[PL] How to address and send a letter to Germany?

Sending a letter abroad can seem a little complicated, especially if you are addressing a parcel to another country such as Germany. However, with the right knowledge and preparation, the process becomes simple and hassle-free. Find out how to address and send a letter to Germany so that it reaches the recipient on time. Also find out how much it costs.

Sending a letter to Germany – where do I start?

The first step in sending a letter to Germany is to choose the right company or post office to handle the delivery. There are several options available in Poland, the most popular of which is the Polish Post Office. You can also use international courier companies such as DHL, UPS, DPD or FedEx. This is a good solution, especially if you care about time and want to send something more than a simple letter, such as important documents or small but valuable items.

What do you need to know? When you decide to send a letter with the help of the Polish Post Office, you will send it as a standard, registered or priority letter. If you want fast delivery, it is worth considering the priority option, which usually shortens the delivery time.

Alternatively, courier companies offer slightly higher prices, but often faster delivery times and the ability to track your parcel at every stage.

How do I pack and send a letter to Germany?

Packing your letter correctly is crucial if you want it to reach the recipient intact. If you are sending standard correspondence, a simple paper envelope will suffice. For documents that require extra protection, consider using a bubble envelope or cardboard envelope to further protect the contents from damage.

If you plan to send small items such as telephone accessories or small gadgets, a bubble envelope is best. Thanks to the layer of bubble wrap inside, the contents of the parcel are protected from shocks and bumps.

There are also eco-friendly envelopes on the market, which are a great choice for environmentally conscious people.

How do I address a letter to Germany correctly?

Letter already prepared and courier selected? Great! What remains is to address the letter correctly. This is an important step that requires your focus. What do you need to bear in mind?

The correct positioning of the data on the envelope is the key to success. Where to put the sender’s information and where to put the recipient’s?

1. Sender’s details – in the top left-hand corner of the envelope, place your details – first and last name, place of residence (street, house/apartment number), postcode, city and country (Poland).

Example:

Jan Kowalski
ul. Słoneczna 15/3
00-001 Warsaw
Poland

1. Recipient’s details – enter the recipient’s details in the bottom right-hand corner of the envelope. This should include your first and last name, your place of residence in Germany, the postal code, the city and the country in Polish and German or English (Germany/Deutschland or Germany/Germany).

Example:

Anna Müller
Hauptstraße 12
10115 Berlin
Germany/Deutschland

If you are sending a registered letter, you will need to additionally fill in the postage confirmation form.

Remember to include the correct postage stamp that corresponds to the international tariff. You can buy stamps at a post office or online.

How much does a letter to Germany cost and how long does it take?

You already know how to send a letter abroad. It is still worth checking how much it costs.

The cost of sending a letter to Germany depends on several factors, such as the type of letter, its weight and the chosen method of delivery. A standard priority letter to Germany weighing up to 50 g costs about 7-10 PLN at the Polish Post Office. A registered letter costs around 18-25 PLN. With courier companies, prices start at around 60-70 zł for the simplest services, but can increase depending on weight and delivery time.

Below you will find a detailed price list for sending an envelope to Germany weighing up to 1 kilogram:

• UPS Standard: £62.61 (delivery time: 2 days)
• GLS International: 70.10 zł (delivery time: 2 days)
• DHL: 71.14 zł (delivery time: 2 days)
• DPD: 71,30 zł (delivery time: 2 days)
• FedEx Economy: 108.24 PLN (delivery time: 6 days)
• UPS Air: 181.36 pln (delivery time: 240 days)

As you can see, the delivery time for a letter to Germany is usually 3-7 working days for standard post. Priority and courier letters reach the recipient faster – usually within 2-3 working days.

If, on the other hand, you want to send a larger parcel to Germany, please read our article: How to send a parcel to Germany?

In summary, sending a letter to Germany is not a complicated process, but it does require a few key points to be taken care of. The basics are choosing a courier company and addressing the envelope correctly. If you do this correctly, you can be sure that your letter will reach the recipient on time.