July 17, 2026, 10:09 am | Read time: 3 minutes
For some time now, various reports about strange markings and symbols on doorbells have been circulating in the media. myHOMEBOOK explains what these might be in this article.
Often, these are letter combinations like “VH,” numbers, an “X,” or an inconspicuous dot next to the doorbell button. The rbb reported in December 2025 about an alleged coded secret language among delivery drivers. “VH” is said to stand for the front building, a number like “5” for a floor number, “X” is supposed to mark particularly unfriendly people, and the dot allegedly symbolizes people who prefer to accept packages for neighbors. But can this be true?
What the Delivery Services Say About the Symbols
At least, delivery drivers interviewed by the TV station anonymously report about isolated colleagues who allegedly want to “inform” other delivery drivers in this way. However, no one officially confirms this. Many delivery drivers hear for the first time about a coded secret language that is supposed to exist among couriers. On platforms like Reddit, there has been speculation about the strange symbols for some time.
In response to an inquiry from rbb, DHL stated that their own delivery drivers do not make such markings. DHL drivers generally do not leave signs, markings, or any other hints on doorbells and nameplates, according to an official statement.
DHL’s statement is confirmed by other major delivery services in Germany when asked by myHOMEBOOK. “We are not aware of such behavior, and we would not tolerate it. Our drivers usually have fixed routes and therefore know their delivery area very well. It is not really understandable how any signs could be of great use,” a UPS spokeswoman responds.
Hermes also knows nothing about it: “Such practices are not known to us and would not correspond to our high service and quality standards,” emphasizes a spokesperson. The delivery service even explicitly points out in response to myHOMEBOOK’s inquiry that such markings, which could be associated with Hermes drivers, should definitely be reported to the company.
And a GLS spokesperson also makes it clear: “We are not aware of any systematic codings or signs on doorbells.” Such hints are also not necessary. “Modern package logistics today operates digitally at many interfaces. Our deliveries are based on digital route and shipment information, supported by AI,” the spokesperson explains.
Don’t Ignore Symbols Next to Doorbells
The symbols might simply be simple graffiti. But such signs should not be completely ignored. Because there could also be a serious background behind them. Keyword: “Gaunerzinken” (thieves’ marks). myHOMEBOOK has also reported on this.
However, these symbols no longer play a major role today, as Julia Christiani from the Police Crime Prevention of the States and the Federal Government explains in response to a myHOMEBOOK inquiry. “If crime opportunities are being scouted, perpetrators today have other means of communication available.” The expert mentions the smartphone, for example, to send photos. “It’s faster, and the risk of discovery is lower,” Christiani knows. “Criminals also use social networks to scout potential victims.” Nevertheless, it can be useful to report suddenly appearing letters, markings, symbols, numbers, or signs on the doorbell to the local police station.