Postage in 2025: How much will a letter cost? All current postage costs at a glance

Letter, postcard, parcel, or small package? When it comes to sending mail, things can sometimes get confusing. We explain the current prices and how the various products differ here.

Deutsche Post is permitted to increase postage in 2025. According to the Federal Network Agency, an increase of up to 10.5 percentage points is possible. The reason for this sharp increase is the recent sharp decline in letter volumes and the inflation-related rise in Deutsche Post's costs. For consumers, postage will become significantly more expensive in some cases.

• The postage for a standard letter will increase from 85 cents to 95 cents starting January 1, 2025.
• The postage for a postcard increases from 70 cents to 95 cents.

Other products are also increasing in price:

• Compact letter: 1.10 euros (previously 1 euro)
• Large letter: 1.80 euros (previously 1.60 euros)
• Maxi letter: 2.90 euros (previously 2.75 euros)
• Standard international letter: 1.25 euros (previously 1.10 euros)
• Postcard abroad: 1.25 euros (previously 0.95 euros)

Higher postage from January?

Deutsche Post letters are divided into four different types: the standard letter , the compact letter , the large letter , and the maxi letter . The most commonly used type is the standard letter, which, following the recent price increase, will cost 85 cents in the future. Such a letter typically contains only a few A4 pages or photos – it is permitted to weigh up to 20 grams.

Postcards have their own postage rates. The following applies: 150 to 500 g/m² (max. weight) or 23.5 × 12.5 cm (max. dimensions).

Deutsche Post also offers the option of sending so-called e-post letters. These are electronically delivered mail items that allow attachments of up to 20 MB. Such letters are normally delivered entirely digitally. However, if the recipient doesn't have an e-post address, Deutsche Post will take care of printing, franking, mailing, and delivery by postman.

Registered mail is considered the letter for particularly important matters. Unlike a regular letter, a so-called proof of delivery is required. Depending on the type of registered mail, this means that the mail service provider either documents the letter being posted or the recipient must personally acknowledge delivery. Registered mail is particularly useful if you want to protect yourself legally, for example, in the case of a termination or other time-bound declarations. In the event of a dispute, a registered letter can then serve as evidence in court, unlike a standard letter.

A so-called "Wertbrief" (Insured Letter) or "Wert National" (National Value Letter) from Deutsche Post is used to send money or valuables without risk. Liability is up to €500 for tangible goods and up to €100 for cash. Digital devices such as smartphones, jewelry, important documents, or cash can be sent, for example.

Here's an overview of the new fees for basic products and additional services offered by Deutsche Post. According to Deutsche Post, these prices are effective from January 1, 2025.

* Surcharge on postage

* Surcharge on postage

As of February 2025. All information is subject to change.

A consignment of goods is not used for letters and messages, but exclusively for the shipment of goods. It is ideal for sending small items more cost-effectively. Books, maps, and brochures also fall under this category. The maximum dimensions are 35.5 × 25 × 5 cm.

The following prices apply from January 1, 2024:

• Books and goods up to 1000 g for 2.55 euros
• Books and goods up to 2000 g for +0.85 €*

* Only in combination with the basic product “Consignment of Goods”

Larger shipments are delivered by Deutsche Post via DHL in parcels and small packages. Prices vary depending on whether the parcels or packages are sent via standard or express delivery, and whether the shipments are posted in a branch or franked online.

As of February 2025. All information is subject to change.