Postleitzahl
/ˈpɔstlaɪ̯ttsaːl/
The English phrase zip code is translated into German as Postleitzahl.
While 'zip code' specifically refers to the US system in English, Postleitzahl is the general term used for any postal code system in Germany.
Meaning: US postal code (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is feminine, so it takes the feminine article 'die'. The plural form of Postleitzahl is Postleitzahlen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpɔstlaɪ̯ttsaːl/
Did you know?
- The term Postleitzahl is a compound of three distinct words: Post, leiten and Zahl, which literally translates to 'post directing number'.
- The first digit of a German Postleitzahl indicates the large geographic region, meaning you can often guess which part of the country a person is in just by the first number.
- Germans frequently shorten Postleitzahl to PLZ in writing. You will see this abbreviation on almost every digital form and shipping label in Germany.
Examples in context
- Was ist eine Postleitzahl?What is a zip code?This sentence is useful for asking what a zip code is.Tatoeba #11746308 by mhr, translation #11746280 by CK
- Vergiss nicht, die Postleitzahl anzugeben!Don't forget to write the zip code.This sentence is useful for reminding someone to provide a Postleitzahl.Tatoeba #4199265 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #4198352 by CK
- Kannst du mir die Postleitzahl von New York nennen?Can you tell me what the zip code is for New York?This sentence is useful for asking for the Postleitzahl of a specific city.Tatoeba #745408 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #35909 by cromwellt
- Könnten Sie mir bitte die Postleitzahl für Hamburg geben?Could you please provide me with the zip code for Hamburg?
- Wie lautet Ihre Postleitzahl?What is your zip code?
- Ich brauche die PLZ, um Ihnen das Paket zu schicken.I need the PLZ to send you the package.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah is filling out an online order form and needs help.
- SarahLukas, wo finde ich die Postleitzahl?Lukas, where can I find the zip code?
- LukasSie steht oben rechts auf dem Brief.It is at the top right of the letter.
- SarahAch ja, hier ist die Postleitzahl.Oh yes, here is the zip code.
- LukasSuper, dann kannst du das Formular abschicken.Great, then you can submit the form.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Postleitzahl, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Postleitzahl, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
