WG (Wohngemeinschaft, shared apartment) is the first home for most international students in Germany. Compared to a solo apartment, a WG is cheaper, easier to find, and helps you integrate into local life faster. But shared living comes with its own challenges — from finding the right WG to getting along with flatmates, you need some know-how.
Types of WG
- Studenten-WG: All students, similar age and lifestyle
- Mixed WG: Students + working professionals, different rhythms, generally quieter
- Female-only / Male-only WG: Filter by gender on WG-Gesucht
- Zweck-WG: Purely for saving rent, minimal interaction, everyone does their own thing
Main Platforms to Find a WG
- WG-Gesucht.de: Germany’s largest shared housing platform, new listings daily — a must-use
- Facebook Groups: Search “[City] WG / Wohnungen” — many private listings only appear here
- Studierendenwerk: University student services offer dormitories (Studentenwohnheim), cheaper than market WGs, but waitlists can be 3–18 months
- University bulletin boards and student groups: Ask directly in student communities or check notice boards for sublets from departing students
15 Questions to Ask Before Viewing
Viewing isn’t just about the room — it’s a mutual check with potential flatmates. Ask these questions in your email or during the visit:
- Is the room furnished? (möbliert / unmöbliert)
- What is the exact Warmmiete (rent including utilities)? How much are Nebenkosten (additional costs) prepaid monthly?
- Are electricity, water, and internet included in Nebenkosten or separate?
- How much is the deposit (Kaution)? Who holds it — the main tenant or landlord?
- Who do you sign the contract with? (main tenant / landlord / property company)
- What is the minimum rental period?
- What are the current flatmates like? (students/workers, nationalities)
- What is the general daily rhythm? (early birds vs night owls)
- Are there any unwritten house rules? (kitchen cleaning, overnight guests, etc.)
- How is the internet? (speed, cost sharing)
- Is heating central or individual?
- Where is the washing machine? Shared or private?
- Is there parking or bike storage?
- How far to the nearest supermarket and U-Bahn station?
- Why did the previous flatmate leave? (direct but revealing)
WG Contracts: Who You Sign With and Risks
There are two contract models in German WGs:
- Individual contract with the landlord: Safest — you have a direct legal relationship with the landlord; the main tenant leaving doesn’t affect your lease
- One main tenant, others sign subleases (Untermietvertrag): More common, but riskier — if the main tenant doesn’t renew or has issues, your right to stay may be affected
Whichever model, ensure the contract clearly states: monthly rent, deposit, rental period, and notice period (Kündigungsfrist, usually 3 months).
Setting Boundaries with Flatmates
Common conflicts in shared living: kitchen/bathroom cleaning frequency, noise times, guests (especially overnight), and use of shared items.
Effective strategies:
- Discuss rules in your first week: Who cleans common areas, how garbage is sorted, what “clean kitchen” means — clarify upfront to avoid friction later
- WG-Kasse (shared fund): Everyone contributes €5–10 monthly for dish soap, toilet paper, etc. — no need to track every expense
- Put important agreements in writing: If there are special arrangements (pets, instruments, weekend parties), include them in the contract or a separate written note — don’t rely on verbal promises
WG vs Solo Apartment: Cost Comparison
| City | WG room (Warmmiete) | 1-room apartment (Warmmiete) |
|---|---|---|
| Berlin | €600–900 | €1,000–1,400 |
| Munich | €800–1,100 | €1,300–1,800 |
| Smaller cities | €350–550 | €600–900 |
Shared living typically saves you €400–500 per month compared to living alone, plus you split one-time costs like internet setup and kitchen supplies — a smart choice for most students.
Summary
Use WG-Gesucht as your main tool, ask detailed questions about contracts and daily life during viewings, and set clear common-area rules with flatmates early on. A WG isn’t just about saving money — it’s a fast track to integrating into German life. Living with German or European flatmates often accelerates your language and cultural learning faster than any course.
