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A1 noun #7,000 le plus courant 11 min de lecture

die Postkarte

Top 7,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces die Postkarte en 30 secondes

Explication die Postkarte in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'die Postkarte' is one of the first nouns you learn because it is essential for basic travel communication. You learn that it is a feminine noun ('die'). You practice simple sentences like 'Ich schreibe eine Postkarte' (I am writing a postcard) or 'Die Postkarte ist schön' (The postcard is beautiful). At this stage, the focus is on identifying the object, buying it in a shop, and knowing that you need a 'Briefmarke' (stamp) to send it. You will also learn the basic structure of a postcard: 'Liebe/Lieber...' (Dear...) at the start and 'Viele Grüße' (Many greetings) at the end. The goal is to be able to send a simple greeting from a vacation spot. Vocabulary is kept simple, focusing on the weather, the food, and the fact that you are having a good time. You might also learn the plural form 'Postkarten' to use when buying several for your family.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'die Postkarte' in more complex sentence structures, including the past tense (Perfekt). You can say, 'Ich habe gestern drei Postkarten an meine Freunde geschickt' (I sent three postcards to my friends yesterday). You also learn to use prepositions like 'an' (to) with the accusative case to indicate the recipient. You might start to distinguish between a 'Postkarte' and an 'Ansichtskarte' (picture postcard). Your ability to describe the card improves; you can talk about what is 'auf der Postkarte' (on the postcard), such as 'Auf der Postkarte sieht man die Alpen' (On the postcard, one sees the Alps). You also learn the transactional language needed at the post office, such as asking for the price of postage: 'Was kostet das Porto für eine Postkarte nach Amerika?' This level focuses on the practical application of the word in everyday travel and social interactions.

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At the B1 level, 'die Postkarte' becomes a topic for more detailed discussion and storytelling. You can explain why you prefer sending postcards over digital messages, using subordinating conjunctions: 'Ich schicke gerne Postkarten, weil sie persönlicher sind als E-Mails' (I like sending postcards because they are more personal than emails). You learn about the cultural significance of the postcard in German-speaking countries and might read short texts about the history of the postal service. You can describe the emotions associated with receiving a card: 'Ich habe mich sehr über die Postkarte gefreut' (I was very happy about the postcard). You also start to encounter the word in more varied contexts, such as 'Werbepostkarten' (advertising postcards) or 'Gratis-Postkarten'. At this stage, your vocabulary expands to include related concepts like 'Briefkasten' (mailbox), 'Poststempel' (postmark), and 'Zustellung' (delivery).

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At the B2 level, you can discuss 'die Postkarte' in a more abstract or analytical way. You might debate the decline of physical mail in the digital age and the environmental impact of paper production versus digital energy consumption. You understand more complex compound words like 'Postkarten-Idylle' (postcard-perfect scene) and can use them metaphorically to describe a beautiful landscape. You can handle more formal correspondence and understand the nuances of different types of cards, such as 'Einladungskarten' (invitation cards) or 'Beileidskarten' (condolence cards). You are also capable of understanding more complex instructions at the post office regarding international shipping regulations and 'Zusatzleistungen' (additional services). Your reading comprehension allows you to understand literature where a postcard might be a key narrative element, reflecting the sender's state of mind or the historical period.

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At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of 'die Postkarte' as both a linguistic and cultural object. You can appreciate the stylistic differences in how people write postcards—the use of ellipsis, informal abbreviations, and regional greetings. You might explore the 'Philokartie' (the hobby of collecting postcards) and discuss the historical value of vintage cards as primary sources for social history. You can use the word in sophisticated idiomatic expressions and understand its role in artistic movements, such as the 'Fluxus' postcards or 'Mail Art'. You are capable of writing long, nuanced reflections on the semiotics of the postcard—how the image and the text interact to create meaning. Your vocabulary is extensive enough to discuss the technical aspects of printing (e.g., 'Lichtdruck', 'Chromolithographie') and the history of postal reforms in the 19th century that led to the postcard's popularity.

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At the C2 level, you possess a near-native command of the word 'die Postkarte' and its surrounding semantic field. You can engage in academic discussions about the philosophy of the postcard, perhaps referencing Jacques Derrida's 'La Carte Postale' and its implications for communication theory. You can analyze the role of the postcard in shaping national identity and tourism in Germany during the 'Kaiserreich'. Your language use is highly flexible; you can write a parody of a typical vacation postcard or a poignant, literary description of an old, faded card found in an attic. You understand the most obscure technical terms related to postal history and can navigate the complexities of international philatelic auctions. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a starting point for deep cultural, historical, and philosophical inquiry into the nature of human connection and the materiality of the written word.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

die Postkarte en 30 secondes

A feminine noun (die Postkarte) referring to a mail-able card.
Commonly used for vacation greetings (Urlaubsgrüße) and collecting.
Requires a stamp (Briefmarke) and is sent without an envelope.
A compound word made of 'Post' (mail) and 'Karte' (card).

The German noun die Postkarte is a cornerstone of travel culture and personal communication. At its most fundamental level, it refers to a rectangular piece of thick paper or thin cardboard intended for writing and mailing without an envelope. Historically, Germany played a pivotal role in the evolution of this medium. Heinrich von Stephan, a general post director for the German Empire, is often credited with the early conceptualization of the postcard as a cheaper, more efficient way to send short messages. In the modern context, while digital communication has surged, the Postkarte remains a cherished physical artifact of vacationing and thoughtful remembrance.

Etymological Breakdown: The word is a compound of 'Post' (mail/postal service) and 'Karte' (card). In German, compound nouns take the gender of the final element, hence 'die Karte' makes 'die Postkarte' feminine.

When you are wandering through the picturesque streets of Munich or the rugged coasts of Rügen, you will inevitably encounter rotating racks outside souvenir shops filled with Postkarten. These cards usually feature a high-quality photograph or illustration on one side (the 'Bildseite' or 'Ansichtsseite') and space for the address and message on the other. Germans often distinguish between a generic Postkarte (which could be plain) and an Ansichtskarte (a picture postcard), though in everyday speech, Postkarte is the standard umbrella term.

Ich habe im Urlaub eine wunderschöne Postkarte aus Berlin gekauft.

The usage of a Postkarte implies a certain level of intentionality. Unlike a quick WhatsApp message, sending a postcard requires finding a shop, selecting an image that represents your location, purchasing a stamp (Briefmarke), and locating a yellow mailbox (Briefkasten). Because space is limited, the language used on a postcard is often concise. It is the perfect medium for 'Urlaubsgrüße' (holiday greetings). You might use it to tell your grandmother about the weather, your parents about the food, or a friend about a funny incident. It serves as a physical proof of presence—a 'wish you were here' in tangible form.

Social Protocol: Receiving a postcard is considered a high compliment in German culture because it shows the sender spent time and effort during their leisure time to think of the recipient.

Vergiss nicht, deiner Oma eine Postkarte zu schicken!

Beyond tourism, the Postkarte has also been a medium for art and propaganda. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the 'Golden Age of Postcards' saw millions of cards exchanged annually in Germany. These cards were often intricately lithographed and are now highly collectible items for 'Philokartisten' (postcard collectors). Even today, many German museums sell postcards of their most famous artworks, allowing visitors to take a piece of the experience home for a few Euros. In business, postcards are sometimes used for direct marketing because they have a 100% 'open rate'—there is no envelope to hide the message.

Die Postkarte zeigt ein altes Panorama von Frankfurt am Main.

In summary, die Postkarte is more than just mail; it is a cultural artifact that bridges the gap between the sender’s location and the recipient’s home. It conveys warmth, effort, and a snapshot of a moment in time, all within the confines of a small, rectangular card.

Using die Postkarte correctly in German involves understanding its grammatical gender and how it interacts with common verbs. As a feminine noun, it uses the articles die (the), eine (a), and keine (no/none). In the accusative case—which is very common since we are usually 'writing' or 'sending' the card—the article remains die or eine. For example, 'Ich schreibe eine Postkarte' (I am writing a postcard).

Common Verbs with Postkarte: 1. Schreiben (to write)
2. Schicken / Versenden (to send)
3. Erhalten / Bekommen (to receive)
4. Kaufen (to buy)
5. Sammeln (to collect)

When you want to specify who you are sending the card to, you use the preposition an followed by the accusative case. For example: 'Ich schicke eine Postkarte an meine Eltern' (I am sending a postcard to my parents). Alternatively, you can use the dative case without a preposition: 'Ich schicke meinen Eltern eine Postkarte.'

Hast du schon die Postkarte aus Italien abgeschickt?

In the plural form, it becomes die Postkarten. If you are buying multiple cards, you might say: 'Ich brauche fünf Postkarten und die passenden Briefmarken.' Note that in Germany, international postage is different from domestic postage, so you might hear the clerk ask: 'Gehen die Postkarten ins Ausland?' (Are the postcards going abroad?).

You will also encounter the word in compound constructions. For instance, Postkarten-Idylle refers to a scene so perfect and beautiful it looks like it belongs on a postcard. If someone says, 'Das Dorf ist eine echte Postkarten-Idylle,' they are complimenting its aesthetic charm. Another common compound is Postkartensammler (postcard collector).

Früher war es Tradition, aus jedem Urlaub eine Postkarte zu schicken.

In more advanced usage, you might discuss the Format (size) of the postcard. The standard German postcard size is DIN A6 (105 x 148 mm). If a card is larger or has an irregular shape, it might require more postage. Understanding these nuances helps you navigate the German postal system (die Deutsche Post) effectively.

Diese Postkarte ist so groß, dass sie extra Porto kostet.

Sentence Structure Tip: Remember that in German, the verb usually comes second. If you start with 'Gestern', the verb follows immediately: 'Gestern habe ich eine Postkarte geschrieben.'

Finally, consider the emotional weight of the word. In literature, postcards are often used as plot devices to reveal secrets or convey longing. In the digital age, saying 'Ich schicke dir eine Postkarte' is a promise of meaningful connection that transcends the ephemeral nature of a text message.

You will hear die Postkarte in several distinct environments across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The most obvious location is the Souvenirladen (souvenir shop). In tourist hotspots like the Neuschwanstein Castle or the Port of Hamburg, vendors will often shout or advertise 'Postkarten hier!' or '3 Postkarten für 2 Euro!'.

Entschuldigung, wo kann ich eine Postkarte kaufen?

Another primary location is the Postfiliale (post office branch). Here, the word is used in a more functional, transactional sense. You might approach the counter and say, 'Ich möchte diese Postkarte nach England schicken. Wie viel kostet das Porto?' The clerk will then weigh the card or simply provide the standard international stamp.

In a domestic setting, you might hear the word during family gatherings or breakfast conversations. 'Ist heute Post gekommen?' (Did any mail come today?) might be answered with 'Ja, eine Postkarte von Tante Helga aus dem Schwarzwald.' It is a word associated with the arrival of news and the physical act of checking the mailbox (Briefkasten).

Common Scenarios: - At the hotel reception: Asking for stamps or the nearest mailbox.
- At a museum: Buying a card of a famous painting.
- At a flea market: Browsing through boxes of 'alte Postkarten' (vintage postcards).
- In a classroom: Learning how to write formal or informal addresses.

Schau mal, diese Postkarte ist von 1920!

In literature and film, the Postkarte often serves as a symbol of distance and the passage of time. You might hear it in a movie where a character finds an old postcard in a book, sparking a flashback. Linguistically, it is a word that evokes nostalgia and the 'slow' way of communicating. Even in professional settings, a 'Dankes-Postkarte' (thank-you postcard) is sometimes sent to clients to stand out from the flood of digital emails.

Wir haben eine Postkarte als Einladung zur Hochzeit bekommen.

Finally, you will hear it in the context of 'Postkartenwetter' (postcard weather). This is a colloquial way to describe a day with a perfectly blue sky and bright sunshine—the kind of weather that makes for a perfect photo on a postcard. If a German says, 'Heute haben wir echtes Postkartenwetter,' they are expressing delight in the beautiful day.

When learning German, the word die Postkarte presents a few common pitfalls for English speakers. The first and most frequent mistake is getting the grammatical gender wrong. Many learners default to 'der' or 'das' because 'card' doesn't feel inherently feminine in English. However, in German, Karte is feminine, and thus Postkarte is always feminine.

Gender Error: Incorrect: Ich schreibe *einen* Postkarte.
Correct: Ich schreibe *eine* Postkarte.

Another mistake involves confusing Postkarte with other types of cards. For example, a 'map' is die Landkarte, and a 'menu' is die Speisekarte. While they all share the root Karte, using Postkarte when you mean 'map' will lead to confusion. Similarly, do not confuse it with der Brief (the letter). A letter is sent in an envelope, whereas a postcard is 'nackt' (naked) or open for everyone to read.

Verwechseln Sie nicht die Postkarte mit einem Brief!

Prepositional errors are also common. English speakers often say 'on the postcard' and translate it literally to 'auf der Postkarte'. This is actually correct when referring to what is written or pictured on it. However, when talking about sending something *by* postcard, Germans say 'per Postkarte' or 'mit der Postkarte'. Avoid using 'an' when you mean 'by means of'.

There is also the 'Ansichtskarte' vs. 'Postkarte' distinction. While often used interchangeably, if you are specifically looking for a card with a picture, using Ansichtskarte is more precise. If you ask for a Postkarte at a post office, they might give you a plain, pre-stamped card used for official notifications. In a souvenir shop, this distinction matters less.

Spelling Note: Always capitalize 'Postkarte'. In German, all nouns are capitalized. Writing 'postkarte' in lowercase is a spelling error.

Ich habe viele Postkarten (nicht Postkartenen) geschrieben.

Finally, be careful with the verb stecken. While you 'put' a letter in an envelope (in einen Umschlag stecken), you don't 'stecken' a postcard anywhere except into the mailbox (in den Briefkasten werfen). Using the wrong verb for the action of mailing can sound unnatural.

In the world of German paper communication, die Postkarte is just one of many options. Understanding its synonyms and related terms will help you choose the right word for the right situation. The most common alternative is die Ansichtskarte. While Postkarte is the general term for the postal medium, Ansichtskarte specifically refers to a card with a 'view' (Ansicht) or picture on it.

Postkarte vs. Ansichtskarte: - **Postkarte**: General term, can be plain or illustrated.
- **Ansichtskarte**: Specific to cards with photos or art, usually from travel.

Another related word is die Glückwunschkarte (greeting card). Unlike a postcard, a Glückwunschkarte is usually folded (Klappkarte) and sent inside an envelope (Briefumschlag). You would send a Glückwunschkarte for a wedding or a significant birthday, whereas a Postkarte is more casual and public.

Soll ich eine Postkarte oder einen Brief schreiben?

For specific occasions, you might use die Weihnachtskarte (Christmas card) or die Osterkarte (Easter card). These can be either postcards or folded cards. If you are sending a card to say thank you, it is a Dankeskarte. If you are inviting someone to a party, it is an Einladungskarte.

Linguistically, you might also encounter the term die Feldpostkarte in historical contexts. This refers to the postcards sent by soldiers during wartime. These are important historical documents that offer insights into the daily lives of people during the world wars. In the realm of art, there is the Künstlerpostkarte, which is a postcard designed or even hand-painted by an artist.

Comparison Table: - **Brief**: Formal, long, private (in envelope).
- **Postkarte**: Informal, short, public (no envelope).
- **Notiz**: Very short, often not mailed.
- **Telegramm**: Historical, very urgent, very short.

Die Ansichtskarte ist eine spezielle Form der Postkarte.

Ultimately, while there are many ways to send a message, the Postkarte remains unique because of its combination of visual appeal and brevity. Whether it's a 'Grußkarte' or an 'Ansichtskarte', the act of sending a physical card through the 'Post' is a tradition that continues to thrive in the German-speaking world.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Neutre

Informel

Child friendly

Argot

Le savais-tu ?

The first official postcard was issued in Austria-Hungary in 1869, but Germany's Heinrich von Stephan was the one who tirelessly advocated for its introduction.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈpɔstˌkaʁtə/

US /ˈpɔstˌkɑːrtə/

The primary stress is on the first syllable: POST-karte.

Rime avec

Warte harte zarte Sparten Garten (plural) starten Fahrkarte Speisekarte

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'Post' like the English word 'post' (with a long 'o'). In German, it's a short 'o'.
Swallowing the final 'e'. It must be audible.
Pronouncing 'st' as 'sh-t' (which is correct for 'Strasse' but not usually for 'Post' in standard German, though regional variations exist).

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 1/5

Very easy to recognize for English speakers.

Écriture 2/5

Requires remembering the feminine gender and plural form.

Expression orale 2/5

Pronunciation of 'st' and 'r' can be tricky for beginners.

Écoute 1/5

Clear, distinct syllables make it easy to hear.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

die Post die Karte schreiben schicken

Apprends ensuite

die Briefmarke der Briefkasten das Porto der Umschlag

Avancé

die Korrespondenz die Philokartie die Zustellung

Grammaire à connaître

Compound Nouns Gender

Die Post (fem) + Die Karte (fem) = Die Postkarte (fem).

Accusative Direct Object

Ich schreibe *eine* Postkarte.

Dative Indirect Object

Ich schicke *meiner Mutter* eine Postkarte.

Preposition 'an' + Accusative

Ich schicke eine Postkarte *an meinen Vater*.

Plural Nouns ending in -e

Die Karte -> Die Karten; Die Postkarte -> Die Postkarten.

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Exemples par niveau

Ich schreibe eine Postkarte.

I am writing a postcard.

Accusative case: 'eine Postkarte' is the direct object.

Die Postkarte ist für meine Mutter.

The postcard is for my mother.

Feminine subject: 'Die Postkarte'.

Wo ist die Postkarte?

Where is the postcard?

Simple question structure.

Ich kaufe drei Postkarten.

I am buying three postcards.

Plural form: 'Postkarten'.

Die Postkarte kostet einen Euro.

The postcard costs one Euro.

Verb 'kosten' with a price.

Hier ist eine schöne Postkarte.

Here is a beautiful postcard.

Adjective ending '-e' for feminine nominative.

Ich brauche eine Briefmarke für die Postkarte.

I need a stamp for the postcard.

Preposition 'für' takes the accusative.

Schreibst du eine Postkarte?

Are you writing a postcard?

Yes/No question with verb at the start.

Gestern habe ich eine Postkarte aus München bekommen.

Yesterday I received a postcard from Munich.

Perfekt tense: 'habe ... bekommen'.

Ich schicke die Postkarte an meinen Bruder.

I am sending the postcard to my brother.

Preposition 'an' + Accusative.

Auf der Postkarte ist ein Bild vom Strand.

On the postcard is a picture of the beach.

Preposition 'auf' + Dative (location).

Wir haben im Urlaub viele Postkarten geschrieben.

We wrote many postcards on vacation.

Plural accusative: 'viele Postkarten'.

Kannst du diese Postkarte bitte einwerfen?

Can you please mail (drop in) this postcard?

Modal verb 'können' with infinitive 'einwerfen'.

Die Postkarte liegt auf dem Tisch.

The postcard is lying on the table.

Dative case after 'auf' (position).

Ich habe vergessen, eine Postkarte zu kaufen.

I forgot to buy a postcard.

Infinitive construction with 'zu'.

Welche Postkarte gefällt dir am besten?

Which postcard do you like best?

Interrogative pronoun 'welche' for feminine.

Es ist eine alte Tradition, Postkarten aus dem Urlaub zu verschicken.

It is an old tradition to send postcards from vacation.

Appositive phrase with 'Tradition'.

Obwohl es das Internet gibt, schreiben viele Leute noch Postkarten.

Although the internet exists, many people still write postcards.

Conjunction 'obwohl' with verb at the end.

Die Postkarte, die du mir geschickt hast, ist gestern angekommen.

The postcard that you sent me arrived yesterday.

Relative clause: 'die du mir geschickt hast'.

Wenn ich reise, suche ich immer nach originellen Postkarten.

When I travel, I always look for original postcards.

Conditional 'wenn' clause.

Man kann die Postkarte auch als Lesezeichen benutzen.

One can also use the postcard as a bookmark.

Passive-like construction with 'man'.

Ich sammle Postkarten von allen Orten, die ich besucht habe.

I collect postcards from all the places I have visited.

Verb 'sammeln' with plural object.

Die Briefmarke muss oben rechts auf die Postkarte geklebt werden.

The stamp must be glued to the top right of the postcard.

Passive voice with modal verb.

In diesem Laden gibt es eine große Auswahl an Postkarten.

In this shop, there is a large selection of postcards.

Phrase 'Auswahl an' + Dative.

Das Dorf sieht aus wie eine Postkarten-Idylle.

The village looks like a postcard-perfect scene.

Compound noun: Postkarten + Idylle.

Früher dienten Postkarten oft als wichtiges Kommunikationsmittel.

In the past, postcards often served as an important means of communication.

Präteritum 'dienten' (past tense).

Die Gestaltung der Postkarte ist sehr künstlerisch.

The design of the postcard is very artistic.

Genitive case: 'der Postkarte'.

Ich habe die Postkarte versehentlich mit der falschen Adresse beschriftet.

I accidentally labeled the postcard with the wrong address.

Adverb 'versehentlich'.

Postkarten sind eine wunderbare Erinnerung an vergangene Reisen.

Postcards are a wonderful memory of past trips.

Noun-preposition connection: 'Erinnerung an'.

Es ist schwierig, eine Postkarte ohne kitschige Motive zu finden.

It is difficult to find a postcard without cheesy motifs.

Preposition 'ohne' + Accusative.

Die Postkarte wurde während des Transports beschädigt.

The postcard was damaged during transport.

Passive voice: 'wurde ... beschädigt'.

Viele Museen verkaufen Postkarten mit Abbildungen ihrer berühmtesten Werke.

Many museums sell postcards with reproductions of their most famous works.

Preposition 'mit' + Dative.

Die Postkarte fungiert hier als nostalgisches Symbol für eine entschleunigte Welt.

The postcard functions here as a nostalgic symbol for a decelerated world.

Verb 'fungieren' with 'als'.

In der Philokartie werden Postkarten nach ihrem historischen Wert katalogisiert.

In postcard collecting (philokarty), postcards are cataloged according to their historical value.

Technical term 'Philokartie'.

Trotz der Digitalisierung bleibt die haptische Qualität einer Postkarte unersetzbar.

Despite digitalization, the tactile quality of a postcard remains irreplaceable.

Genitive attribute: 'einer Postkarte'.

Die Kürze der Nachricht auf einer Postkarte erfordert eine präzise Wortwahl.

The brevity of the message on a postcard requires a precise choice of words.

Subject 'Die Kürze' with genitive.

Manche Künstler nutzen die Postkarte als Medium für ihre 'Mail Art'.

Some artists use the postcard as a medium for their 'Mail Art'.

Artistic context.

Die Postkarte ist ein Zeugnis der Alltagskultur des frühen 20. Jahrhunderts.

The postcard is a testimony to the everyday culture of the early 20th century.

Formal noun 'Zeugnis'.

Die Analyse der Korrespondenz per Postkarte gibt Aufschluss über soziale Beziehungen.

The analysis of correspondence via postcard provides information about social relationships.

Phrase 'Aufschluss geben über'.

Eine Postkarte zu schreiben, ist ein Akt der Wertschätzung gegenüber dem Empfänger.

Writing a postcard is an act of appreciation toward the recipient.

Infinitive clause as subject.

In seinem Werk setzt er sich mit der Postkarte als philosophischem Paradoxon auseinander.

In his work, he deals with the postcard as a philosophical paradox.

Reflexive verb 'sich auseinandersetzen mit'.

Die Postkarte entzieht sich der Privatsphäre, da ihr Inhalt für jeden sichtbar ist.

The postcard evades privacy, as its content is visible to everyone.

Verb 'sich entziehen' + Dative.

Die Ästhetik der Postkarte unterliegt einem stetigen Wandel durch technologische Innovationen.

The aesthetics of the postcard are subject to constant change through technological innovations.

Verb 'unterliegen' + Dative.

Durch die Postkarte wird die Distanz zwischen Sender und Empfänger temporär überbrückt.

Through the postcard, the distance between sender and recipient is temporarily bridged.

Passive voice with 'wird ... überbrückt'.

Die Postkarte als Massenmedium revolutionierte die visuelle Kommunikation im 19. Jahrhundert.

The postcard as a mass medium revolutionized visual communication in the 19th century.

Historical analysis.

Kritiker bemängeln die Oberflächlichkeit der auf Postkarten dargestellten Sujets.

Critics complain about the superficiality of the subjects depicted on postcards.

Formal verb 'bemängeln'.

Die Postkarte fungiert als Schnittstelle zwischen privater Mitteilung und öffentlichem Raum.

The postcard functions as an interface between private message and public space.

Complex noun 'Schnittstelle'.

Die Semiotik der Postkarte offenbart tiefe Einblicke in die Sehnsüchte der jeweiligen Epoche.

The semiotics of the postcard reveals deep insights into the longings of the respective era.

Subject 'Die Semiotik'.

Collocations courantes

eine Postkarte schreiben

eine Postkarte schicken

eine Postkarte erhalten

eine bunte Postkarte

viele Postkarten

die Rückseite der Postkarte

eine Postkarte frankieren

die Postkarte einwerfen

eine alte Postkarte

eine Postkarte adressieren

Phrases Courantes

Schöne Grüße per Postkarte

— A standard way to say you are sending greetings via a card.

Schöne Grüße per Postkarte aus den Alpen!

Eine Postkarte aus dem Urlaub

— Refers to the typical vacation postcard.

Hier ist eine Postkarte aus dem Urlaub für dich.

Postkarten sammeln

— The hobby of collecting postcards.

Mein Opa hat sein ganzes Leben lang Postkarten gesammelt.

Eine Postkarte kaufen

— The act of purchasing a card.

Lass uns am Kiosk eine Postkarte kaufen.

Die Postkarte ist angekommen

— The card has been delivered.

Deine Postkarte ist heute endlich angekommen.

Eine Postkarte gestalten

— To design or create a postcard.

Im Kindergarten haben die Kinder eine Postkarte gestaltet.

Postkarten schreiben macht Spaß

— Expressing enjoyment in writing cards.

Ich finde, Postkarten schreiben macht viel Spaß.

Keine Postkarte bekommen

— To not receive any card.

Ich bin traurig, weil ich keine Postkarte bekommen habe.

Eine Postkarte mit Motiv

— A postcard with a specific design or image.

Ich suche eine Postkarte mit einem Katzen-Motiv.

Postkarten für Freunde

— Cards intended for friends.

Ich habe fünf Postkarten für meine Freunde gekauft.

Souvent confondu avec

die Postkarte vs die Landkarte

A map of a country or region. Don't ask for a 'Postkarte' if you are lost!

die Postkarte vs die Speisekarte

A menu in a restaurant.

die Postkarte vs der Brief

A letter. Postcards don't have envelopes.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Postkarten-Idylle"

— A scene or place that is so perfect it looks like a postcard.

Dieses Dorf ist eine wahre Postkarten-Idylle.

neutral

"Postkartenwetter"

— Perfect, sunny weather with a blue sky, ideal for photos.

Heute haben wir echtes Postkartenwetter.

informal

"Wie auf einer Postkarte"

— Something that looks exceptionally beautiful or picturesque.

Der Sonnenuntergang war wie auf einer Postkarte.

informal

"Vom Winde verweht (like a postcard in the wind)"

— Not a direct idiom, but postcards are often used in metaphors for fleeting messages.

Seine Worte waren so flüchtig wie eine Postkarte im Sturm.

literary

"Ansichtskarten-Panorama"

— A wide, beautiful view typical of a postcard.

Von hier oben hat man ein Ansichtskarten-Panorama.

neutral

"Ein Gesicht wie eine Postkarte"

— Rarely used, but can imply a very 'typical' or 'perfect' looking face.

Sie hat ein Gesicht wie eine Postkarte.

informal

"Postkarten-Sprüche"

— Clichéd or cheesy sayings often found on cards.

Ich mag keine kitschigen Postkarten-Sprüche.

informal

"Grüße aus der Ferne"

— The typical opening/closing for a postcard message.

Herzliche Grüße aus der Ferne sendet dir Klaus.

neutral

"Auf Postkarten-Größe schrumpfen"

— To shrink something to a very small size.

Das Foto wurde auf Postkarten-Größe geschrumpft.

neutral

"Eine Postkarte als Lebenszeichen"

— Sending a card just to show that you are still alive/okay.

Schick uns wenigstens eine Postkarte als Lebenszeichen.

informal

Facile à confondre

die Postkarte vs die Karte

Too general.

'Karte' can mean map, menu, ticket, or playing card. 'Postkarte' is specific to mail.

Ich brauche eine Karte für das Konzert (ticket).

die Postkarte vs die Ansichtskarte

Very similar.

An 'Ansichtskarte' always has a picture. A 'Postkarte' can be plain.

Ich sammle Ansichtskarten mit Blumenmotiven.

die Postkarte vs die Kreditkarte

Both are 'Karten'.

One is for mail, the other is for payment.

Kann ich mit Kreditkarte bezahlen?

die Postkarte vs die Post

Part of the word.

'Die Post' is the mail service or the mail itself. 'Die Postkarte' is a specific item.

Die Post kommt um 10 Uhr.

die Postkarte vs der Briefumschlag

Related to mail.

Postcards do not need a 'Briefumschlag' (envelope).

Ich stecke den Brief in den Briefumschlag.

Structures de phrases

Ich habe eine [Adjektiv] Postkarte.

Ich habe eine schöne Postkarte.

Das ist eine Postkarte aus [Ort].

Das ist eine Postkarte aus Paris.

Ich schicke eine Postkarte an [Person].

Ich schicke eine Postkarte an meine Tante.

Hast du die Postkarte schon [Partizip II]?

Hast du die Postkarte schon geschrieben?

Auf der Postkarte kann man [Akkusativ] sehen.

Auf der Postkarte kann man die Berge sehen.

Ich freue mich über die Postkarte, die [Nebensatz].

Ich freue mich über die Postkarte, die du mir geschickt hast.

Trotz [Genitiv] schreiben viele noch Postkarten.

Trotz der E-Mails schreiben viele noch Postkarten.

Die Postkarte dient als [Nominativ] für [Akkusativ].

Die Postkarte dient als Beweis für meine Reise.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in travel and holiday contexts; declining but still significant in personal life.

Erreurs courantes

Der Postkarte → Die Postkarte
Learners often use the masculine article because 'card' is neutral in their head, but in German, it is feminine.
Ich schreibe einen Postkarte. → Ich schreibe eine Postkarte.
In the accusative case, the feminine article 'eine' does not change.
Postkartenen → Postkarten
The plural is formed by adding only an '-n', not '-en' if the word already ends in '-e'.
Ich schicke eine Postkarte zu meine Mutter. → Ich schicke eine Postkarte an meine Mutter.
With mail, the preposition 'an' + Accusative is the standard way to indicate the recipient.
Die Postkarte ist in dem Tisch. → Die Postkarte liegt auf dem Tisch.
Use 'auf' for things on a surface, and 'liegen' to describe its horizontal position.

Astuces

Gender Memory

Always associate 'Postkarte' with 'die'. Imagine a queen (feminine) receiving a card. This helps you remember 'die Postkarte'.

Vacation Standard

In Germany, sending a postcard is almost mandatory for close family when you are on a long trip. Don't forget your 'Oma'!

Ansichtskarte vs Postkarte

Use 'Ansichtskarte' if you want to be specific about the picture. It makes you sound more advanced.

Yellow Mailboxes

Look for the bright yellow boxes on street corners to mail your cards. They are iconic in Germany.

Conciseness

Postcards are meant for short messages. Use bullet points or short sentences to fit everything in.

Appreciation

Receiving a postcard in Germany is a sign that someone truly cares about you, as it takes effort to send.

Stamps First

Buy stamps ('Briefmarken') at the same time you buy the cards to save a trip to the post office.

Philokartie

If you are interested in history, look for 'alte Postkarten' at flea markets. They are fascinating windows into the past.

The Final E

Don't forget to pronounce the final 'e' in 'Postkarte'. It's a soft 'uh' sound.

Postcard Apps

There are apps that let you send real physical postcards using your own phone photos. Very popular in Germany now!

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'POST' man carrying a 'KARTE' (card). POST + KARTE = Postkarte.

Association visuelle

Imagine a yellow German mailbox (Briefkasten) with a colorful postcard sticking out of the slot.

Word Web

Schreiben Briefmarke Urlaub Briefkasten Foto Adresse Grüße Postbote

Défi

Go to a store and try to find a postcard. Describe it in German using at least three adjectives.

Origine du mot

The word is a 19th-century German invention, combining 'Post' (from Latin 'posita', meaning fixed/placed) and 'Karte' (from Greek 'chartēs', meaning papyrus/paper).

Sens originel : A postal card for open correspondence.

Germanic (compound of Latin and Greek roots).

Contexte culturel

Be careful with historical postcards from the 1930s-40s, as they may contain propaganda imagery.

Postcards are common in the UK and US too, but the 'Postkarten-Kultur' in Germany is arguably more persistent despite the digital age.

Derrida's 'The Post Card' (philosophical work) The 'Gruss aus...' (Greetings from...) style of vintage cards Otto and Elise Hampel (who used postcards for anti-Nazi resistance, as depicted in 'Alone in Berlin')

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At the souvenir shop

Was kostet diese Postkarte?
Haben Sie auch Postkarten von der Stadt?
Ich nehme diese drei Postkarten.
Gibt es hier auch Briefmarken?

At the post office

Ich möchte eine Postkarte verschicken.
Wie viel Porto braucht diese Karte?
Ist das eine Standard-Postkarte?
Wie lange dauert der Versand?

Writing the card

Viele Grüße aus Berlin!
Das Wetter ist toll.
Ich denke an dich.
Bis bald!

With friends

Hast du meine Postkarte bekommen?
Schreibst du mir eine Karte?
Guck mal, was für eine lustige Postkarte!
Ich hänge die Karte an den Kühlschrank.

At a museum

Gibt es Postkarten von dieser Ausstellung?
Ich kaufe eine Postkarte als Andenken.
Die Postkarte ist ein schönes Souvenir.
Wo sind die Kunstpostkarten?

Amorces de conversation

"Schreibst du im Urlaub noch echte Postkarten oder nur WhatsApp?"

"Was war die schönste Postkarte, die du je bekommen hast?"

"Sammelst du Postkarten von den Orten, die du besuchst?"

"Wie viele Postkarten schickst du normalerweise aus dem Urlaub?"

"Findest du, dass Postkarten heutzutage altmodisch sind?"

Sujets d'écriture

Beschreibe eine Postkarte, die du vor kurzem erhalten hast. Von wem war sie?

Stell dir vor, du bist an deinem Traumort. Was würdest du auf eine Postkarte schreiben?

Warum ist es deiner Meinung nach wichtig, physische Postkarten zu verschicken?

Erinnere dich an eine alte Postkarte aus deiner Kindheit. Was war darauf zu sehen?

Schreibe einen kurzen Text über die Vor- und Nachteile von Postkarten gegenüber E-Mails.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Es ist weiblich: die Postkarte. Das liegt daran, dass das Grundwort 'die Karte' weiblich ist. In zusammengesetzten Nomen bestimmt immer das letzte Wort das Geschlecht.

Nein, eine Postkarte wird traditionell ohne Umschlag verschickt. Das ist einer der Hauptunterschiede zum Brief. Die Nachricht ist für jeden sichtbar, der sie transportiert.

Das Porto ändert sich regelmäßig. Aktuell kostet eine Postkarte innerhalb Deutschlands meistens 70 Cent, aber man sollte immer bei der Post nachfragen.

Meistens schreibt man Urlaubsgrüße, Informationen über das Wetter oder das Essen und einen kurzen Satz wie 'Ich wünsche dir, du wärst hier'.

Der Plural ist 'die Postkarten'. Man hängt einfach ein '-n' an das Ende des Singulars an.

Man kann sie in Souvenirläden, Kiosken, Buchhandlungen oder manchmal auch direkt bei der Post kaufen.

Eine Ansichtskarte ist eine Postkarte mit einem Bild oder einer Fotografie auf der Vorderseite, meistens von einer Stadt oder Landschaft.

Ja, man kann Postkarten selbst gestalten, solange sie das richtige Format und die richtige Dicke haben, damit die Post sie sortieren kann.

Das ist ein Ausdruck für einen Ort, der so perfekt und schön aussieht, dass er ein Motiv für eine Postkarte sein könnte.

Postkarten selbst sind nicht immer gelb, aber die Deutsche Post nutzt Gelb als ihre Markenfarbe, weshalb Briefkästen und Postautos gelb sind.

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