Post Office Guide

1. Take a Number and Wait Your Turn

If the post office uses a numbering system, take a number and patiently wait for your turn. This helps maintain order and ensures everyone is served efficiently. If there’s no numbering system, form a single, orderly line and avoid cutting in line or crowding counters.

2. Be Prepared with the Correct Forms and Documents

Before approaching the counter, make sure you have all the necessary forms and documents ready. This will speed up your transaction and reduce wait times for others. For international shipping, confirm whether customs forms are required and fill them out accurately.

3. Address Formatting and Envelope Preparation

Standard Address Placement in Germany

• Traditionally, the sender's address (Absender) is placed in the top left corner of the envelope, either on the front or on the back flap. Both placements are accepted, but the top left on the front is most common for business and formal correspondence.
• The recipient's address (Empfänger) should be written in the lower right section of the envelope. This is the designated area for postal machines to read addresses efficiently.
• Use capital letters or print for clarity, and place stamps in the top right corner of the envelope. Double-check that you’ve used the correct postage amount based on weight and destination.

Special Case: Window Envelopes (Mit Fenster)

• Window Envelopes: For envelopes with a transparent window (Fensterumschlag), the recipient's address must appear in a specific position on the letter itself, so that it is visible through the window when folded and inserted. The sender's address is usually printed smaller above the recipient's address or in the letterhead, so it also appears in the window if necessary.
• No Separate Writing on Envelope: With window envelopes, you do not write the addresses directly on the envelope. Instead, you format the letter so the recipient's address aligns with the window, following DIN 5008 standards.

4. Respect Collection Deadlines

Be aware of cut-off times for same-day processing if using post boxes or dropping off mail at a post office. Typically, letters posted by 5 PM on working days are processed that day.

5. Use Polite Language and Avoid Rushing the Staff

Treat post office staff with respect and courtesy. Use polite language when asking for assistance, such as:

• Entschuldigung (Excuse me)
• Könnten Sie mir bitte helfen? (Can you please help me?)

Avoid rushing them, as they are there to assist you with your needs.

6. Ask for Assistance When Needed

If you're unsure about forms, postage options, or delivery times, don’t hesitate to ask staff for help. They are usually happy to assist if approached politely.

7. Express Gratitude

Thank staff for their assistance with phrases like Vielen Dank für Ihre Hilfe (Thank you for your help). Showing appreciation is considered polite and is always appreciated in Germany.

8. Handling Packages

If picking up a package, bring your notification slip and a valid ID to ensure smooth processing. In addition to post offices, many small kiosks and shops function as package pickup points and offer other postal services like stamp sales and mail drop-off. [Learn more about kiosks here].

9. Using Post Boxes

Letters can also be posted in Deutsche Post’s yellow post boxes, which are widely available throughout Aachen. Make sure to check the collection times displayed on the box to avoid delays. Alternatively, small kiosks and shops often serve as postal service points, offering stamp sales, mail drop-off, and package pickup services.

10. Be Patient During Peak Hours

Post offices can be busy during lunch hours or before holidays. Plan your visit accordingly and remain patient if there are delays.