Leitcode
Published by the QRinsec Editorial Team — practical documentation about QR codes, barcode standards, and QRinsec’s client-side tools. Content is reviewed against product testing and published technical documentation from sources such as GS1, Denso Wave, and ISO standards where applicable.
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Leitcode is a 14-digit routing barcode used by Deutsche Post for automated mail sorting.
Important Notice
Leitcode can only be generated via Deutsche Post-approved systems — do not attempt to self-generate routing codes.
Important Notice
Leitcode is for Germany/Deutsche Post only. It is not a general-purpose barcode.
Key Facts
- Digits
- 14
- Symbology
- Interleaved 2 of 5 (ITF)
- Check Digit
- Modulo 10 (4/9 weighting)
- Used By
- Deutsche Post (Germany only)
- Encodes
- Postal routing destination
What is a Leitcode barcode?
Leitcode (German: 'routing code') is a 14-digit numeric barcode used exclusively by Deutsche Post (German postal service) for sorting and routing mail and parcels within Germany. It encodes a structured postal routing code — not a product identifier — used by automated sorting machines in Deutsche Post processing centres. Leitcode is based on the Interleaved 2 of 5 (ITF) symbology and is printed by senders on parcel labels according to Deutsche Post specifications.
The 14 digits explained
A Leitcode consists of 14 digits:
- Digits 1–5: Destination postcode (PLZ — Postleitzahl).
- Digits 6–8: Street code (Straßenschlüssel) assigned by Deutsche Post.
- Digits 9–13: House number range.
- Digit 14: Modulo 10 check digit.
The encoding is specific to Deutsche Post's internal addressing database and cannot be self-generated without integration with Deutsche Post's address validation service.
Check digit (Modulo 10)
The Leitcode check digit uses a standard Modulo 10 (Luhn-style) calculation:
- Multiply odd-position digits (1,3,5…13) by 4.
- Multiply even-position digits (2,4,6…12) by 9.
- Sum all products.
- Check digit = (10 − (sum mod 10)) mod 10.
This specific 4/9 weighting is unique to Deutsche Post — it differs from the standard EAN 3/1 weighting.
Leitcode vs. Identcode vs. standard ITF
Leitcode and Identcode are both Deutsche Post-specific ITF-based barcodes, but serve different purposes: Leitcode encodes the routing destination (postcode + street); Identcode encodes the shipment tracking number. Both use ITF symbology and Deutsche Post's proprietary check digit. Standard ITF encodes any numeric data without the postal routing structure.
When to use Leitcode
Leitcode is used exclusively on Deutsche Post domestic mail and parcel labels within Germany. It is generated automatically by:
- Deutsche Post's online franking (INTERNETMARKE) system.
- Integrated shipping software connected to Deutsche Post's address API.
Do not attempt to generate Leitcode manually — the street and house number codes are assigned by Deutsche Post's internal database.
Printing requirements
Leitcode uses ITF symbology specifications: minimum X-dimension 0.25 mm, wide-to-narrow ratio 2.5:1, quiet zones 10× X-dimension each side. Deutsche Post specifies a minimum bar height and symbol placement position on standard label formats. Use Deutsche Post-approved label templates when implementing Leitcode in shipping software.
Common scanning failures
Leitcode failures in postal sorting are typically caused by label placement errors (barcode obscured by folds or straps), thermal print quality issues (faded or missing bars on low-quality label stock), and incorrect Modulo 10 check digit. Always use Deutsche Post-validated shipping software to generate and print Leitcode.
Comparison
| Feature | Leitcode | Identcode | Standard ITF |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digits | 14 | 12 | Variable (even) |
| Purpose | Routing destination | Shipment tracking | General numeric |
| Used By | Deutsche Post only | Deutsche Post only | General industry |
| Self-generatable? | No | No | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Leitcode and Identcode?
Leitcode encodes the postal routing destination (postcode + street data) for sorting machines. Identcode encodes the unique shipment tracking number. Both are Deutsche Post-specific ITF barcodes.
Can I generate a Leitcode myself?
No. Leitcode uses Deutsche Post's internal address and street coding database. It must be generated through Deutsche Post-approved shipping software or their INTERNETMARKE system.
Is Leitcode used outside Germany?
No. Leitcode is a Deutsche Post proprietary system used exclusively within Germany for domestic mail routing.
What happens if the Leitcode check digit is wrong?
The automated sorting machine will reject the parcel for manual handling, causing delivery delays. Always use Deutsche Post-validated software to ensure correct check digit calculation.
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