01
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
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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
zustellen vs liefern
to deliver / provide
'liefern' and 'zustellen' can both mean that a shipment or goods are brought to a person or a place. 'liefern' is more general and is especially suitable for ordered goods, food, or larger orders. 'zustellen' is used more for mail, packages, or official shipments when the recipient is supposed to receive the item. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with transport. In practice: a shop liefert goods; a parcel service stellt ein Paket zu (delivers a package).
zustellen
Der Brief wurde gestern an die neue Adresse zugestellt.
The letter was delivered to the new address yesterday.
liefern
Der Supermarkt liefert die Getränke morgen direkt zu uns nach Hause.
The supermarket will deliver the drinks directly to our home tomorrow.
In real life
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