German Love for Postcards Endures in the Digital Age, New Survey Finds
Despite the rise of instant digital communication, postcards remain a beloved tradition among Germans, especially during the summer travel season. A recent representative survey conducted by opinion research institute Forsa on behalf of Deutsche Post reveals that two-thirds of Germans prefer receiving a traditional postcard over digital vacation greetings. The findings underscore the emotional resonance and personal value attached to postcards, even in today’s hyper-connected world.
The Enduring Appeal of the Postcard
According to the survey, 65% of German respondents particularly enjoy receiving a postcard as a vacation greeting. For many, postcards signify more than just a message—they represent thoughtfulness and effort. In fact, 75% of those surveyed said they especially appreciate that someone took the time to think of them and write a postcard during their trip.
Nearly 69% of participants agreed that postcards feel more personal than digital alternatives, such as messages via WhatsApp, social media, email, or even phone calls. A further 63% of respondents emphasized the tangible nature of postcards—something they can keep, display, or pin on the fridge as a lasting memory, unlike ephemeral digital messages that disappear in a sea of notifications.
When asked to compare different modes of vacation greetings, postcards topped the list. WhatsApp and similar messaging platforms followed with 61% favorability, while only 37% preferred phone calls. Greetings via social media and email lagged behind, favored by just 18% and 16% of respondents, respectively. Interestingly, women were even more likely than men to value postcards, reinforcing their emotional significance across demographics.
A Season of Sending
Summer vacation remains prime time for postcard sending, and Deutsche Post continues to facilitate this tradition. In 2024, the postal service handled approximately 96 million postcards, a volume consistent with the previous year. This figure includes both domestic and international mail, reflecting the continued enthusiasm for the medium.
“Vacation and postcards go hand in hand,” says Benjamin Rasch, Head of Product Management and Marketing at Deutsche Post. “The current Forsa survey confirms that postcards continue to be a meaningful form of communication. In a digital age, many people still treasure the unique charm of a handwritten card that has traveled from afar.”
Austria Tops the Charts in Cross-Border Postcard Exchange
Postcards from abroad to Germany mostly originated from neighboring Austria in 2024, followed by Italy, Spain, France, and Switzerland. When it comes to international postcard destinations from Germany, the United States leads the list, with Austria, the Netherlands, and Switzerland also among the top recipients.
Deutsche Post remains competitively priced on the global stage. As of early 2024, postage for domestic postcards in Germany increased to 95 cents, and to EUR 1.25 for international postcards. These rates align with standard letter postage, a move designed to simplify pricing. Compared to many other European countries, German rates remain relatively low. For example, sending a postcard from Italy abroad costs EUR 1.35, from Spain EUR 1.85, and from France EUR 2.10.
Celebrating Postcrossing: A Global Community of Card Enthusiasts
Highlighting the universal appeal of postcards, the global platform Postcrossing celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025. Founded in 2005, Postcrossing connects people worldwide through the exchange of postcards. The concept is simple yet powerful: users sign up at postcrossing.com, receive a random address, and send a card with an identification code. Once received and logged, the sender is eligible to receive a card from another participant.
The community now boasts over 800,000 registered “Postcrossers” from 209 countries, with Germany ranking among the top five countries in participation. Around 65,000 users are based in Germany, trailing only Russia, Taiwan, the USA, and China. Since its inception, over 82 million postcards have been exchanged globally through the platform.
To commemorate the 20th anniversary, Postcrossing will host its first international postcard fair on July 12–13, 2025, at the Museum for Communication in Berlin. The event will attract postcard enthusiasts from across the globe and feature a variety of programs and activities. In honor of the milestone, Deutsche Post will also release a special edition stamp dedicated to Postcrossing and the joy of handwritten communication.
Survey Details
The Forsa survey polled 1,003 German citizens aged 18 and older between June 26 and June 30, 2025. The survey explored preferences for sending and receiving vacation greetings and the qualities people most appreciate about traditional postcards compared to digital alternatives.
A Tradition That Still Matters
In an age where texts, tweets, and posts dominate our daily communication, the enduring popularity of postcards serves as a reminder of the lasting power of physical, heartfelt gestures. For many Germans, a postcard isn’t just a greeting—it’s a keepsake, a personal connection, and a treasured memory that stands the test of time.