01 mail
die Post
The totality of letters, parcels, and items being delivered.
example
Ich schaue mal in den Briefkasten, ob die Post schon da ist.
I'll check the mailbox to see whether the mail has arrived yet.
die Post
mail / post office
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Meanings
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Usage tips
False friend
'Die Post' in German primarily means 'mail' or 'post office'. The English word 'post' can also mean a pole, a job position, or a social media post. The German word does not have these meanings.
EXAMPLE
Ich warte auf wichtige Post von der Universität.
I'm waiting for important mail from the university.
Use without an article
When talking about the items being sent themselves, 'Post' is often used like an uncountable noun without an article. For example, you ask: 'Ist Post für mich da?' (Is there any mail for me?).
EXAMPLE
Ich habe heute noch keine Post bekommen.
I haven't received any mail today.
Typical combinations
When referring to the service provider, typical phrases are 'etwas mit der Post schicken' (to send something by mail), 'ein Paket bei der Post aufgeben' (to send/drop off a package at the post office), or 'von der Post geliefert werden' (to be delivered by the postal service).
EXAMPLE
Ich schicke dir die Dokumente morgen mit der Post.
I'll send you the documents by mail tomorrow.
Important prepositions
To describe the place, the prepositions are crucial. You go 'zur Post' (to the post office; movement, accusative), and you are 'auf der Post' or 'in der Post' (at/in the post office; location, dative).
EXAMPLE
Kannst du auf dem Weg nach Hause kurz zur Post gehen?
Can you quickly go to the post office on your way home?
Fixed expression
The idiom 'die Post geht ab' is colloquial and means that things are very lively, loud, and exciting. It is often used for parties, concerts, or festivals.
EXAMPLE
Auf der Party gestern Abend ging echt die Post ab!
At the party last night, things were really happening!
Compare with
Post vs Sendung
program / shipment
'die Post' and 'die Sendung' can both have to do with letters and packages. 'die Post' often means everything that is delivered, or also the company that brings letters and packages. 'die Sendung' more specifically means a particular package, a letter, or several things that are sent to someone. Learners may confuse the words because both can be sent or received. A practical rule is: if you are talking about the system or about letters and packages in general, 'Post' fits. If you mean a specific item that has been sent, 'Sendung' fits better.
Post
Heute kommt die Post wegen des schlechten Wetters etwas später.
Today the mail is coming a little later because of the bad weather.
Sendung
Die Sendung für den Kurs liegt schon im Paketshop.
The shipment for the course is already at the parcel shop.
In real life
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