German Letter Postage Rates Increase

As of today, postage costs in Germany have increased. The cost of a standard letter weighing up to 20 grams has risen to 95 cents, up 10 cents from the previous rate. Other types of mail, such as compact letters and large letters, have also become more expensive. Postage for postcards now matches the cost of standard letters at 95 cents. Old stamps remain valid but must be franked additionally.

In a move that is set to impact both individuals and businesses, Deutsche Post has announced an increase in postage rates in Germany. Effective from January 1, 2023, the cost of sending a standard letter weighing up to 20 grams will rise to 95 cents, a 10-cent hike from the previous rate [1]. This approval from the Federal Network Agency is expected to be a mere formality.

This price adjustment is not limited to standard letters alone. Compact letters, weighing up to 50 grams, will now cost 1.10 euros (previously 1.00 euros), and large letters, weighing up to 500 grams, will cost 1.80 euros (previously 1.60 euros) [1]. Furthermore, postcards will now match the cost of standard letters at 95 cents [1].

The reason behind this price equalization, according to Deutsche Post, is to simplify the product range and reduce the costs associated with ordering, sorting, and delivering these products [1]. It is essential to note that old stamps remain valid but will need to be franked additionally.

The postage increase comes at a time when the volume of letters and postcards is declining due to the rise of digital communication. A recent survey conducted by Forsa on behalf of Swiss Post revealed that nine percent of respondents had not sent a single letter in the past twelve months, and the group of frequent users, sending more than 50 letters per year, has shrunk to three percent [2].

Despite the decline in the use of letters, they still hold significance for personal communication, with 62% of respondents stating that they use letters for private purposes such as birthday greetings and Christmas wishes [2]. However, the remaining 38% of respondents no longer use letters for private correspondence but instead opt for more formal communication, such as documents for authorities, letters to insurance companies, or the termination of gym contracts [2].

References:
[1] MarketScreener. (2023, January 1). Postage increases: Letter costs 95 cents, postcard soon as expensive as letter. Retrieved January 1, 2023, from https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/DHL-GROUP-435996/news/Postage-increases-Letter-costs-95-cents-postcard-soon-as-expensive-as-letter-48349887/
[2] Swiss Post. (2022, November 10). Letters on the decline: Frequent use of letters drops to three percent. Retrieved January 1, 2023, from https://www.swisspost.ch/en/media/media-releases/2022/letters-on-the-decline.html