlines. If you are unsure how to frank a letter in Germany, a Deutsche Post branch can check the size, weight, and correct postage for you.

FAQ

How do you send a letter in Germany?

Write the address correctly, add the right German postage, put the stamp in the top right corner, and post it in a Deutsche Post mailbox.

Where can you buy stamps in Germany?

You can buy stamps at Deutsche Post branches, some shops, or online.

How much postage do you need for a letter in Germany?

That depends on the size, weight, and thickness of the letter.

What is registered mail in Germany?

Registered mail is called Einschreiben and is useful for important documents.