The L 72 was a single-engine biplane of conventional configuration with unstaggered wings of equal span.

It was the first German commercial aircraft to incorporate leading edge slots and trailing-edge flaps.

The upper wing was carried on a tubular cabane and one set of 'N' formation interplane struts was provided with stream-lined wire bracing.

The fuselage was built of welded steel tubing with diagonal wire bracing and was fabric covered.

Aft of the pilot's cockpit was a cabin containing a conveyor-like device which could accept up to sixteen parcels of newspapers weighing 10 kg (22 lb) each.