German Vocabulary for Renting a Room or Apartment in Germany

Finding accommodation can be one of the most stressful parts of moving to Germany.

Understanding basic housing vocabulary makes apartment searches, landlord conversations and advertisements much easier.

Wohnung

Wohnung means apartment.

You may also see:

Zimmer – roomWG – shared apartmentEinzimmerwohnung – studio/one-room apartment

Miete

Miete means rent.

But German rental advertisements contain more specific terms.

Kaltmiete is the basic rent before many additional costs.

Warmmiete usually includes the basic rent plus certain additional costs such as heating.

Always check exactly what is included.

Nebenkosten

Nebenkosten are additional costs.

These may include building-related expenses and other services.

Electricity and internet may sometimes need to be paid separately.

Kaution

Kaution means security deposit.

The landlord may ask for a deposit before you move in.

Mietvertrag

The Mietvertrag is the rental agreement.

Read it carefully before signing.

Important details include:

• Rent

• Deposit

• Notice period

• Included facilities

• House rules

  
  

Anmeldung

After moving into accommodation in Germany, residents may need to register their address.

The process is called Anmeldung.

A document from the landlord may be needed for registration.

Useful Questions

Wie hoch ist die Miete?How much is the rent?

Sind die Nebenkosten inklusive?Are additional costs included?

Wie hoch ist die Kaution?How much is the deposit?

Ist die Wohnung möbliert?Is the apartment furnished?

Wann kann ich einziehen?When can I move in?

Conclusion

Learning practical German is not only about passing an exam.

Vocabulary for housing, work, transport and everyday life can make settling in Germany much easier.