💡 The courier asks for a signature on a device or on paper; if you are not at home he leaves a Benachrichtigungskarte (notice card) or hands it to neighbours.
💡 Abstellgenehmigung is permission to leave parcels at the door or in a specific place; Nachbar is neighbour. The courier may ask whether you agree.
💡 The courier often phones when he cannot get into the building: say the floor and the bell; you can also ask whether he will leave the parcel at the door.
💡 A courier leaves a parcel at your door only with your permission (Abstellgenehmigung); otherwise he hands it to a neighbour or a pick-up point and puts a Benachrichtigung (notice) in your letterbox.
💡 Couriers ask you to sign with your finger on the screen of a device; the signature confirms receipt, so check first that the box is intact.
💡 If the tracking says "delivered" but there is no parcel, first ask the neighbours and check the place given in the tracking; then contact customer service with the tracking number (Sendungsnummer).
💡 The notice from the delivery service has a code or QR code for the Packstation: you scan or enter it on the screen and the compartment opens. You must collect the parcel within a few days.
💡 At a pickup point (Paketshop) you show the notice (code or card) and ID; the parcel is held for a few days.
💡 If there is a problem with the locker use the service's hotline or chat in the app; they usually suggest scanning the code again or open the compartment remotely.
💡 At a Packstation you collect the parcel with the QR code from the app or the message: hold the screen to the scanner and wait until the compartment opens; you must collect it within a few days.
💡 At a pick-up point (Paketshop) in a shop you show the code or notice and an ID; someone else can collect it for you only with your written authorisation and a copy of your ID.
💡 The Abholschein is the card about a parcel waiting at the post office; with it and your passport the parcel is handed out; storage lasts a few days.
💡 Letters are called Standardbrief, Einschreiben (registered), Auslandsbrief (abroad); the price depends on weight and destination.
💡 A parcel outside the EU needs a customs declaration (Zollinhaltserklärung): content and value are stated; check the list of prohibited goods on the carrier's website.
💡 The price of a parcel depends on weight and size; you can buy a box and tape at the post office; the tracking number (Sendungsnummer) lets you follow the delivery online.
💡 zerbrechlich means "fragile"; on a parcel with glass you stick a zerbrechlich label; wrap every item in paper and fill the box.
💡 If the card says the parcel went to neighbours, ring the bell and ask politely: Haben Sie vielleicht ein Paket für mich angenommen?
💡 If a neighbour accepts a parcel, bringing a bar of chocolate or a small gift is a nice gesture; it is not expected in Germany, but it is appreciated.
💡 Asking a neighbour to accept a parcel is normal; say roughly when it will come, thank them and collect it quickly; the courier leaves a notice in your letterbox saying who has the parcel.
💡 For a return an online shop provides a Retourenlabel (label): you print it or show a QR code at a pickup point; returns are often free and the deadline is stated in the order.
💡 Rücksendeschein, Retourenschein are the form or label; look for them in the shop's email, in your account or on the carrier's website.
💡 Parcels from outside the EU are sometimes held up by customs (Zoll): you may have to pay duty or submit documents; a notice comes by letter or from the carrier.
💡 For returning an online order look for the Retourenschein or QR code from the shop: sending is usually free; the money is refunded once the seller has received the goods; keep the receipt (Einlieferungsbeleg).
💡 After a return the seller usually refunds the money within fourteen days; keep your Bestellnummer (order number) and the receipt at hand.
💡 If you get the wrong item, take a photo, write to the seller and ask for a Rücksendeetikett (return label): returning it is free when the seller made the mistake.