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German Phrase

Gib immer die richtige Postleitzahl an.

/ɡɪp ˈɪmɐ diː ˈʁɪçtɪɡə ˈpɔstˌlaɪt͡sˌtsaːl an/
Meaning"Always give the correct postal code."
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Meaning

The sentence is a direct instruction telling someone to always provide the correct postal code. It is often used when filling out forms, shipping items, or giving address information.

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When to use

Use this phrase in informal contexts when you want to remind a friend, colleague, or customer to enter the correct five‑digit PLZ. It’s common in customer‑service scripts, online checkout pages, and when giving address instructions.

✦Grammar Breakdown

GibimmerdierichtigePostleitzahlan

1

Imperative (du) – geben

‘Gib’ is the singular informal imperative of ‘geben’. The -e of the infinitive is dropped.

2

Adverb – immer

‘immer’ means ‘always’ and modifies the whole command.

3

Definite article (accusative, fem.)

‘die’ is the accusative feminine article because ‘Postleitzahl’ is the direct object.

4

Adjective declension (weak)

After a definite article the adjective takes the weak ending –e: ‘richtige’.

5

Separable verb – angeben

‘an’ is the separable prefix of ‘angeben’. In main clauses it moves to the sentence end.

🗨In Conversation

A

Bitte fülle das Bestellformular aus.

Please fill out the order form.

Gib immer die richtige Postleitzahl an.

Always give the correct postal code.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Gib immer die richtige Postleitzahl.

    Missing the separable prefix ‘an’; the verb ‘angeben’ must be split in the imperative.

  • Gib immer die richtiger Postleitzahl an.

    After the definite article ‘die’, the adjective takes the weak ending –e, not –er.

  • Du gibst immer die richtige Postleitzahl an.

    ‘gibst’ is the present‑tense 2nd‑person singular, not the imperative.

↔Alternatives

  • Gib stets die korrekte Postleitzahl an.

    Always give the correct postal code.

  • Bitte gib die richtige Postleitzahl an.

    Please give the correct postal code.

  • Achte darauf, die richtige Postleitzahl anzugeben.

    Make sure to provide the correct postal code.

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Cultural Tip

In Germany, Austria and Switzerland the postal code (Postleitzahl, abbreviated PLZ) consists of five digits. It is crucial for mail and package delivery, so businesses often stress the importance of entering it correctly. In spoken German you’ll also hear the abbreviation ‘PLZ’ used frequently.