Esta página en tu idioma

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A1 noun #8,000 más común 10 min de lectura

Briefkasten

Top 8,000

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos Briefkasten en 30 segundos

Explicación Briefkasten in your Level:

At the A1 level, you learn 'Briefkasten' as a basic object in your house or on the street. You should know that it is 'der Briefkasten' (masculine) and that its primary purpose is to hold 'Briefe' (letters). You use it with simple verbs like 'sehen' (to see) or 'haben' (to have). Example: 'Ich habe einen Briefkasten.' You also learn that public ones in Germany are yellow.

At A2, you begin to use 'Briefkasten' in the context of daily routines and directions. You learn prepositions like 'in' and 'an'. You can say 'Ich werfe den Brief in den Briefkasten' (Accusative) or 'Der Brief ist im Briefkasten' (Dative). You also learn about 'Werbung' (advertising) and how to ask where the nearest mailbox is.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At B1, you can discuss more complex situations involving the mailbox, such as asking a neighbor to empty it while you are on vacation ('den Briefkasten leeren'). you understand compound words like 'Briefkastenschlüssel' or 'Briefkastenanlage'. You can describe problems, such as a broken lock or the box being too full.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the B2 level, you use 'Briefkasten' in more formal or abstract contexts. You might talk about 'Briefkastenfirmen' (shell companies) in a discussion about economics or 'Fristenbriefkästen' (deadline mailboxes) in a legal context. You understand the nuances between 'Postfach', 'Briefschlitz', and 'Briefkasten'.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At C1, you use the word comfortably in specialized domains. You might analyze the legal implications of a 'Briefkastenzustellung' (delivery via mailbox) in a law course or discuss the cultural history of postal services. You use idiomatic expressions and understand the metaphorical use of the word in literature or high-level journalism.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At C2, you have a near-native grasp of all nuances. You can discuss the etymology of the word, its role in German administrative law, and use it in complex metaphors. You might use it to discuss the 'Briefkastenonkel' (advice columnist) tradition or the sociological impact of the digitalization of the 'Briefkasten'.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

Briefkasten en 30 segundos

Briefkasten is the German word for mailbox or letterbox.
It is a masculine noun (der Briefkasten) with the plural form 'Briefkästen'.
Public mailboxes in Germany are distinctive for their bright yellow color.
It is a central object in German daily life and legal administration.

The German word Briefkasten is a composite noun formed from Brief (letter) and Kasten (box). In its most literal sense, it refers to the physical container where mail is deposited. However, in Germany, the Briefkasten holds a specific cultural and functional significance that goes beyond just a 'mailbox' in the American sense. It represents the primary point of contact between the citizen and the state, as well as private service providers. Unlike in some countries where mail might be delivered through a slot in the door, the German Briefkasten is almost always a distinct, lockable box, often mounted on a wall or integrated into a fence. In apartment buildings, you will find a Briefkastenanlage, a large array of individual boxes for every resident.

Physical Appearance: Public mailboxes in Germany, operated by Deutsche Post, are famously bright yellow. Private mailboxes come in various colors, but must adhere to specific size regulations to ensure DIN A4 envelopes fit without being folded.

Haben Sie heute schon in den Briefkasten geschaut?

The word is used daily. It is not just the box at your house; it is also the public box on the street corner where you drop off your outgoing mail. If you are looking for a place to post a letter, you look for the 'gelber Briefkasten'. In a professional context, the term can also refer to the 'inbox' of an office, though Posteingang is more common for digital contexts. It is essential to distinguish between the Hausbriefkasten (at home) and the Postbriefkasten (public). In German law, the moment a document enters your Briefkasten, it is considered 'delivered' (zugegangen), which starts the clock on legal deadlines. This makes the physical box a site of significant legal importance.

The Digital Shift: While email has replaced much correspondence, the physical Briefkasten remains the only legal way to receive 'Einschreiben' (registered mail) or official 'Bescheide' (government notices) in Germany.

Der Postbote wirft die Zeitung in den Briefkasten.

Culturally, the Briefkasten is also linked to the concept of privacy. Tampering with someone else's mailbox is a serious offense (Verletzung des Briefgeheimnisses). When Germans go on vacation, they often ask a neighbor to 'den Briefkasten leeren' (empty the mailbox) so that the overflowing box doesn't signal to burglars that the house is empty. This social ritual highlights the communal trust often found in German neighborhoods.

Compound Nuance: Note that 'Briefkasten' is masculine (der Briefkasten). The plural is 'die Briefkästen', involving an umlaut change on the 'a'.

Ich muss noch schnell zum Briefkasten an der Ecke.

Mein Briefkasten ist voller Rechnungen.

Der Schlüssel für den Briefkasten liegt auf dem Tisch.

Using the word Briefkasten correctly involves understanding its gender (masculine) and the prepositions that typically accompany it. When you are putting something into it, you use 'in den Briefkasten' (accusative). When something is already inside, you use 'im Briefkasten' (dative, a contraction of 'in dem'). If you are walking toward a public mailbox to post a letter, you say 'zum Briefkasten' (to the mailbox).

Action Verbs: Common verbs paired with Briefkasten include leeren (to empty), einwerfen (to drop in/insert), nachsehen (to check), and öffnen (to open).

Bitte werfen Sie den Brief in den Briefkasten ein.

In everyday German, you'll often hear phrases like 'Ich gehe mal zum Briefkasten' (I'm going to check the mail). This is a standard part of the daily routine. In apartment complexes, the Briefkasten is often the place where you leave small items for neighbors, like a borrowed key or a note. Because it is lockable, it serves as a secure hand-off point. Sentence structure usually follows the standard SVO (Subject-Verb-Object) pattern, but because 'Briefkasten' is a noun, it can also appear in compound constructions like 'Briefkastenschlüssel' (mailbox key) or 'Briefkastenfirma' (shell company).

Plural Usage: When talking about multiple mailboxes, for example in a hallway, use 'Briefkästen'. 'Die Briefkästen im Erdgeschoss sind neu.'

Hast du schon im Briefkasten nachgesehen?

When describing the location, you might use 'am Briefkasten' if you are standing next to it. For example, 'Wir treffen uns am gelben Briefkasten.' This is common when giving directions or setting a meeting point. In formal writing, such as instructions for a delivery service, you might see: 'Bitte legen Sie das Paket neben den Briefkasten.' Here, the preposition 'neben' (beside) takes the accusative because it describes where the object is being placed.

Formal Correspondence: In official letters, you might see: 'Zustellung durch Einwurf in den Briefkasten' (Delivery by insertion into the mailbox).

Der Briefkasten ist leider kaputt.

Wo ist hier der nächste Briefkasten?

Es liegen drei Prospekte im Briefkasten.

The word Briefkasten is ubiquitous in German daily life. You will hear it most frequently in domestic settings. Every morning or evening, family members might ask each other, 'Warst du schon am Briefkasten?' (Have you been to the mailbox yet?). In apartment buildings, it's a common topic of conversation among neighbors, especially regarding the 'Werbung' (advertising) that tends to clog them up or if someone's 'Namensschild' (nameplate) has fallen off the box.

In the City: If you ask for directions to mail a letter, a local will likely say: 'Da vorne an der Ecke steht ein gelber Briefkasten.' The 'yellow' part is iconic because it identifies the official Deutsche Post boxes.

Der Briefkasten wird um 17 Uhr geleert.

In professional or legal settings, the Briefkasten is mentioned in the context of deadlines. A lawyer might say, 'Das Schreiben muss heute noch in den Briefkasten des Gerichts.' (The letter must be in the court's mailbox today). This refers to the 'Fristenbriefkasten' (deadline mailbox), a special mailbox at courts that automatically separates mail dropped in before and after midnight. This is a very specific but important usage of the word in German society, where punctuality and legal deadlines are taken very seriously.

On the Radio/News: You might hear reports about 'Briefkasten-Angriffe' (attacks on mailboxes), which unfortunately sometimes happen during New Year's Eve with fireworks.

Ich habe den Schlüssel für den Briefkasten verloren.

In literature or film, the Briefkasten often serves as a symbol of waiting or anticipation. A character might stare out the window waiting for the 'Postbote' (mail carrier) to arrive at the Briefkasten. In the digital age, while the word 'Inbox' is often used for email, some older speakers might still metaphorically refer to their email account as their 'digitaler Briefkasten'. However, this is becoming less common as 'Posteingang' has become the standard tech term.

Maintenance and Hardware: At a hardware store (Baumarkt), you would ask: 'Wo finde ich die Briefkästen?' if you want to buy a new one for your house.

Könnten Sie bitte meinen Briefkasten leeren, während ich weg bin?

Der Briefkasten ist ganz nass vom Regen.

Jemand hat Schokolade in meinen Briefkasten gesteckt!

For English speakers, the most common mistake is confusing the Briefkasten with the Postfach. While both involve mail, a Postfach is a P.O. Box located inside a post office branch. If you tell someone to send mail to your 'Briefkasten', you mean your home address. If you say 'Postfach', you mean they need to use your specific box number at the post office.

Gender Confusion: Many learners assume that because 'Box' in English is feminine in some languages (like 'la boîte' in French), it might be feminine in German. It is not. It is der Briefkasten. Using 'die Briefkasten' is a very common beginner error.

Falsch: Ich schaue in die Briefkasten. Richtig: Ich schaue in den Briefkasten.

Another error involves the plural form. Unlike many German nouns that just add an '-er' or '-e', Briefkasten changes its stem vowel. It becomes Briefkästen. Forgetting the umlaut is a frequent mistake in writing. Furthermore, learners often confuse the verbs 'einwerfen' and 'leeren'. You einwerfen (throw in) a letter to send it, and you leeren (empty) the box to receive your mail. Mixing these up can lead to confusing sentences like 'Ich habe den Brief geleert' (I emptied the letter), which makes no sense.

Preposition Pitfalls: Using 'auf den Briefkasten' (on top of the mailbox) instead of 'in den Briefkasten' (inside). While physically possible to put mail on top, it won't be delivered!

Falsch: Der Brief ist zu dem Briefkasten. Richtig: Der Brief ist im Briefkasten.

A subtle mistake is the use of 'Briefkasten' when referring to a large shipping container. For that, Germans use 'Container' or 'Frachtkiste'. The 'Briefkasten' is strictly for letters and small parcels (Päckchen). If you try to put a large box into a Briefkasten, you will likely damage the mechanism or the box itself. Finally, avoid using 'Mailbox' in German when you mean the physical letterbox; in German, 'Mailbox' almost exclusively refers to a telephone voicemail or a digital email inbox.

Spelling Note: Always capitalize 'Briefkasten' as it is a noun. In German, all nouns are capitalized regardless of their position in a sentence.

Haben wir einen neuen Briefkasten? (Not 'briefkasten')

Es ist kein Briefkasten in der Nähe.

Der Briefkasten ist schon wieder voll mit Werbung.

While Briefkasten is the standard term, there are several synonyms and related words depending on the context. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more like a native speaker and understand technical descriptions.

Postkasten: This is the most direct synonym. While 'Briefkasten' focuses on the letters (Briefe), 'Postkasten' focuses on the postal service (Post). They are largely interchangeable, though 'Postkasten' is slightly more common in Austria and Southern Germany.
Briefschlitz / Einwurf: A 'Briefschlitz' is specifically the narrow opening or slot through which mail is pushed. 'Einwurf' refers to the act of dropping mail in, but can also be used as a noun for the slot itself.
Postfach: As mentioned before, this is a P.O. Box. Use this when referring to a business address that is not a physical office location.

Der Postkasten ist an der Wand montiert.

In a more technical or administrative context, you might encounter the term Hauspostkasten. This specifically denotes the mailbox belonging to a private residence, as opposed to a Sammelbriefkasten (a collection box for multiple residents). For larger items, Germans use a Paketkasten (parcel box) or a Packstation (an automated locker system operated by DHL). If you are referring to the internal mail system of a large company, you might hear Postkörbchen (little mail basket) or simply Posteingang.

Comparison: Briefkasten vs. Packstation: A Briefkasten is for letters and small things. A Packstation is a large, high-tech locker for parcels that you open with a code or an app.

Ich habe keine Lust, zum Postfach zu fahren.

For those interested in the 'inbox' metaphor, E-Mail-Postfach is the correct term for your digital mail. If you want to talk about the physical slot on your door, you can also use Türschlitz, though this is less specific than Briefschlitz. In some dialects, especially in Switzerland, you might hear the term Milchkasten (milk box), which is a larger compartment next to the letterbox originally meant for milk deliveries but now often used for small parcels.

Summary of Alternatives: 1. Postkasten (General/Regional)
2. Briefschlitz (The slot only)
3. Postfach (P.O. Box at the post office)
4. Paketkasten (For large boxes)
5. Einwurf (The opening/act of posting)

Der Briefschlitz ist zu schmal für dieses Paket.

Die Briefkästen in diesem Haus sind alle sehr alt.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

Before the 19th century, mailboxes were rare; people had to wait for the mail carrier to ring a bell or hand mail directly to a servant.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /ˈbʁiːfˌkastn̩/

US /ˈbʁifˌkɑstən/

Primary stress is on the first syllable: BRIEF-kasten.

Rima con

Malkasten Setzkasten Sandkasten Werkzeugkasten Schaukasten Bierkasten Eiskasten Zettelkasten

Errores comunes

Pronouncing 'ie' as 'eye' (it should be 'ee').
Pronouncing 'st' as 'st' (in German, it is often 'sht' if at the start of a syllable, but here it is 'st').
Making the 'e' in 'kasten' too long.
Forgetting the 'f' sound.
Confusing it with 'Brustkasten' (chest).

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 1/5

Very easy to recognize as it is a compound of two common words.

Escritura 2/5

Easy, but remember the plural umlaut 'ä'.

Expresión oral 2/5

The 'f' to 'k' transition can be slightly tricky for beginners.

Escucha 1/5

Distinctive sound, usually clear in speech.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

Brief Kasten Post Haus gelb

Aprende después

Postbote Briefmarke Umschlag Paket Zustellung

Avanzado

Einschreiben Postgeheimnis Fristenbriefkasten Zustellungsurkunde Briefkastenfirma

Gramática que debes saber

Compound Nouns

Brief + Kasten = der Briefkasten (Gender comes from the last word).

Two-Way Prepositions (Wechselpräpositionen)

In den Briefkasten (Accusative/Movement) vs. Im Briefkasten (Dative/Location).

Plural with Umlaut

Kasten becomes Kästen.

Capitalization of Nouns

Always 'Briefkasten', never 'briefkasten'.

Genitive Case

Die Farbe des Briefkastens.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

Ejemplos por nivel

Das ist ein Briefkasten.

That is a mailbox.

Subject + Verb + Object (Nominative).

Der Briefkasten ist gelb.

The mailbox is yellow.

Definite article 'der' for masculine nouns.

Ich habe einen Briefkasten.

I have a mailbox.

Accusative 'einen' for masculine object.

Wo ist der Briefkasten?

Where is the mailbox?

Question word 'Wo'.

Der Brief ist im Briefkasten.

The letter is in the mailbox.

Dative 'im' (in dem) for location.

Mein Briefkasten ist klein.

My mailbox is small.

Possessive pronoun 'mein'.

Hier sind zwei Briefkästen.

Here are two mailboxes.

Plural form 'Briefkästen'.

Ich sehe den Briefkasten.

I see the mailbox.

Accusative 'den' for masculine object.

Ich werfe den Brief in den Briefkasten.

I'm throwing the letter into the mailbox.

Accusative 'in den' for movement.

Gibt es einen Briefkasten in der Nähe?

Is there a mailbox nearby?

Prepositional phrase 'in der Nähe'.

Der Postbote bringt die Post zum Briefkasten.

The mailman brings the mail to the mailbox.

Dative 'zum' (zu dem) for direction.

Bitte leeren Sie den Briefkasten.

Please empty the mailbox.

Imperative form 'leeren Sie'.

Im Briefkasten liegt viel Werbung.

There is a lot of advertising in the mailbox.

Dative 'im' for location.

Ich brauche einen Schlüssel für den Briefkasten.

I need a key for the mailbox.

Preposition 'für' always takes accusative.

Der Briefkasten ist ganz voll.

The mailbox is completely full.

Adverb 'ganz' modifying 'voll'.

Wir schreiben unseren Namen auf den Briefkasten.

We write our name on the mailbox.

Accusative 'auf den' for movement/placement.

Könnten Sie bitte meinen Briefkasten leeren, wenn ich im Urlaub bin?

Could you please empty my mailbox while I'm on vacation?

Subjunctive II 'Könnten' for polite requests.

Der Briefkasten ist leider beschädigt worden.

The mailbox has unfortunately been damaged.

Passive voice 'ist beschädigt worden'.

Ich habe vergessen, den Briefkasten abzuschließen.

I forgot to lock the mailbox.

Infinitive with 'zu'.

Es gibt eine neue Briefkastenanlage im Flur.

There is a new mailbox system in the hallway.

Compound noun 'Briefkastenanlage'.

Haben Sie heute schon im Briefkasten nachgeschaut?

Have you already checked the mailbox today?

Perfect tense 'nachgeschaut'.

Der Briefkasten ist so montiert, dass man ihn leicht erreicht.

The mailbox is mounted so that it's easy to reach.

Consecutive clause with 'so... dass'.

Wegen des Regens ist die Post im Briefkasten nass geworden.

Because of the rain, the mail in the mailbox got wet.

Genitive 'Wegen des Regens'.

An jedem Briefkasten muss ein Namensschild sein.

Every mailbox must have a nameplate.

Modal verb 'muss'.

Die Frist gilt als gewahrt, wenn das Schreiben im Briefkasten liegt.

The deadline is considered met if the letter is in the mailbox.

Passive construction 'gilt als gewahrt'.

Viele Firmen nutzen Briefkastenfirmen, um Steuern zu sparen.

Many companies use shell companies to save on taxes.

Infinitive clause with 'um... zu'.

Die Zustellung erfolgte durch Einwurf in den Briefkasten.

Delivery was made by dropping it into the mailbox.

Formal past tense 'erfolgte'.

Der Briefkasten wurde mutwillig zerstört.

The mailbox was willfully destroyed.

Passive voice 'wurde zerstört'.

Wir müssen die Briefkästen regelmäßig auf neue Post prüfen.

We must regularly check the mailboxes for new mail.

Modal verb 'müssen' with 'prüfen'.

Er hinterließ eine Nachricht im Briefkasten seiner Nachbarin.

He left a message in his neighbor's mailbox.

Simple Past 'hinterließ'.

Der Briefkasten bietet kaum Schutz vor Feuchtigkeit.

The mailbox offers little protection against moisture.

Noun-verb combination 'Schutz bieten'.

Trotz des Aufklebers war der Briefkasten voller Prospekte.

Despite the sticker, the mailbox was full of brochures.

Preposition 'Trotz' with genitive.

Die rechtssichere Zustellung setzt einen funktionsfähigen Briefkasten voraus.

Legally secure delivery requires a functional mailbox.

Separable verb 'voraussetzen'.

Die Anonymität des Briefkastens ermöglichte den Whistleblowern den Kontakt.

The anonymity of the mailbox allowed whistleblowers to make contact.

Dative 'den Whistleblowern'.

Es ist fraglich, ob ein digitaler Briefkasten die gleiche Sicherheit bietet.

It is questionable whether a digital mailbox offers the same security.

Indirect question with 'ob'.

Die Briefkasten-Ästhetik der 70er Jahre erlebt gerade ein Comeback.

The mailbox aesthetics of the 70s are currently making a comeback.

Compound noun with hyphen 'Briefkasten-Ästhetik'.

Die Post weigerte sich, den Briefkasten an diesem abgelegenen Ort zu leeren.

The post office refused to empty the mailbox in this remote location.

Reflexive verb 'sich weigern'.

Durch den Briefschlitz konnte man in den Flur spähen.

One could peer into the hallway through the mail slot.

Preposition 'durch' with accusative.

Die Briefkästen fungieren hier als Schnittstelle zwischen Privatheit und Öffentlichkeit.

The mailboxes function here as an interface between privacy and the public sphere.

Verb 'fungieren als'.

Ein überquellender Briefkasten ist oft ein Indiz für Abwesenheit.

An overflowing mailbox is often an indication of absence.

Participle used as adjective 'überquellender'.

Die Metapher des Briefkastens wird in der Erzählung als Symbol der Isolation verwendet.

The metaphor of the mailbox is used in the narrative as a symbol of isolation.

Passive voice with 'wird... verwendet'.

Juristisch gesehen ist der Briefkasten der Ort der Willenserklärung unter Abwesenden.

Legally speaking, the mailbox is the place of the declaration of intent among those absent.

Legal terminology 'Willenserklärung'.

Die Transformation des physischen Briefkastens hin zu verschlüsselten Portalen schreitet voran.

The transformation of the physical mailbox toward encrypted portals is progressing.

Noun phrase with 'hin zu'.

Manche Kritiker bemängeln die Unpersönlichkeit der modernen Briefkastenanlagen.

Some critics complain about the impersonality of modern mailbox systems.

Verb 'bemängeln' (to criticize/complain).

Das Briefgeheimnis erstreckt sich unbestritten auch auf den Inhalt des Briefkastens.

The secrecy of correspondence indisputably extends to the contents of the mailbox.

Reflexive verb 'sich erstrecken auf'.

Er fungierte jahrelang als Briefkastenonkel für eine bekannte Jugendzeitschrift.

For years he functioned as an advice columnist for a well-known youth magazine.

Idiomatic term 'Briefkastenonkel'.

Die architektonische Integration der Briefkästen in die Fassade war meisterhaft.

The architectural integration of the mailboxes into the facade was masterful.

Adjectival phrase 'architektonische Integration'.

Das Leeren des Briefkastens wurde für ihn zu einem fast sakralen Ritual.

Emptying the mailbox became an almost sacred ritual for him.

Nominalized verb 'Das Leeren'.

Colocaciones comunes

den Briefkasten leeren

gelber Briefkasten

in den Briefkasten werfen

am Briefkasten nachsehen

Briefkasten aufschließen

überquellender Briefkasten

Briefkasten verstopft

Briefkasten montieren

Briefkasten beschriften

nächster Briefkasten

Frases Comunes

Post im Briefkasten

— Mail inside the box.

Hast du Post im Briefkasten gefunden?

Keine Werbung einwerfen

— Do not insert advertisements.

Ich klebe ein Schild 'Keine Werbung' auf den Briefkasten.

Ab zum Briefkasten

— Off to the mailbox (quick action).

Ich bringe das schnell weg, ab zum Briefkasten!

Direkt in den Briefkasten

— Straight into the mailbox.

Der Bote hat es direkt in den Briefkasten gesteckt.

Briefkasten ist voll

— The mailbox is full.

Mein Briefkasten ist so voll, dass nichts mehr reinpasst.

Zum Briefkasten gehen

— To go to the mailbox.

Ich gehe kurz zum Briefkasten.

Briefkasten öffnen

— To open the mailbox.

Kannst du den Briefkasten für mich öffnen?

Vor dem Briefkasten

— In front of the mailbox.

Wir treffen uns vor dem Briefkasten.

Briefkasten leeren lassen

— To have someone empty the mailbox.

Ich lasse meinen Briefkasten von meiner Schwester leeren.

Neuer Briefkasten

— New mailbox.

Wir haben uns einen neuen Briefkasten gekauft.

Se confunde a menudo con

Briefkasten vs Postfach

A P.O. Box at the post office, not your home mailbox.

Briefkasten vs Briefumschlag

The envelope itself, not the container.

Briefkasten vs Papierkorb

A wastebasket/trash can, sometimes mail ends up here!

Modismos y expresiones

"Briefkastenonkel"

— An advice columnist (literally 'mailbox uncle').

Er schreibt wie ein Briefkastenonkel.

informal

"Briefkastenfirma"

— A shell company or letterbox company.

Das ist doch nur eine Briefkastenfirma in Panama.

formal/journalistic

"Etwas in den Briefkasten werfen"

— Literally to post something, but can mean 'to submit' informally.

Wirf mir deine Idee einfach in den Briefkasten.

neutral

"Der Briefkasten quillt über"

— The mailbox is overflowing (often used metaphorically for too much work).

Mein Briefkasten quillt vor Arbeit über.

informal

"Brief und Siegel geben"

— To guarantee something (related to mail/letters).

Ich gebe dir Brief und Siegel, dass er kommt.

idiomatic

"Postkasten-Gesicht"

— A face as red as a (classic) mailbox (rare/regional).

Er hatte ein Postkasten-Gesicht vor Wut.

informal

"Auf dem Kasten haben"

— To be clever/skilled (wordplay on 'Kasten').

Der Junge hat echt was auf dem Kasten.

slang

"In den Kasten bringen"

— To finish something successfully (originally from film).

Wir haben die Szene im Kasten.

informal

"Briefkasten-Terror"

— Constant unwanted mail or harassment via mail.

Die Firma betreibt richtigen Briefkasten-Terror.

informal

"Etwas auf die lange Bank schieben"

— To postpone (historically related to document storage).

Schieb das nicht auf die lange Bank.

idiomatic

Fácil de confundir

Briefkasten vs Postkasten

Almost identical meaning.

Postkasten is slightly more regional (South/Austria).

Der Postkasten ist an der Hauptstraße.

Briefkasten vs Briefschlitz

Both receive mail.

Briefschlitz is just the hole in the door.

Der Briefschlitz klappert bei Wind.

Briefkasten vs Packstation

Both are for receiving things.

Packstation is for large parcels and requires a code.

Ich hole mein Paket an der Packstation ab.

Briefkasten vs Zettelkasten

Contains 'Kasten'.

A Zettelkasten is a slip box for notes/research.

Luhmann nutzte einen Zettelkasten.

Briefkasten vs Bierkasten

Contains 'Kasten'.

A crate of beer. Very different use!

Ich bringe einen Bierkasten zur Party mit.

Patrones de oraciones

Das ist ein [Noun].

Das ist ein Briefkasten.

Der [Noun] ist [Adjective].

Der Briefkasten ist gelb.

Ich [Verb] den [Noun] in den [Noun].

Ich werfe den Brief in den Briefkasten.

Wo ist der nächste [Noun]?

Wo ist der nächste Briefkasten?

Kannst du bitte den [Noun] [Verb]?

Kannst du bitte den Briefkasten leeren?

Ich habe meinen [Noun] [Verb].

Ich habe meinen Briefkastenschlüssel verloren.

Die [Noun] erfolgt durch [Noun].

Die Zustellung erfolgt durch den Briefkasten.

Es ist [Adjective], ob [Clause].

Es ist fraglich, ob der Briefkasten sicher ist.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

Briefkastenschlüssel

Briefkastenanlage

Briefkastenfirma

Briefkastenschlitz

Verbos

einwerfen

leeren

verschicken

posten

Adjetivos

briefkastenähnlich

postgelb

Relacionado

Brief

Kasten

Post

Postbote

Briefmarke

Regístrate gratis para ver todos los ejemplos

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very high; used daily by almost everyone.

Errores comunes

die Briefkasten → der Briefkasten
Incorrect gender. 'Kasten' is masculine, so the whole compound is masculine.
in dem Briefkasten werfen → in den Briefkasten werfen
When putting something in, you need the accusative case (den) because there is movement.
die Briefkastens → die Briefkästen
Incorrect plural form. German uses an umlaut change for this noun.
Briefkasten leeren (meaning to post a letter) → Brief einwerfen
'Leeren' means to empty (take mail out). To send mail, you 'einwerfen'.
meine Mailbox (meaning physical mailbox) → mein Briefkasten
In German, 'Mailbox' refers to digital or telephone systems, not the physical box.

Consejos

Masculine Gender

Always remember 'der Briefkasten'. If you're unsure of a compound noun's gender, look at the last part: 'der Kasten' is masculine, so 'der Briefkasten' is too.

Yellow is for Post

If you need to send a letter, look for the yellow boxes. Blue boxes are for other private postal services, but yellow is the standard for Deutsche Post.

The 'ie' sound

In 'Brief', the 'ie' is a long 'ee' sound. Don't pronounce it like the English 'brief' (which is short) or 'eye'.

The Key

In Germany, your Briefkastenschlüssel is as important as your house key. If you lose it, you might have to replace the whole lock.

Compound Power

Learn 'Kasten' once, and you can understand 'Bierkasten', 'Werkzeugkasten', and 'Sandkasten' easily!

Legal Receipt

Remember that in Germany, a letter is legally 'delivered' as soon as it's in your Briefkasten. Check it every day!

Vacation Help

Asking a neighbor to empty your Briefkasten is a great way to build a relationship and keep your home safe while away.

Latin Roots

'Brief' comes from the Latin 'brevis' (short), which is why we also have the word 'brief' in English meaning short.

Capitalization

Since it's a noun, 'Briefkasten' must always start with a capital letter. This is a rule for all German nouns.

Southern Variations

If you are in Bavaria or Austria, don't be surprised if people say 'Postkasten' more often than 'Briefkasten'.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Imagine a 'Brief' (letter) taking a nap in a 'Kasten' (box). The box is yellow because it's sunny inside.

Asociación visual

Picture a bright yellow box on a grey wall. Inside, a white envelope with your name on it is waiting.

Word Web

Post Brief Gelb Schlüssel Zeitung Werbung Name Schlitz

Desafío

Go for a walk and count how many yellow 'Briefkästen' you see. Say 'Da ist ein Briefkasten' every time.

Origen de la palabra

A compound of 'Brief' (from Latin 'brevis', meaning short) and 'Kasten' (from Old High German 'kasto', meaning box or chest).

Significado original: A small chest for short documents.

Germanic (with Latin roots for 'Brief').

Contexto cultural

Be careful not to open a Briefkasten that doesn't belong to you; privacy laws in Germany are very strict regarding mail.

In the US, mailboxes are often at the end of a driveway on a post. In the UK, they are often slots in the front door. In Germany, they are almost always boxes mounted to the building.

The 'Briefkastenonkel' in magazines like Bravo. The yellow mailboxes in movies set in Berlin. Loriot's sketches often feature mundane objects like mailboxes.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

At home

Hast du den Briefkasten geleert?
Wo ist der Briefkastenschlüssel?
Ist Post im Briefkasten?
Der Briefkasten ist voll.

On the street

Wo ist der nächste Briefkasten?
Wann wird der Briefkasten geleert?
Ist das ein Briefkasten der Post?
Der Briefkasten steht an der Ecke.

Legal/Official

Zustellung in den Briefkasten.
Einwurf in den Fristenbriefkasten.
Der Briefkasten muss zugänglich sein.
Kein Name am Briefkasten.

Shopping/Hardware

Ich brauche einen neuen Briefkasten.
Wie montiert man diesen Briefkasten?
Ist der Briefkasten wasserdicht?
Haben Sie Briefkästen aus Edelstahl?

Neighborly help

Kannst du meinen Briefkasten leeren?
Hier ist mein Briefkastenschlüssel.
Ich habe deine Post in den Briefkasten gelegt.
Danke für das Leeren des Briefkastens.

Inicios de conversación

"Entschuldigung, wissen Sie, wo der nächste gelbe Briefkasten ist?"

"Haben Sie heute schon Ihre Post aus dem Briefkasten geholt?"

"Mein Briefkasten ist immer so voll mit Werbung, ist das bei Ihnen auch so?"

"Wissen Sie, wann der Briefkasten hier an der Ecke normalerweise geleert wird?"

"Ich habe meinen Briefkastenschlüssel verloren, wissen Sie, was ich jetzt tun kann?"

Temas para diario

Beschreibe deinen Briefkasten zu Hause. Wie sieht er aus? Was liegt heute darin?

Schreibst du noch oft Briefe und wirfst sie in den Briefkasten, oder nutzt du nur E-Mails?

Stell dir vor, du findest einen seltsamen Brief in deinem Briefkasten. Von wem ist er?

Warum ist der Briefkasten in Deutschland so wichtig für offizielle Dokumente?

Erzähle eine Geschichte über einen verlorenen Briefkastenschlüssel.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Public mailboxes operated by Deutsche Post are bright yellow. Private ones at houses can be any color, but black, white, and silver are common.

It is 'der Briefkasten' (masculine). Even though 'box' might be feminine in other languages, 'Kasten' is masculine in German.

You say 'den Briefkasten leeren'. This is a common phrase to use when asking neighbors for help while on vacation.

It translates to 'mailbox company' and refers to a shell company that has no real operations at that address, only a mailbox for tax or legal reasons.

Only very small ones (Päckchen) that fit through the slot. For larger packages, you should go to a Postfiliale or use a Packstation.

It means 'No advertising'. Germans often put this sticker on their Briefkasten to avoid receiving junk mail and flyers.

It's a special mailbox at a court that has a mechanism to mark mail dropped in before or after midnight, used for legal deadlines.

The plural is 'die Briefkästen'. The 'a' changes to an 'ä' and the article changes to 'die'.

It is the 'secrecy of correspondence', a constitutional right in Germany that protects the privacy of your mail inside the Briefkasten.

You can buy one at a 'Baumarkt' (hardware store) like OBI or Bauhaus, or online.

Regístrate gratis para ver consejos y notas