Labeling DIN A4 envelopes – the right way to do it

The DIN A4 envelope should be labeled correctly as it is processed by machine. Incorrect labeling leads to manual reworking and therefore longer delivery times

How to label a DIN A4 envelope correctly

In addition to the correct positioning of the recipient’s address, it is important that you write as clearly as possible. Of course, it is best to create a label using Word or another Office program.

• Basically, the DIN A4 envelope is labeled in landscape format with the flap facing backwards. The recipient’s address should be on the right-hand side of the large letter

• Start writing the address approximately in the middle of the outer right-hand section of the A4 envelope. Make sure that you leave a margin of a good 1.5 centimetres to the right.

• Do not place any blank lines between the individual lines – recipient, street and city.

• If the A4 envelope is addressed to a company, enter the company name in the top line. In the line below, enter the relevant department and the name of the recipient.

• Alternatively, use a so-called c/o address.

• The top right-hand corner of the A4 envelope is reserved for the stamp.

• If you wish to add the sender’s details to the large letter, you can do so in the top left-hand corner – i.e. opposite the stamp.

Sending a letter abroad: address it correctly

If you want to send a DIN A4 envelope abroad, you should make sure that the address is correctly labeled internationally. Here are a few tips:

• The recipient’s address should be written in Latin letters

• The spelling of street and place names should correspond to that of the respective country.

• The country name should be written in capital letters and in the language of the destination country.

• The postal code should always be specified and correspond to the corresponding standard of the destination country.

• If you write the address in English, you should make sure that the spelling of the street and place names corresponds to the English spelling (e.g. Munich instead of München).

• If you are unsure how to write the address correctly internationally, you can obtain information from Swiss Post or on their website.