Meaning
To unseal and access the contents of a parcel.
Cultural Background
Recycling is a duty. After opening a parcel, you must flatten the cardboard for the 'Altpapier' bin. The 'Postgeheimnis' is sacred. Never open a parcel that isn't addressed to you; it's a crime. People often use the diminutive 'Packerl' which sounds more affectionate. Neighborly delivery: It's common for neighbors to accept parcels for you. You then go to their house to pick it up and open it at home.
Use 'aufmachen' for friends
In casual settings, 'aufmachen' sounds more natural than 'öffnen'.
Watch the article!
Always use 'das' for Paket. Using 'der' or 'die' is a very common beginner mistake.
Meaning
To unseal and access the contents of a parcel.
Use 'aufmachen' for friends
In casual settings, 'aufmachen' sounds more natural than 'öffnen'.
Watch the article!
Always use 'das' for Paket. Using 'der' or 'die' is a very common beginner mistake.
Compound words
Learn 'Paketöffner' (parcel opener/letter opener) to expand your vocabulary.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct article and verb form.
Ich ______ (öffnen) heute ______ (the) Paket.
The subject 'Ich' requires the verb form 'öffne', and 'Paket' is neuter accusative 'das'.
Which sentence is correct in the past tense?
Yesterday I opened the parcel.
The Perfekt tense uses 'habe ... geöffnet' and the correct neuter article 'das'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Wo ist die Schere? B: Hier. Warum? A: Ich möchte ________________.
You need scissors to open a parcel, not to buy or send one.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at the customs office and they want to see your goods.
Customs officers ask you to open parcels for inspection.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Types of Mail
Large
- • {das|n} Paket
Small
- • {das|n} Päckchen
Flat
- • {der|m} Brief
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch ______ (öffnen) heute ______ (the) Paket.
The subject 'Ich' requires the verb form 'öffne', and 'Paket' is neuter accusative 'das'.
Yesterday I opened the parcel.
The Perfekt tense uses 'habe ... geöffnet' and the correct neuter article 'das'.
A: Wo ist die Schere? B: Hier. Warum? A: Ich möchte ________________.
You need scissors to open a parcel, not to buy or send one.
You are at the customs office and they want to see your goods.
Customs officers ask you to open parcels for inspection.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsYes, you can say 'einen Brief öffnen', but 'aufmachen' is also very common.
No, 'Paket' is the shipping box. 'Geschenk' is the gift inside.
A 'Päckchen' is a small parcel, usually weighing less than 2kg.
You say 'Ich öffne es' (using 'es' because Paket is neuter).
Yes, this is the most common way to say it in informal spoken German.
You say '{das|n} Paket war schon offen' or 'geöffnet'.
It is a weak verb: öffnen - öffnete - geöffnet.
No, 'öffnen' takes a direct object in the accusative case.
Related Phrases
ein Paket erhalten
similarTo receive a parcel
ein Paket verschicken
contrastTo send a parcel
etwas auspacken
builds onTo unpack something
ein Päckchen aufmachen
synonymTo open a small parcel
den Inhalt prüfen
specialized formTo check the contents
