Looking to post that belated holiday gift? You might be affected by a change that Deutsche Post and package affiliate DHL have introduced for customers this January.

It will apply to anyone in Germany who wants to send smaller items weighing up to two kilos, whether to a domestic destination or abroad.

Stamps for the usual small parcel rates of €3.79 or €4.39 are no longer available in stores or online, but Deutsche Post will accept them until June 31st 2021 so that anyone who still has a supply will have a chance to use them.

Customers can now purchase and print out labels online or through Deutsche Post’s and DHL's app, or simply drop off the package at the nearest post office.

But those who don’t have the option of printing out a label at home can generate a QR-code with the app, which they simply write on the package. A parcel label is later printed out and scanned by an employee at the closest post office or DHL shop. 

The function is also available for letters, although it is still possible to purchase and use regular stamps for these as well.

A woman writes the QR code on a letter instead of using a stamp. Photo: picture alliance/dpa/Deutsche Post DHL Group | Deutsche Post DHL Group

For an extra cost, a DHL courier can come to your home to pick up the parcel. However, it’s free if you hand over your package to a driver who rings your doorbell anyways to deliver your parcel – or have you watch that of a neighbour's.  

In recent months, Deutsche Post had already announced that in future it would focus on digital services such as letter notifications and more precise parcel tracking through its app. 

Deutsche Post said that post and package prices, which were last changed in September 2020, would stay the same through the end of 2021.