The Deutsche Post controls the mail in Germany. Postal rates are strictly evaluated on the size and weight of the letter. Post offices are located throughout the city ally close by 17:00. Drop boxes are also plentiful and can be identified by their bright yellow color with the Deutsche Post emblem. The Deutsche Post has another division - Banking Services (Postbank).

Postcodes

The first two digits indicate the area and the last three digits indicate the postal district. The postal regions are not divided up following the borders of the different Laender which can be confusing. To find the proper code, use the German Telephone Book.

Addressing

Addresses in Germany are written in a particular way:
Line 1: Form of Address (optional)
Line 2: Recipient
Line 3: Street name followed by property/house number
Line 4: Postal code followed by town name
Line 5: Country (if outside Germany)

For example:
Herrn
Dieter Wellhausen
Lansstrasse 81
D-11179 Berlin

Services

• Eigenhaendig (Personal Delivery) - The letter or package is delivered directly into the hands of the recipient.
• Rueckschein (Recorded delivery) - The sender receives notification of the successful delivery of the letter or package.
• Einschreiben (Registered mail) - The mail is recorded and can be received in person (Uebergabeinschreiben) and or delivered to letter box or Post Office Box (Einwurfeinschreiben).
• Transportversicherung (Insured mail) - Your letter or package can be insured depending on the value of the contents.
• Express-Service - You will pay accordingly to how fast you want their legs to move. Most prices will depend on the dimensions of the package and the other services requested.

Requests for forwarding mail can be made online.

Prices

• Postcards (within Germany): 0.45 euro
• Letter (within Germany): 0.55 euro
• Postcards (within Europe): 0.45 euro
• Letter (within Europe): 0.70 euro
• Postcards (outside of Europe): 1.00 euro
• Letter (within Europe): 1.70 euro

Deutsche Post offers a post calculator to determine postage.