Ordering a package? Waiting on furniture? Talking to a customer service rep? Then you’ll definitely want to learn how to say delivery in German — a word that helps you navigate real-world situations with clarity.
The word is die Lieferung. It’s feminine, and the plural is die Lieferungen. If you’d like a quick and clear overview of articles like die, check out my gender video lesson.
Lieferung is one of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German, especially useful when shopping online or dealing with service providers.
Examples in all four cases:
Nominative:
Die Lieferung ist angekommen.
The delivery has arrived.
Accusative:
Ich warte auf die Lieferung.
I'm waiting for the delivery.
Dative:
Mit der Lieferung gab es ein Problem.
There was a problem with the delivery.
Genitive:
Der Status der Lieferung ist unklar.
The status of the delivery is unclear.
Real-World Tips for Learners
Lieferung is everywhere in modern life — from business contexts to personal online orders. You’ll likely encounter it in emails, website forms, or casual conversations.
Key examples and compounds:
Lieferzeit – delivery time
Lieferadresse – delivery address
kostenlose Lieferung – free delivery
Expresslieferung – express delivery
Teillieferung – partial delivery
Lieferverzögerung – delivery delay
Lieferdienst – delivery service (e.g., food or parcels)
The associated verb is liefern, meaning “to deliver.” Example:
Wir liefern innerhalb von 3 Tagen. – We deliver within 3 days.
Das Paket wurde gestern geliefert. – The package was delivered yesterday.
Learner note: Watch out for false friends! Lieferung does not mean “presentation” or “performance” — that would be Vorstellung or Aufführung. Stick to logistics and physical goods with Lieferung.
Also, German compound nouns often bundle this term: Zustellungsbestätigung (delivery confirmation) may be used interchangeably with Lieferbestätigung.
Beginner dialogue using Lieferung:
A: Ist deine Lieferung schon da?
B: Nein, sie kommt erst morgen.
A: Has your delivery arrived yet?
B: No, it's only coming tomorrow.
Now it’s your turn. Think of your answer and say it aloud using Lieferung.
“Wann hast du dich zuletzt über eine verspätete Lieferung geärgert — und was war es?”
When was the last time you were annoyed about a late delivery — and what was it?
Say your answer out loud and be sure to include Lieferung.
German Word of the Day
Now you know how to say delivery in German — and how die Lieferung helps you communicate confidently when life or packages arrive late.
Download the free illustrated PDF of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German and build up your real-world vocabulary list.
Ready for more German Words of the Day?
Check out Lied — and sing your way into the language.
Or revisit Lippen — and learn how to express beauty and feeling.