DHL Postnummer explained
This page tells about what the DHL Postnummer is and how to work with it to succesfully deliver orders for customers using the Postnummer.
What is the DHL Postnummer and why does it matter for international shipping?
The Postnummer (literally "Post Number") is a unique, personal identification number assigned by DHL to German consumers who register for their service, called "Post & Paket".
It is a crucial part of the addressing system for recipients who want to use DHL's alternative delivery services, which are very popular in Germany.
1. What the Postnummer Is
- A Personal ID: The Postnummer is a unique customer ID number (typically 6 to 10 digits) that identifies the individual recipient, not a physical street address or PO box.
- The Key to Flexible Delivery: It is used by registered customers to receive parcels at an alternative location other than their home address.
2. How German Consumers Use It
Consumers use their Postnummer to direct packages to two primary alternative locations:
| Service | Requirement | Why it Matters |
| 📦 Packstation (Automated Parcel Locker) | MANDATORY | The Postnummer is the secure key that uniquely identifies the recipient to the automated system. Delivery will fail if the Postnummer is missing, incorrect, or doesn't exactly match the name. |
| 🏢 Postfiliale Direkt (Post Office/Paketshop) | RECOMMENDED NOT NOT REQUIRED | Delivery succeeds without it. However, DHL's official addressing guidelines recommend including it in the address to speed up internal processing and ensure the package is correctly associated with the customer's account for digital notifications. |
When a German customer enters one of these addresses on your checkout page, they will replace the standard street and house number fields with the specific service (e.g., "Packstation 101") and provide their personal Postnummer.
When a customer chooses an alternative delivery location, they replace the street address fields with the service details. This is how you should format the shipping label:
| Address Field | Packstation Example | Postfiliale Direkt Example |
| Recipient Name | Max Mustermann | Max Mustermann |
| Additional Info | 7654321 (The Postnummer) | 7654321 (The Postnummer) |
| Street Name | Packstation | Postfiliale |
| House Number | 123 (The Packstation Number) | 502 (The Postfiliale Number) |
| ZIP Code/City | 10115 Berlin | 10115 Berlin |
3. Why It Matters for International E-commerce Merchants
For international merchants, correctly handling the Postnummer is vital for successful delivery:
- Preventing Failed Deliveries: If a customer requests delivery to a Packstation, the Postnummer you print on the label must be valid and match the recipient's name exactly. If the Postnummer is missing or incorrect, DHL will reject the parcel at the Packstation, leading to a failed delivery, return shipping costs, and a poor customer experience.
- Customer Expectation: Using these flexible delivery services is a standard and expected part of the German e-commerce experience. Merchants who support the Postnummer address format will improve customer satisfaction and conversion rates in the German market.
4. Working With Postnummer at OGOship
The Postnummer is relevant with shipping methods that support Packstations e.g. DHL Parcel Connect into Germany.
Preferred solution: use a pick-up point selector at checkout so that your German customers can enter their Postnummer.
What happens if a shipment comes in without a Postnummer and with directions to forward the shipment into a location needing it?
OGOship will stop the order. An alternate pick-up location can be selected for the customer or a home-delivery can be selected.