die
Zustellung
📦 What exactly does "die Zustellung" mean?
Die Zustellung (feminine noun, plural: die Zustellungen) refers to the act of delivering or handing something over to the recipient. This can relate to various contexts:
- Mail & Parcels: The delivery of letters, packages, or other shipments by a postal worker or courier service. 📮 Example: Die Zustellung der Post. (The delivery of the mail.)
- Law & Administration: The formal service of official or judicial documents (e.g., summons, notices, complaints) to a party. This often needs to follow specific rules to be legally effective. ⚖️ Example: Die gerichtliche Zustellung. (The judicial service/delivery of documents.)
It is a noun derived from the verb zustellen (to deliver, to serve).
Article rules for der, die, and das
-ung → always feminine.
There are many -ung words, we won't list them all. There are only a few exceptions.
🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Die Zustellung
The word "Zustellung" is feminine. The correct article is therefore die.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Zustellung |
| Genitive | der | Zustellung |
| Dative | der | Zustellung |
| Accusative | die | Zustellung |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Zustellungen |
| Genitive | der | Zustellungen |
| Dative | den | Zustellungen |
| Accusative | die | Zustellungen |
📝 Example Sentences
- Die Zustellung des Pakets erfolgte am Nachmittag. (The delivery of the package took place in the afternoon.)
- Wir warten auf die Zustellung der wichtigen Dokumente vom Anwalt. (We are waiting for the delivery/service of the important documents from the lawyer.)
- Die gerichtliche Zustellung muss persönlich erfolgen. (The legal service of the document must be done in person.)
- Bei Problemen mit der Zustellung wenden Sie sich bitte an den Kundenservice. (If there are problems with the delivery, please contact customer service.)
💡 How is "Zustellung" used?
"Zustellung" is mainly used in more formal contexts, especially concerning official deliveries or legal proceedings.
- Everyday life: People often speak of the Zustellung of mail or packages, although Lieferung is also common here. ("Wann erfolgt die Zustellung?" - When will the delivery take place?)
- Legal system: Here, Zustellung is the standard term for the formal service of documents. A simple Lieferung (delivery) is often not sufficient, as proof of service (Nachweis der Zustellung) is crucial (e.g., Zustellung per Einschreiben - service by registered mail, öffentliche Zustellung - public notice/service).
- Difference from "Lieferung": While Lieferung is often used more broadly (e.g., delivery of goods, food), Zustellung is more specific and often associated with a formal act or service. Zustellung often implies that something is specifically delivered *to* a particular recipient.
🧠 Mnemonics for Zustellung
Article Mnemonic: Think of nouns ending in "-ung" in German – they are almost always feminine. So, it's die Zustellung, like die Rechnung (the bill) or die Wohnung (the apartment).
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine someone needs to bring something right *to* (zu) your *location* or *position* (related to Stellung). The postman stellt the package zu – that's the Zu-stellung.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Same or Similar Meaning (Synonyms):
- Lieferung: (Delivery) Often interchangeable, but sometimes less formal.
- Übergabe: (Handover, transfer) Emphasizes the act of handing over.
- Aushändigung: (Handing over) Similar to Übergabe, often used for documents.
- Übermittlung: (Transmission, conveyance) More for information or messages, but also for documents.
Opposite Meaning (Antonyms):
- Abholung: (Collection, pickup) The opposite of Zustellung; picking something up yourself.
- Empfang: (Reception) The act of receiving the delivery from the recipient's perspective.
- Rücksendung: (Return shipment) Sending a delivery back.
⚠️ Similar Words:
- Stellung: Means position, stance, or military post. Don't confuse with Zustellung!
- Bestellung: Means order (the act of ordering something). The Zustellung happens *after* the Bestellung.
😄 A Little Joke
Warum hat der Postbote gekündigt?
Er fühlte sich nicht richtig zugestellt! 😉
(Why did the postman quit?
He didn't feel properly 'delivered'/served/adjusted! - It's a pun on 'zugestellt' which can mean delivered but also adjusted/arranged)
✍️ Poem about Zustellung
Der Wagen hält, die Tür geht auf,
der Bote nimmt den schnellen Lauf.
Ein Päckchen klein, ein Brief ganz schlicht,
die Zustellung erfüllt die Pflicht.
An deiner Tür, da klingelt's hell,
Empfang die Post – und das ganz schnell!
(The van stops, the door opens wide,
The carrier takes a rapid stride.
A parcel small, a letter plain,
The delivery fulfills its aim.
At your door, the bell rings bright,
Receive the mail – with all your might!)
❓ Riddle
Ich komme oft, doch selten gern,
bring' Schriftstücke von nah und fern.
Mal bin ich schnell, mal dauert's lang,
rechtlich hab' ich oft 'nen Zwang.
Was bin ich?
(I often come, but seldom gladly,
Bringing documents from near and far, sadly.
Sometimes I'm fast, sometimes I delay,
Legally, I often hold sway.
What am I?)
(Solution: Die Zustellung - often in the legal sense)
🧩 Word Components & More
The word "Zustellung" is composed of:
- Prefix "zu-": Expresses direction, addition, or purpose (here: towards someone).
- Stem "Stell(en)": From the verb "stellen" (to place, put, provide).
- Suffix "-ung": Forms a noun from the verb, denoting a process or result. It typically makes the word feminine.
Interestingly, the punctuality and reliability of the Zustellung (delivery/service) is often a key quality indicator for service providers.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Zustellung?
The German word Zustellung is feminine. The correct article is die Zustellung. It describes the act of delivering mail, parcels, or serving official documents.