Survival German #4
Germany’s rental market is fast and the vocabulary trips everyone up — Kaltmiete? Warmmiete? Kaution? Here’s how renting actually works and the German that helps you land a flat.
How it actually works
- Search the portals (ImmoScout24, Immowelt, and WG-Gesucht for shared flats). Move fast — good flats go within hours.
- Understand the rent: Kaltmiete (base rent) + Nebenkosten (utilities) = Warmmiete (total). Always ask which one a price is.
- Attend a Besichtigung (viewing) — often in a group. Bring your documents to stand out.
- Prepare a Bewerbermappe (applicant folder): ID, proof of income, and a Schufa (credit report).
- Sign the Mietvertrag (lease), pay the Kaution (deposit, up to 3 months’ Kaltmiete), and get your Wohnungsgeberbestätigung — which you need for your Anmeldung.
The German you’ll need
Ist die Wohnung noch frei? — Is the apartment still available?
Wie hoch ist die Kaltmiete? — How much is the base rent?
Ist das die Kalt- oder Warmmiete? — Is that the base or the total rent?
Wie hoch ist die Kaution? — How much is the deposit?
Kann ich die Wohnung besichtigen? — Can I view the apartment?
Ab wann ist sie frei? — From when is it available?
At the counter: a real dialogue
Anna: Guten Tag, ich interessiere mich für die Wohnung.
Hello, I’m interested in the apartment.
Vermieter: Schön. Möchten Sie sie besichtigen?
Nice. Would you like to view it?
Anna: Ja, gern. Ist das die Kalt- oder Warmmiete?
Yes, please. Is that the base or the total rent?
Vermieter: Das ist die Kaltmiete. Dazu kommen die Nebenkosten.
That’s the base rent. Utilities come on top.
Anna: Verstehe. Wie hoch ist die Kaution?
I see. How high is the deposit?
Vermieter: Drei Kaltmieten. Haben Sie eine Schufa dabei?
Three months’ base rent. Do you have a Schufa with you?
Anna: Ja, hier ist meine Bewerbermappe.
Yes, here’s my applicant folder.
Vermieter: Perfekt. Ich melde mich diese Woche.
Perfect. I’ll be in touch this week.
Vocabulary
| Deutsch | English |
|---|---|
| die Wohnung | apartment |
| die Kaltmiete | base rent (no utilities) |
| die Warmmiete | total rent (incl. utilities) |
| die Nebenkosten | utility costs |
| die Kaution | deposit |
| der Mietvertrag | lease / rental contract |
| die Besichtigung | viewing |
| der Vermieter | landlord |
| die Schufa | credit report |
Quick check
Test what you remember:
Quick check
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Nervous about speaking German at the viewing? Rehearse this exact situation with a patient native tutor before you go — one lesson can turn dread into confidence.
Practise with a tutor on italki →Insider tips
- Always ask „Kalt oder warm?“ — a cheap-looking rent is usually Kaltmiete; add Nebenkosten to know the real cost.
- Have your Bewerbermappe ready as a PDF before you view — landlords choose fast, and preparation wins flats.
- A Schufa (credit report) is expected; you can request a SCHUFA-BonitätsAuskunft to show landlords.
- The Kaution can be up to three months’ Kaltmiete and is held separately — you get it back when you move out, minus any damage.
- Your signed lease gives you the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung — which you need for your Anmeldung. It all connects.
Want to build your own sentences with confidence? The German Grammar Essentials workbook makes the grammar simple, with exercises and answers.
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