A shared apartment, known in Germany as a WG (Wohngemeinschaft), is one of the easiest ways to settle into life in Germany. For expats, international students, and foreign professionals, renting a room in a shared apartment is often more practical than renting an entire apartment. Rent is usually more affordable, many rooms are already furnished, and it’s a great way to meet new people.
At the same time, finding accommodation in Germany is not always easy. In cities such as Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Cologne, Frankfurt, and Stuttgart, rooms in shared apartments are in high demand. If you’re new to Germany, you may also be unfamiliar with the application process, rental agreements, and common warning signs. That’s why it’s worth preparing carefully before you start your search.
What Is a WG?
In a WG, several people share one apartment. Each person usually has their own private bedroom, while the kitchen, bathroom, hallway, and sometimes the living room are shared.
For international students and young professionals, this is often an ideal option because you don’t have to start your new life completely alone, and you quickly learn more about everyday life in Germany.
Many shared apartments are not just looking for someone who can pay the rent—they also want someone who fits well with the existing roommates. As a result, applying for a room in a WG is often much more personal than applying for a regular apartment.
Where Can You Find a Room in a Shared Apartment?
The most popular website for finding shared apartments in Germany is WG-Gesucht. There you can find long-term rentals, short-term sublets, and furnished rooms.
Other useful platforms include:
- ImmobilienScout24
- Immowelt
- Kleinanzeigen
- local Facebook groups
International students should also contact their Student Services Office (Studierendenwerk), university, or International Office. Many universities offer student residences or maintain lists of privately available rooms.
For expats and skilled professionals, it’s also worth asking colleagues or your employer for recommendations. Some companies even help new employees find temporary accommodation.
In large cities, it’s important to respond quickly. Good rooms often receive dozens of enquiries within a very short time. If your message only says, “Is the room still available?”, it’s unlikely to stand out.
How Do You Successfully Apply for a Room?
A good application should be friendly, personal, and concise.
Briefly explain:
- who you are,
- why you’re moving to Germany,
- what you do for work or university,
- when you would like to move in.
It also helps to include a few personal details.
For example:
- Do you enjoy cooking?
- Do you work from home?
- Are you quiet or sociable?
- Have you lived in a shared apartment before?
For many shared apartments, it’s more important that everyone gets along well than that you speak perfect German. Cleanliness, consideration for others, and good communication often matter much more.
If you don’t speak much German yet, it’s perfectly acceptable to write your application in English. Many international shared apartments use English as their everyday language.
Example of a Good First Message
“Hi, I’m Maria, I’m 24 years old, and I’ll be moving to Berlin in October to start my master’s degree. I’m from Spain and I’m looking for a quiet and friendly room in a shared apartment for at least one year. I’ve lived in a shared apartment before, I enjoy cooking, and I like spending time with my roommates while also appreciating some quiet time for myself. Your room seems like a great fit, especially because of its location and size. I’d be happy to meet you in person or arrange a video viewing.”
Which Documents Will You Need?
When applying for a room in Germany, you’ll often be asked to provide documents such as:
- passport or national ID card,
- proof of university enrolment,
- employment contract,
- salary slips,
- or a parental guarantee.
Some landlords may also request a SCHUFA credit report.
If you’ve only recently arrived in Germany, you probably won’t have one yet. In that case, an employment contract, visa, scholarship confirmation, or proof of financial resources can often be used instead.
One important tip:
Never send sensitive personal documents to unknown people without taking precautions. Only provide a copy of your passport or ID if the offer appears genuine, and black out any information that isn’t necessary for the application.
What Happens During a WG Interview?
Many shared apartments invite applicants to a so-called WG casting.
Despite the name, it’s usually nothing formal. The goal is simply to get to know each other and see whether living together would be a good fit.
Typical questions may cover:
- your job or studies,
- your daily routine,
- your hobbies,
- cleanliness,
- visitors,
- smoking,
- pets,
- working from home.
You should also ask your own questions, for example:
- What is the total monthly rent?
- Are internet and electricity included?
- Is there a cleaning schedule?
- How long is the rental agreement?
- Can I register my address (Anmeldung) at this property?
The last question is especially important for expats and international students because proof of address registration is often required to open a bank account, obtain a residence permit, and complete many other administrative procedures.
Rental Agreement, Subletting, and Security Deposit
In many shared apartments, one tenant is the main tenant who has signed the lease with the landlord and rents out one of the rooms to someone else.
In this case, you’ll usually receive a sublease agreement.
Make sure you receive a written contract and that subletting is actually permitted.
In other shared apartments, all roommates are named on the main lease. In that situation, everyone shares legal responsibility for paying the rent. This can make things more complicated if someone moves out, so read the agreement carefully to understand your obligations.
The security deposit should also be clearly stated.
A deposit of up to three months’ basic rent is common in Germany.
The deposit serves as security against damage or unpaid rent and is normally refunded after you move out, provided everything is in order.
Beware of Rental Scams
Unfortunately, rental scams are common in Germany.
People who are still abroad are particularly frequent targets.
A typical scam works like this:
The room looks beautiful, the rent is unusually low, and the supposed landlord claims to be “currently abroad.” They then ask you to transfer money before you’ve even seen the room. After receiving the payment, they disappear.
Never transfer money before:
- viewing the room,
- seeing a legitimate rental agreement,
- and confirming that the person is genuinely authorised to rent out the property.
Be especially cautious if you’re asked to pay:
- reservation fees,
- via Western Union,
- in cryptocurrency,
- with gift cards,
- or to a foreign bank account.
Other warning signs include:
- unusually low rent,
- pressure to act immediately,
- poor or contradictory communication,
- copied photos,
- claims that the key will only be sent after payment.
Legitimate landlords and shared apartments answer questions, arrange viewings—or at least video tours—and do not pressure you into making immediate payments.
If you’re unsure, compare the address, search the photos online, check the person’s name, and ask someone familiar with the German rental market for advice.
When in doubt, it’s always better to lose an apartment than to lose your money.
How Much Does a Room in a Shared Apartment Cost?
The cost depends largely on the city, location, room size, and furnishings.
Munich is generally one of the most expensive cities for shared accommodation, while cities such as Leipzig, Dresden, or Bochum are often much more affordable.
Prices have also risen considerably in Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, and Frankfurt in recent years.
It’s important to understand the difference between cold rent (Kaltmiete) and warm rent (Warmmiete).
Cold rent refers only to the basic rent.
Warm rent includes additional operating costs such as heating and water.
Electricity, internet, and Germany’s broadcasting fee (Rundfunkbeitrag) may still be charged separately.
Always ask exactly which costs are included before signing a contract.
Tips for Expats, Skilled Professionals, and International Students
Start your search as early as possible.
If you’re still abroad, a short-term sublet for your first few weeks or months can be a practical solution. It gives you a registered address, allows you to settle in, and gives you time to continue your search after arriving in Germany.
Be flexible about neighbourhoods.
Especially at the beginning, you don’t necessarily need to live in the city’s most popular district. Good public transport connections—whether by U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tram, or bus—are often more important than a central location.
Prepare all your documents in digital form, write personalised applications, and respond to listings quickly.
At the same time, don’t let yourself be pressured.
A trustworthy shared apartment always involves mutual trust, clear communication, and a written rental agreement.
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