zustellen
to deliver
To bring mail, parcels, or other shipments to the intended recipient.
EXAMPLE
Der Paketbote versucht, das Paket heute erneut zuzustellen.
The parcel carrier is trying to deliver the package again today.
zustellen
to deliver / block
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Meanings
zustellen
to block
To block a path, a door, or an area with objects so that one can no longer get through or reach it.
EXAMPLE
Bitte stell den Fluchtweg nicht mit alten Möbeln zu.
Please don't block the escape route with old furniture.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Zustellen' (to deliver / block) is a separable verb. The prefix 'zu' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Der Postbote stellt das Paket heute Vormittag zu.
The mail carrier is delivering the package this morning.
Context clue
The meaning depends on the object. If it refers to 'Post' (mail), 'Pakete' (packages), or 'Briefe' (letters), it means 'to deliver'. If it refers to 'einen Weg' (a path), 'eine Tür' (a door), or 'eine Einfahrt' (a driveway), it means 'to block'.
EXAMPLE
Die Firma stellt wichtige Dokumente per Kurier zu.
The company delivers important documents by courier.
Sentence structure: Delivering
With 'zustellen' (to deliver), the person who receives something is often given in the dative. The item being delivered is in the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Der Bote hat mir heute Morgen einen Brief zugestellt.
The courier delivered a letter to me this morning.
Sentence structure: Blocking
When something is blocked, the object doing the blocking is often introduced with the preposition 'mit' (with). The structure is: etwas (accusative) mit etwas (dative) zustellen.
EXAMPLE
Du kannst den Flur nicht mit deinem Fahrrad zustellen.
You can't block the hallway with your bicycle.
Compare with
liefernblockierenaustragenausliefernverbauenabliefernbeliefernversperrenverstellenaushändigenüberbringenanliefern
zustellen vs liefern
to deliver / provide
Both words work when a shipment is brought to a recipient. „Liefern“ refers more generally to the agreed delivery of goods or packages, while „zustellen“ emphasizes handing them over to the intended recipient. Use „zustellen“ when the recipient and the proper handover are the focus.
zustellen
Der Bote stellt das Paket morgen direkt dem Kunden zu.
The courier will deliver the package directly to the customer tomorrow.
liefern
Der Händler liefert das Paket morgen an unsere Adresse.
The retailer will deliver the package to our address tomorrow.
In real life
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