Everything You Need to Know About Living in Shared Apartments (Wohngemeinschaft – WG)

What is a WG flat?

A WG flat (Wohngemeinschaft) is a larger apartment in which several people live together.
Each person usually has their own private bedroom, while the kitchen, bathroom and living room are shared.

A WG can be small, with just two or three people, or large, with more than five housemates.

Who chooses to live in a WG?

• University students in big cities and campus towns

• Young professionals at the beginning of their careers

• Newcomers and immigrants looking for a social environment and support

• People who want to reduce housing costs and avoid living alone

Advantages of living in a WG

• Cost savings:
  Rent and running costs are shared between the residents.

• Active social life:
  Shared daily activities, cooking together, small gatherings or parties.

• Greater flexibility:
  It is often easier to find short-term or flexible rental arrangements in WGs.

• Easier integration:
  Especially for foreigners and newcomers, WG living helps to learn the language and get to know the local culture.

Challenges and disadvantages

• Limited privacy:
  Sharing bathroom, kitchen and common areas can be stressful for some people.

• Managing day-to-day organisation:
  For example, cleaning schedules, keeping shared spaces tidy or setting rules about guests.

• Different habits and lifestyles:
  Different sleeping times, noise levels, cleanliness standards or routines can cause tension.

• Shared financial responsibility:
  Everyone must pay their share of the rent and bills on time; otherwise, the whole WG can run into problems.

Types of WG rental contracts

1. Joint tenancy (Gemeinsamer Mietvertrag)

   All residents sign one single rental contract and are jointly liable to the landlord.
   If one person does not pay, the landlord may, in some cases, claim the outstanding amount from the others.

2. Sub-tenancy (Untermietvertrag)

   One person is the main tenant and signs the main contract with the landlord.
   The other residents rent their rooms from this person via sub-tenancy agreements.
   The main tenant carries the main responsibility towards the landlord.

3. Individual contracts (Einzelmietverträge)

   Each person has an individual rental contract directly with the landlord.
   Legally, this is the clearest option, because each tenant is only responsible for their own rent.

How to find a WG flat

• Via online property and WG platforms, such as WG-Gesucht.de or Immobilienscout24.de

• Using notice boards at universities, colleges and cafés

• Through Facebook groups and local online communities for each city

Tips before moving into a WG

• Attend a personal interview or viewing to get to know the residents and the atmosphere.

• Clearly agree on rules for cleanliness, quiet times and visitors.

• Ask about extra costs (electricity, internet, TV licence/broadcasting fee).

• Make sure you understand the type and duration of the contract before signing (joint contract, sub-tenancy, or individual contract).

Conclusion

Living in a shared flat (Wohngemeinschaft – WG) in Germany is an excellent option for those who are looking for a mix of financial savings, social life and everyday support.
By choosing your WG carefully, communicating openly and setting clear rules, you can turn this living arrangement into a rich, enjoyable experience that leaves lasting positive memories.

The editorial team of the website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. Nevertheless, mistakes or uncertainties may occur. Therefore, the information contained in the articles should be regarded as a preliminary, non-binding guide, and you should always contact the competent authorities or professional advisors to obtain reliable and case-specific information.