The shared flat (Wohngemeinschaft, WG) is the most common way for students, interns and young professionals to live in Germany. Competition for rooms is fierce, and the selection resembles a casting in which getting along matters most.

Types of shared flat

Shared flats in Germany vary widely: from lively student WGs to quiet “Zweck-WGs”, where people mainly share the rent, to environmentally minded or vegan communities. Read the description carefully and only apply where you genuinely fit in.

A personal message instead of mass mailings

Never send copied standard texts. Show in the first lines that you have read the whole listing, for example by answering a question from the text. Tell them about yourself, your interests, your experience of living with others and how you keep things tidy.

How the WG casting works

Applicants are invited to a 20- to 30-minute meeting or video call with all the flatmates. Be natural and friendly, talk openly about your habits and ask about the cleaning rota (Putzplan), shared dinners and quiet hours.

Documents and subletting

Once you have been chosen, check that the landlord has given written consent to the sublet. Sign a written sublease (Untermietvertrag) and ask for a landlord's confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung) so that you can register your address.

What to check

  • Create a profile on WG-Gesucht with good photos and a description of your interests.
  • Write personal messages in German or good English.
  • Prepare proof that you can pay or a guarantee from your parents (Bürgschaft).
  • Check that you can register your address at the room.

Example situation

A student mentions in her message that she loves baking and board games, brings a home-made cake to the casting and gets a cosy room in central Cologne from among 30 applicants.

Next step

In a shared flat, people choose a flatmate to live with, not just someone to pay rent; sincerity and openness count for more than formal paperwork.

Official information on this topic

Checklists and examples are organisational recommendations. Requirements depend on the procedure, the city and your situation; check them with the relevant office before you act. Please discuss legal and tax questions with an authorised professional.

This article was prepared with the help of AI. The example illustrates the approach and does not describe a client case.