Getting a flat share in Berlin is pretty much the number one priority for a lot of us. For some, it’s also about finding a social life as much as a roof, or else a stepping stone for their own place one day.
For others, there is simply no other choice. We don’t have the money, we don’t have the time and we don’t have the papers! So the best solution is to find a nice flat share in Berlin with friendly room mates.
This guide shows you how to find a good place, a good match and get noticed through the noise of hundreds of other applicants.
A flat share is called WG (pronounced “VayGay”), short for “Wohnungsgemeinschaft”. It is as popular as ever in the city. It shouldn’t be too difficult for you to find one from the moment you are tat bit organized.
Try offline first
The best way for you to find a flat share in Berlin is certainly through your own network. If you are interested in Berlin in the first place, it’s probably through a connection you have already here. It is the best place to start investigating.
If you are coming to Berlin to work for a specific company, be sure to check that it doesn’t offer relocating services for foreigners. It could also be part of your benefit package.
If you are coming as a student to one of the universities, it could also bethe best way for you to start looking for a flat share in Berlin. Many of those universities have a international office where many international students meet and find an accommodation solution together.
If you attend a language course in Berlin, talk about your current search with your fellow students. Chances are that they are in the process of looking too, or heard a good tip.
There are also several specialized website for you to find a flat share in Berlin, I’ve made you a sweet list :
- WG Gesucht (the most popular one, with no doubt)
- WG Suche (also available in English)
- Studenten WG (for students)
- Studenten Wohnung
- Immowelt
- Ebay-kleinanzeigen
- Craigslist (for the English speaking crowd out there)
- wgay-gesucht.de/en/ (for LGBTQIA+ friendly people)
- Facebook Marketplace for Berlin
Active Facebook Groups
- Berlin: Long term flats/rooms
- Flats in Berlin | Best rooms for accommodation | Rent and flatsharing
- Berlin Wg Zimmer Wohnung Room Flat Apartment for Rent
- WG-Zimmer und Wohnungen Berlin gesucht
- BerlinWgZimmer
- Flatmate.berlin/
- Berlin.Startup.flats & Flatshares.
Coliving platforms
Think of the coliving concept as “serviced flat shares”. It’s completely furnished, with cleaning services, utilities, sometimes with premium amenities & services such as gyms, stocked fridges, spa. Common areas are designed for mingling, collaborating & having fun. It’s naturally more expensive but it can’t maybe help in the first few months to get started. Check:
Make you first intro memorable to be noticed
It is very likely that you will pass through several filters before even being invited. Being fast is the key as people offering a flat share in Berlin are flooded with answers once they have posted an offer. As far as i can tell, answering to posts in English is no problem but it is always a plus to be able to convince in German.
Keep your introductions short, relevant and memorable to maximize your chances. I have found very important to be willing to participate to the community life with activities such as cooking, nights out, or others. It helps a lot.
Chose your medium well as well. You can get far by simply avoiding boring old words. Try WhatsApp voice messages with music, a cool short video, a cool drawing. Get your personality out-there and make use of your talents.
How I do make sure it will be a good fit?
There are simply no way to make sure your future roommates aren’t psychopaths but a few rules can help your chances.
Move in with people in the same life phase as you
Even though flat shares used to be for 20-somethingpeople, nowadays some stay in WGs until their mid 40s. This means that they are probably no longer students anymore and will have different expectations on common life & routine. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to move in with people that are on the same page as you in their lives. If you are a student, move in with students. If you are struggling young professional, move in with some. You get the idea. This maximize the chances for compatibility.
Have a good look at common areas
A thorough inspection of the kitchen & bathroom can tell a lot about the state of the flat share. It says a lot about hygiene of course, but also about respect to one another. It’s a good way to rate common life. If you see a lot of group portraits & pictures of them in the kitchen, then it’s a sign they do stuff together and there is a good atmosphere for example.
Turnover rate matters
This might help to detect “parasites”, “profiteers” or “psychopaths” roommates; ask (discreetly) how many people lived in the flat the past 2/3 years. If the number is much higher than normal, it might mean that the Hauptmieter is behaving in such a way that people can’t bear life with them. Either they don’t dotheir share of chores, they are not sociable or they profit fromyourmisinformation to charge a high rate.
Lifestyle check
In general, don’t pick flat shares which promotes lifestyle too far away from yours. We all learn from each other and it’s good to be different, but if it makes life impossible, it’s not worth it.
Do your homework before meeting IRL
You got invited to meet in real life? Congrats! Now it’s all about making a great impression and convince you can be a good fit. But don’t forget to be convincing on the nitty gritty as well. Come to the meeting prepared.
Bring proof you can pay rent:
This can be done in a few ways and not everyone will ask for all of it, but at least one of the following:
- Bring a copy of your SCHUFA report. More info about in this post.
- You may also consider bringing some sort of certificate from a previous main tenant or landlord that you always paid on time. In German, this is called “Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung“.
- You can also bring copy of your payslips or employment contract.
- If your parents or other relative is paying rent for you, bring something about that.
Bring proof you have insurance:
I know: this is very German. But nothing screams reliability more than somebody who has insurance. For anybody living in Germany, I’d recommend a contents insurance policy and a personal liability insurance policy. Follow the links for more info on each.
What if I can’t find a flat share right away, are there any short-term alternatives?
There is a good chance that you won’t be able to find the perfect WG right away. Don’t hesitate to find a Zwichenmiete in one of those websites for a month or more if you can. It will give you more time and peace of mind to find a good flat share in Berlin. You can also use youth hostels, AirBnBor Wimdu if you are more comfortable with these options.
You might also want to have a look at platforms like Wunderflatswhich provides fully furnished flats. You can rent them without a SCHUFA record and they make sure you can register there as well.
How do I make sure I don’t pay too much for a flat share in Berlin?
A high demand increases prices when the supply cannot satisfy all requests. This might lead to some people taking advantage of the situation. Aside from asking to connections you might have in Berlin, you can also ask for advice on the Facebook groups I mentioned in this post to double check if the price is all right. You can also refer to this map made by Immobilien-Scout & WG-suche for guidance. Based on their data, an average room costs 429€ in a flat share. It fluctuates on your location of course as you can see on this map.
Zweck-WG: what does that mean?
You will often find the expression “Zweck WG” in offers you will find on the website. This means that the flat share is only aiming at sharing the costs and won’t be about having a social life together. It might be what you want but be warned that it’s very serious nonetheless. On the opposite, you will often find people that expressly want room mates that are looking for a dense social life within the WG.
Zwischenmiete: what does that mean?
It is a temporary rental often offered by people leaving for holidays or a long trip. It is by nature limited and could a great alternative to get started. Make sure that you are not paying more that you should: it’s allowed for the main tenant to raise prices for the subtenant. It should match the rent’s price, no more.
How do I improve my chances to get responses?
You have to be more creative than the rest of the crowd. Try leaving a WhatsApp voice message if you have access to a phone number. You can try to do an intro video if you feel like it too, and send it instead of a long paragraph. If you can draw, make a 2 strip comics about you. Use your natural talents to stand out. Keep it short and to the point, you can always expand on it when you meet in real life.
Good luck and feel free to ask questions in the comments !
FAQs
Find a flat share in Berlin? ›
3) Find a flatshare in Germany
Internet portals such as WG-Gesucht specialise in placing advertisements and requests for shared rooms in Germany. A shared flat is not only a practical way to save money and still live attractively, but also to make friends in a new city and meet new people.
3) Find a flatshare in Germany
Internet portals such as WG-Gesucht specialise in placing advertisements and requests for shared rooms in Germany. A shared flat is not only a practical way to save money and still live attractively, but also to make friends in a new city and meet new people.
| Available accommodation | Total | Average price |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | 774 | €1,645 |
| 2 bedroom apartment | 985 | €1,872 |
| 3 bedroom apartment | 467 | €1,575 |
| 4 or more bedroom apartment | 489 | €990 |
Is it still worth buying a flat in Berlin? In 2021, it is still more financially sound to buy property in Berlin, than to rent. This has been confirmed by the very official “Institut der Deutschen Wirtschaft” in this Wohnkosten 2021 report.
Is it hard to get a flat in Berlin? ›The fact is, there are applicants upon applicants and simply too little housing space. So you may find yourself shuffling through a one-room flat along with 50 other applicants, and the base rent may leave you speechless. But don't despair – after all, finding a flat in Berlin is still easier than in Paris or London!
How do Germans find partners? ›According to a study, the most common way straight couples meet in Germany is through their friends. Whereas gay couples most often meet via dating apps. Dominick, an expat in Berlin, has found that nightclubs are a great way to meet other queer people.
How much does a shared apartment cost in Germany? ›Costs for rent, electricity and internet are shared. This form of cohabitation is one of the most popular among young people in Germany: over 30 percent of students in Germany live in a flatshare. On average, students pay 363 EUR per month for a room in a shared flat.
Can an American buy an apartment in Berlin? ›You can buy a house in Germany as a non-resident, for example buying a city apartment in Berlin to rent out. As a foreigner investing in property, you don't need to live in Germany to buy. However, you still need to be able to get a mortgage.
Can a foreigner buy an apartment in Berlin? ›There is no restriction on foreigners buying property in Germany, no matter whether they live in Germany or elsewhere. You can, therefore, buy property as a non-resident with the expressed purpose of renting it out, or you can choose to rent out your own home if you move away from Germany.
Can I rent an apartment in Germany as a foreigner? ›You'll need the following required documents for renting in Germany as a foreigner: Your ID or passport. A Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung—a document to prove you don't owe previous landlords money. Your potential landlord might not ask for this but it's best to have it if possible.
What is the downside of Berlin? ›
Con: Crowded City
Berlin is an incredibly crowded city. As the capital city of Germany, Berlin is home to over 3.6 million people. This makes the city feel crowded and congested, especially during rush hour. If you're not used to living in a big city, Berlin may be a bit too much for you.
60.000 euros a year in Germany is considered a good gross salary as it is well above the average salary of 47.700 euros a year for the whole country. Most Germans who earn 60.000 euros or more are very happy with their salary.
Why do Germans rent instead of buy? ›Tax treatment
There's another pretty simple reason Germans are less likely to own houses. The government doesn't encourage it. Unlike high-homeownership countries like Spain, Ireland and the US, Germany doesn't let homeowners deduct mortgage-interest payments from their taxes.
A 60-square-meter (646-square-foot) apartment in Berlin would cost an average rent of 606 euros a month, based on an average cost of 10.1 euros per square meter, according to a Deloitte July 2021 report. That's fairly affordable compared with other major European cities.
What is the average monthly rent in Berlin? ›| City | Average Monthly Rent |
|---|---|
| Berlin | 795.90€ |
| Bochum | 406.67€ |
| Bonn | 653.75€ |
| Bremen | 560.00€ |
Neukölln is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Berlin. It has a large Turkish population and is one of the most affordable areas in the city. The area is safe, with some very good public transport links to other parts of the city.
How do Germans flirt? ›Flirting In German: It's All In The Eyes
It just means sexy eye contact could involve a little more “innuendo” than usual. This does not mean it'll necessarily be accompanied by a smile, or that you'll be invited with a lingering gaze. A favorite move when flirting in German is the “look, but then quickly look away.”
Validity of the marriage
The basic rule is that a marriage entered into abroad will be regarded as valid in Germany if the legal provisions relating to marriage of that foreign state were abided by.
The most common greeting is a handshake with direct eye contact. Men usually greet women first and wait for them to extend their hand. Close friends may hug to greet and younger people may kiss one another on the cheek. "Guten Tag" (Good day) or “Hallo” (Hello) are the most common verbal greetings used in Germany.
Can a US citizen rent an apartment in Germany? ›Renting in Germany can be a challenge to everyone, and especially internationals. However, if you just master the key terms, budget-friendly areas, as well as the renting guidelines and documentation, you will be alright.
Is it cheaper to live in Germany than the US? ›
While the cost of living in Germany is slightly above the EU average, it is still cheaper to live there than in France, the Netherlands, or even Italy! When considering the cost of living in Germany vs. the U.S., you'll find that the cost of living in Germany is nearly 19% lower.
Is Germany cheaper than USA? ›Living costs
Germany is generally cheaper than the USA. However, living in big cities, such as Munich and Hamburg, can be expensive. In general, you'll need around €850 per month to cover your expenses in Germany. This amount includes groceries, health insurance, rent, and other related costs.
A residence visa is required if you intend to stay in Germany for more than 90 days for work or study or if you intend to move to Germany permanently.
Where do American expats live in Berlin? ›Kreuzberg for expats
If you want to be part of Berlin's alternative scene while being surrounded by lots of other foreigners and expats, Kreuzberg is the best choice. A longtime hangout for expats seeking a unique lifestyle, Kreuzberg is full of street art, nightlife and endless packs of cyclists.
Do I Need a Visa to Move to Germany From The US? As a US citizen, you do not need a long-stay visa to enter Germany. But, if you plan to stay longer than three months, you must apply for a residence permit in the first few days of your arrival.
Can you move to Berlin without a job? ›Moving to Germany as an EU Citizen
As long as you can find a place to live, you can simply pack up and go! You can work in any profession you want, and technically, you don't even need a work offer or contract. If you have a job, the position does not need to fulfill the in-demand or salary criteria.
There are various websites you can search, immobilienscout24.de, immowelt.de and deutsche-wohnen.com being some of the more popular ones. Also keep an eye on social media sites as people often post rooms or apartments to rent there.
What is the maximum rent in Berlin? ›The upper rent limit according to the rent cap law is €6.45 per square metre. Added to this is €1 per square metre for modern fittings (making €7.45). A deduction of €0.09 per square metre is made for the mid-level residential area. The upper rent limit in this case is thus €7.36 per square metre.
Can I stay in Germany without a job? ›If you do not have a job but wish to move to Germany, you can do so with a Job Seeker visa. German Job Seeker Visa has a validity of six months. Within this period, you must look for a job in Germany. However, you cannot work while in Germany on a Job Seeker Visa and can use the visa to search for a job.
What is normal rent in Germany? ›What is the average cost of rent in Germany? Average rent costs in Germany range from €300 to €800 per calendar month for a room in shared accommodation and from €500 to €1,346 for a one-bedroom flat.
How much does it cost to live in Germany for a single person including rent? ›
The average cost of living in Germany in 2023
As a basic estimate, you can expect your total costs to be between €1200 – €3000 per month as an individual living in Germany.
Even now, it's alarmingly easy to live and work in Berlin as a non-German speaker. Way too easy, in fact. However, if you don't make an effort to learn at least enough German to be polite, then you consign yourself to an expat bubble and miss out on the full breadth of the Berlin experience.
Where to avoid living in Berlin? ›However, there are some areas to avoid, particularly during the night or with children. The northern part of Luisenstadt and between Oranienplatz and Kottbusser Tor, Görlitzer Park and Wrangelkiez, has seen a sharp increase in crime. The number of crimes has now reached around 35,500 per 100,000 inhabitants.
Does Berlin have a rat problem? ›There are several areas rats seem to love a lot more than others. Among those animals, favoritism seems to be just as popular as it is among humans. Those rat strongholds include Berlin's north-eastern 'Marzahn-Hellersdorf' district, 'Mitte' and 'Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg'. Alexanderplatz is located in 'Mitte'.
What is the highest paid job in Berlin? ›Doctors are the highest-paid group in Germany
In Germany, doctors were the highest-paid profession in 2022. That is according to the annual salary report conducted by the recruitment platform Stepstone, which considered wage data from 561.761 jobs from January 2021 to November 2022.
...
Average income around the world.
| Rank | 18 |
|---|---|
| Country | Germany |
| Avg. income per year | 51,660 $ |
| Avg. income per month | 4,305 $ |
Poverty – a question of definition
If it is less than 50%, it is considered extreme poverty. For Germany, this means that single people who make less than €1,148 in net income a month are considered below the poverty line.
Unlike in other countries, such as Denmark and Switzerland, there are no restrictions to foreigners to purchase real estate in Germany. Currently, many foreign purchasers acquire properties in large German cities such as Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich.
What is the cheapest city to live in Germany? ›- 1# Cost of Living in Bielefeld City of Germany.
- 2# Cost of Living in Frankfurt City of Germany.
- 3# Cost of Living in Halle City of Germany.
- 5# Passau City Germany.
However, it's important when purchasing property in Germany to show that you have managed to save at least some of the required funds as a down payment for the mortgage. Although every situation is different, lenders generally like to see at least 5% of the loan value put forward.
Where is Berlin cheapest to live? ›
Most Expensive and Cheapest Neighborhoods
In Berlin, Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg has the most expensive properties to rent, while Marzahn-Hellersdorf has the cheapest.
- Step 1: Check Your Eligibility & Know Your Visa Type. ...
- Step 2: Budget and Start Saving. ...
- Step 3: Get Your Paperwork in Order. ...
- Step 4: Prove Your Financial Means. ...
- Step 5: Get Sponsorship from a German resident. ...
- Step 6: Get Health Insurance. ...
- Step 7: Learn German.
Anyone who wants to buy a property in Berlin must spend a median of 5.480 € per square meter for an existing property in early 2023. For new buildings, the price is significantly higher at 8.540 € per square meter. This is shown by data from Guthmann Estate.
How do I find a living relative in Germany? ›The German Red Cross (”Deutsches Rotes Kreuz“) offers seeking services which might be helpful for you. The German Salvation Army (”Heilsarmee“) supports close relatives finding missing persons in Germany. Calling up a private detective agency is known as a very efficient though costly option.
Can an American buy an apartment in Germany? ›Unlike in other countries, such as Denmark and Switzerland, there are no restrictions to foreigners to purchase real estate in Germany. Currently, many foreign purchasers acquire properties in large German cities such as Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich.
How much does it cost for an expat to live in Germany? ›You will need around 934 euros a month to cover your living expenses in Germany as of 2022. On average, to cover your living expenses in Germany you will need around 934 euros per month (around $906 US dollars) or 11,208 euros per year (around $10,876 US dollars).
How to find short term housing in Berlin? ›- Ebay-kleinanzeigen.de – this is one of the biggest websites for classified ads in Germany. Tip: Search for Untermiete.
- WG-Gesucht is the most popular website in Berlin for shared apartments. WG stands for Wohngemeinschaft.
- WG-Suche.
A residence visa is required if you intend to stay in Germany for more than 90 days for work or study or if you intend to move to Germany permanently.
How to get accommodation in Berlin? ›- Ask your network.
- Classified ads.
- Short-term and furnished apartments.
- WGs, flat shares and roommates.
- Dorms and student housing.
- Housing companies.
- Facebook groups.
- Real estate agents.
60.000 euros a year in Germany is considered a good gross salary as it is well above the average salary of 47.700 euros a year for the whole country. Most Germans who earn 60.000 euros or more are very happy with their salary.
How much salary required to live in Germany with family? ›
1,20,000 – Rs. 1,30,000 in cities like Berlin and over Rs. 1.5 Lakhs in cities like Munich (Updated 2023). Below is a chart that shows the average rent in some of the major cities of Germany in Euros per square meter (Data from 2020).
How much does a single person need to live in Germany? ›As a basic estimate, you can expect your total costs to be between €1200 – €3000 per month as an individual living in Germany.
Can I rent in Germany without a job? ›Can I get an apartment without a job? There's no legal reason why you can't get a flat without a job. However, landlords will certainly want to check that you're able to pay the rent for the duration of the lease. As such, if you don't have a job yet, you might need to offer additional proof in order to rent.
Can a US citizen rent an apartment in Europe? ›Whether for a vacation, extended stay, semester abroad or a permanent move, renting an apartment in Europe while still in the United States can be done. Many landlords are willing to rent by the month, the week and even by the day in some cases.