das  Päckchen

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈpɛkçən/

📦 What Exactly is a 'Päckchen'?

Das Päckchen (noun, neuter) is the diminutive form of das Paket (the parcel/package). It refers to a small package or a small parcel, typically sent by mail.

• It is generally smaller and lighter than a standard Paket.
• It is often used for sending smaller items or gifts.
• The ending "-chen" signals the diminutive form and determines the article as das (neuter).

🚨 Attention: Don't confuse it with die Packung, which usually refers to the packaging of a product (e.g., eine Packung Kekse - a packet of cookies).

Article rules for der, die, and das

📝 Grammar: Declining 'Päckchen'

'Päckchen' is a neuter noun and takes the article das. The suffix "-chen" is a typical indicator for neuter nouns in German. Declension is relatively straightforward as the plural form is identical to the singular form.

Example Sentences

1. Ich habe heute ein kleines Päckchen von meiner Tante bekommen.
   (Today I received a small package from my aunt.)
2. Kannst du bitte das Päckchen zur Post bringen?
   (Can you please take the small package to the post office?)
3. In dem Päckchen waren Süßigkeiten.
   (There were sweets in the small package.)
4. Der Inhalt des Päckchens war zerbrechlich.
   (The content of the small package was fragile.)
5. Viele kleine Päckchen lagen unter dem Weihnachtsbaum.
   (Many small packages lay under the Christmas tree.)

✉️ How to Use 'das Päckchen'?

'Das Päckchen' is primarily used in the context of postal services and gifts.

• Postal Service: It denotes a type of mail item, smaller and often cheaper than a Paket (parcel). "Ich verschicke das Buch als Päckchen." (I'm sending the book as a small package.)
• Gifts: A small, wrapped present is often called a Päckchen. "Hier ist ein kleines Päckchen für dich zum Geburtstag." (Here is a small package for you for your birthday.)
• Figurative: The idiom "sein Päckchen zu tragen haben" literally means "to have one's little package to carry" and translates to having one's own burdens or problems to bear. "Jeder hat sein Päckchen zu tragen." (Everyone has their own cross to bear / their own burden.)

Compared to das Paket, a Päckchen is always smaller. Die Sendung is a more general term for anything being shipped (letter, small package, parcel).

💡 Memory Aids for 'Päckchen'

Article Mnemonic: Remember that diminutive endings like "-chen" (and "-lein") in German almost always make the noun neuter. Think: A little thing -> das Ding; a little package -> das Päckchen.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine a tiny Paket (package). The "-chen" ending makes things small and cute in German. So, Päckchen is just a cute little package.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Words

😂 A Little Joke

DE: Fragt der Postbote: "Ist dieses Päckchen für Sie?"
Antwortet der Mann: "Nein, mein Name ist Müller, nicht Fürsie!"

EN: The postman asks: "Ist dieses Päckchen für Sie?" (Is this package for you? - sounds like 'für Sie' = 'for Sie', the name)
The man replies: "No, my name is Müller, not Fürsie!"

✒️ A Little Poem

DE:
Ein Päckchen, klein und fein,
kam heute bei mir an, o wie schön!
Was mag wohl drinnen sein?
Ich öffne es und kann es seh'n:
Ein lieber Gruß, nur für mich allein.

EN:
A little package, small and fine,
Arrived today, oh how divine!
What might be held within?
I open it and see therein:
A lovely greeting, solely mine.

❓ Riddle Time

DE:
Ich bin oft braun, manchmal bunt beklebt,
habe keinen Mund, doch eine Adresse,
reise durch das Land, mal nah, mal fern,
bin kleiner als mein großer Bruder gern.
Was bin ich?

EN:
I'm often brown, sometimes taped with colours bright,
I have no mouth, but an address takes flight,
I travel through the land, sometimes near, sometimes far,
I'm smaller than my big brother by par.
What am I?

Solution: das Päckchen (the small package)

🧩 Further Details

Word Formation:

The word "Päckchen" is derived through suffixation:

• Base word: das Paket (package, parcel)
• Suffix (diminutive): -chen
• Result: das Päckchen (with an umlaut change from 'a' to 'ä')

Related Verbs:

• packen: to pack (put something into a box, bag, or parcel)
• einpacken: to wrap up (often for gifts), to pack
• auspacken: to unpack, to unwrap (a parcel or gift)