The postal system of Germany is highly organized and efficient. However, to ensure that your letter is delivered to the correct location and without any losses, a certain format should be followed. Sending mail to a home, business, PO Box, or even a military base, requires proper formatting.
This article shows you how to address mail to Germany in the correct form step by step, with examples and important tips.
How Do You Address Mail to Germany?
To send a letter or package to Germany, the international address needs your recipient to include their full name, street address/ PO Box, postal code (five digits), and end with GERMANY in capital letters.
This international standard will help the postal workers in Germany so as to organize and distribute their mail without any mistakes. Every line has its purpose, and nice writing is everything.
Steps to Address Mail to Germany
Here are the steps you need to follow to come up with a perfect German mailing address.
1. Write Full Name of the Recipient
2. Include the Address or PO Box
3. Add the Postal code and City
4. Write the Country in Capital Letters
Below is the detail of each step:
1. Write Full Name of the Recipient
Write down the complete name of the organization or person you are addressing it to on the first line of your letter. When sending to a business, put the name of the company, followed by names of departments or people.
Examples
Hans Müller
OR
ABC GmbH
Hans M Mller
Ensure that names are spelled well. In the case of companies, GmbH means a limited liability company (equivalent to LLC).
2. Include the Address or PO Box
Then, there is the name of the street and number of the building of ordinary apartments or offices. In case you have a PO Box receiver, enter the word Postfach with the number of the box rather than the street address.
Examples
Hauptstrasse 10
OR
Postfach 1234
In German, the word (strasse) means street. It may also be abbreviated as “Str.”
3. Add the Postal code and City
Germany implements a five-digit post code number that is quite valuable. It should always be put before the name of the town or city. Where the city is large, such as Berlin, this code assists in classifying the city to the appropriate district.
Examples
10115 Berlin
80331 Munich
Even if the letter appears good, incorrect or missing postal codes can lead to significant delays.
4. Write the Country in Capital Letters
As you are sending abroad, you have to make it clear by writing GERMANY in the last line. Write in capital letters so that the international postal system might not mix up.
Example
GERMANY
The local term Deutschland should not be used on international mail as it can be confusing to other non-German postal employees.
Common German Address Abbreviations
German addresses can contain certain abbreviations:
- Postfach = PO Box
- Str. = Street (Strasse)
- No. = No. of house or building
- GmbH = Limited liability company (such as LLC)
Example of a Correctly Formatted Address to Germany
Examples of typical addresses to various situations are given below. Take them as a reference and write your own.
Residential Address (Home) Format
Hans Müller
Hauptstrasse 10
10115 Berlin
GERMANY
This is the form to be used when one wants to send a personal letter or a little gift to a home in Germany.
Business Address Format
ABC GmbH
Hans Muller
Hauptstrasse 10
10115 Berlin
GERMANY
Ideal in shipping any sort of products or documents to companies. If it has a department name, do not forget it.
PO Box Address Format
Hans Müller
Postfach 1234
80331 Munich
GERMANY
Other companies may choose PO Box. Postfach and the number of the box should always be added.
Rural Address Format
Franziska Meier
Oberammergau Village
Near Garmisch-Partenkirchen
82487 Garmisch-Partenkirchen
GERMANY
In the case of a remote location, it is good to add the village name and nearest big town.
Military Address Format
Sgt. Markus Klein
Unit 123 Military
Postfach 456
10115 Berlin
GERMANY
In the case of military personnel, add their rank, unit, and box or address.
Government Office Address Format
Bundesministerium finanzen
Wilhelmstrasse 97
10117 Berlin
GERMANY
Sending to government departments? Write the name of the official department along with the street address.
NGO / International Organization Address Format
UNICEF Deutschland
Attn: Program Services
Hauptstrasse 10
10115 Berlin
GERMANY
When you are making an official mail, mention the organization name and department clearly.
Courier Format with Phone Number
Hans Müller
Hauptstrasse 10
10115 Berlin
GERMANY
Telephone: 49 30 1234567
It is recommended when using services of delivery companies like FedEx or DHL that one should consider adding a phone number so that deliveries are not lost.
Several Recipients (family or groups) Address Format
The Family Muller
Postfach 789
10115 Berlin
GERMANY
Perfect to use as a holiday card or family mail.
Business Department Address Format
ABC GmbH
Finance Department
Postfach 789
10115 Berlin
GERMANY
In case you are sending something to a particular department, don't forget to write about it.
Useful Tips for Proper Mail Delivery to Germany
When sending mail to Germany, ensure you specify the postal or zip code as it is mandatory in order to have the mail delivered correctly and within time. Write the whole address in capital letters and make it easier to read to both postal workers and machines. Align the whole address to the left because it is the conventional and most acceptable method.
Make the handwriting easy to read and clearly understandable, or print the address on a label so that no errors are entered. If you appoint the services of couriers, i.e., DHL, UPS, FedEx, etc., do not forget to indicate a contact phone number, since such companies can contact you during delivery and access details.
When addressing in the rural parts, do not forget to put the name of the village and also the name of the nearest larger town that will enable the mail to reach safely in the right place without getting lost.
Conclusion
Sending mail to Germany is simple when you already know the layout. Whether an ordinary postcard or a special business letter, the rule to follow is to write it clearly, correctly, and completely.
Follow the instructions we mentioned above, check out the postcode, and make sure to capitalize GERMANY. That’s it, your letter now ready to travel around the globe, reaching its final destination.
FAQs
1. How do you write a German address?
The correct format is full name of the recipient, which should be on separate lines, followed by the street address or the PO Box, then 5-digit postal code and name of the city, and then the word GERMANY in full capital letters on the last line.
2. Shall I use the word Deutschland instead of the word Germany at the top of the envelope?
No, when mailing to Germany, always write GERMANY in all capital letters on the bottom line. Postal workers outside your country might not be able to read your mail due to using Deutschland, and this might cause a delay in your mail.
3. Does it matter to use the postal code to mail Germany?
Yes, we require the postal code. Germany has a 5-digit system of postal code, and every code assists in delivering the mail to the right city and district. Otherwise, there is a possibility of your letter being delayed or missing.
4. Should I place a telephone number on the envelope?
The regular postal mail does not need a phone number, it is however highly recommended when sending mail using courier companies such as DHL, UPS or FedEx. This assists the couriers to get in touch with the receiver in case of an emergency.
5. What is the format of sending a letter to a business or company in Germany?
Put the company name, place the department or contact person followed by the complete address, postal code, city, and conclude with GERMANY.
