Survival German #8
In most German flats you arrange your own electricity (Strom) — and sometimes gas. Here’s how to sign up, read your meter, and the German to do it.
How it actually works
- On move-in day, read your electricity meter (Zählerstand) and note the meter number (Zählernummer).
- Choose a provider (Stromanbieter) — you’re not stuck with the local Grundversorger; compare tariffs online for a cheaper deal.
- Sign up online with your address, meter number and reading. You’ll get a contract and a monthly Abschlag (installment payment).
- Set up a direct debit (SEPA-Lastschrift) for the monthly Abschlag so you never miss it.
- Once a year you get an Abrechnung (statement) — you either get money back or owe a Nachzahlung, based on your actual use.
The German you’ll need
Ich möchte Strom anmelden. — I’d like to sign up for electricity.
Hier ist meine Zählernummer. — Here is my meter number.
Der Zählerstand ist zwölftausend. — The meter reading is twelve thousand.
Wie hoch ist der monatliche Abschlag? — How high is the monthly installment?
Wann kommt die Abrechnung? — When does the yearly bill come?
Kann ich den Anbieter wechseln? — Can I switch provider?
At the counter: a real dialogue
Anna: Guten Tag, ich möchte Strom für meine neue Wohnung anmelden.
Hello, I’d like to sign up for electricity for my new flat.
Mitarbeiter: Gern. Haben Sie die Zählernummer?
Gladly. Do you have the meter number?
Anna: Ja, und der Zählerstand ist 12345.
Yes, and the reading is 12345.
Mitarbeiter: Danke. Wie viele Personen wohnen dort?
Thanks. How many people live there?
Anna: Zwei. Wie hoch ist der monatliche Abschlag?
Two. How high is the monthly installment?
Mitarbeiter: Etwa fünfzig Euro. Die Abrechnung kommt einmal im Jahr.
About fifty euros. The bill comes once a year.
Anna: Alles klar. Vielen Dank!
All clear. Thank you!
Vocabulary
| Deutsch | English |
|---|---|
| der Strom | electricity |
| der Stromanbieter | electricity provider |
| die Zählernummer | meter number |
| der Zählerstand | meter reading |
| der Abschlag | monthly installment |
| die Abrechnung | annual statement |
| die Nachzahlung | additional payment owed |
| der Grundversorger | default local provider |
| wechseln | to switch |
Quick check
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Quick check
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Nervous about speaking German at the provider? 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
- Read and photograph your meter on move-in day — it protects you from paying the previous tenant’s usage.
- You don’t have to stay with the local Grundversorger; switching providers is easy and usually much cheaper.
- The monthly Abschlag is only an estimate; the yearly Abrechnung settles up — expect a refund or a Nachzahlung.
- Heating and water are often in your Nebenkosten (via the landlord); electricity is usually your own separate contract.
- Set up a SEPA-Lastschrift (direct debit) so the Abschlag is never late.
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