mail carrier
der Postbote, die Postboten
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mail carrier
A person whose job is to deliver letters, packages, and other mail items to households and businesses. Alternative terms are letter carrier or delivery person.
Der Postbote hat heute Morgen ein großes Paket für dich gebracht.
The mail carrier brought a large package for you this morning.
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Postboten |
| genitive | des Postboten |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Postbote | die Postboten |
| accusative | den Postboten | die Postboten |
| dative | dem Postboten | den Postboten |
| genitive | des Postboten | der Postboten |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The word is made up of 'die Post' (the mail/post office) and 'der Bote' (messenger). A 'Bote' is a person who brings something or delivers a message. So a 'Postbote' is literally a 'mail messenger'.
Ein Bote überbrachte den wichtigen Brief persönlich.
A messenger delivered the important letter in person.
Typical verbs that describe the mail carrier's activity are 'die Post bringen' (to bring the mail), 'Pakete zustellen' (to deliver packages), or simply 'kommen' (to come). You also often hear: 'Der Postbote hat geklingelt' (The mail carrier rang the doorbell).
Ich warte darauf, dass der Postbote kommt und mein Paket bringt.
I'm waiting for the mail carrier to come and bring my package.
The mail carrier's main activity is described with the separable verb 'zustellen' (to deliver). In a main clause, the prefix 'zu' comes at the end.
Der Postbote stellt heute ein Einschreiben für Sie zu.
The mail carrier is delivering a registered letter for you today.
delivery person
Postbote and Zusteller can both refer to a person who delivers mail or packages. Zusteller is broader and also works for newspapers or other shipments. Postbote is especially appropriate when the focus is on traditional mail items.
Der Postbote bringt heute die Briefe und ein Paket.
The mail carrier is delivering the letters and a package today.
Der Zusteller bringt heute die Tageszeitung und weitere Sendungen.
The delivery person is delivering the daily newspaper and other shipments today.
