91ÊÓƵ

Find a Shared Flat in Germany

Looking for a room in a flatshare? WG-Gesucht is Germany's largest platform for shared housing – with thousands of rooms listed directly by landlords and flatmates, no agency fees.

Find your flatshare

  • ✓ Thousands of flatshare rooms across Germany
  • ✓ Contact landlords and flatmates directly
  • ✓ Free to search and message

What is a Shared Flat (WG) in Germany?

A WG (short for Wohngemeinschaft, literally 'living community') is what Germans call a shared flat or house. It's one of the most popular and affordable ways to live in Germany, especially in university cities and major urban centres.

In a WG, each tenant has their own private room, while common areas like the kitchen, bathroom and living room are shared. Rent is typically paid per room (your Warmmiete – warm rent – includes utilities), which makes it significantly cheaper than renting a whole apartment on your own.\n\nWGs come in all shapes and sizes: student WGs, professional flatshares, international communities, couple-friendly setups and more. Finding the right WG is about more than just price – it's about finding flatmates whose lifestyle matches yours.

Why Rent a Room in a WG?

Budget-friendly

Lower Costs

Sharing a flat means splitting rent and utilities. A WG room often costs 30–50% less than a comparable studio apartment in the same city.

Convenient

Ready to Move In

Most WG rooms come furnished or semi-furnished – ideal when you're new to a city and don't want to buy furniture right away.

Community

Social from Day One

Moving into a WG means you're not alone in a new city. Flatmates are often the first social network for expats and students alike.

No Long Waiting Lists

Unlike subsidised housing (Sozialwohnung), WG rooms on WG-Gesucht are available to anyone. You apply directly to the flat.

Flexible Durations

Many WGs offer flexible contract terms – from a few months to long-term. Useful if you're still figuring out which city or neighbourhood suits you.

All Utility Types Available

From all-bills-included rooms to standard shared utilities – filter exactly what works for your budget and situation.

How to Find a Shared Flat in Germany

1
Search by city and budget
Use WG-Gesucht to filter by city, maximum rent, room size and move-in date. You can search across all of Germany or focus on a specific neighbourhood.
2
Write a strong introduction
Landlords and flatmates receive many applications. Write a short, personal message explaining who you are, what you do and why you'd be a good flatmate. Avoid copy-paste messages – they're easy to spot.
3
Prepare your documents
Most landlords will ask for a SCHUFA credit report (Germany's credit check system), proof of income or a bank statement, and a copy of your ID or passport. Having these ready speeds up the process significantly.
4
Attend a viewing (Besichtigung)
Many WGs invite potential flatmates to a group viewing or a casual meet-up. Treat this as a two-way interview – you're also checking if you'd be comfortable living there.
5
Sign the contract
Once accepted, you'll sign a tenancy agreement (Mietvertrag). Read it carefully, especially the notice period (Kündigungsfrist) and house rules (Hausordnung).

Tips for Expats Finding a WG in Germany

  • SCHUFA: Germany's credit check
    Most landlords will ask for a SCHUFA credit report (Schufa-Auskunft). If you've recently arrived in Germany, you may not have one yet. Explain this upfront and offer alternative proof of income or a bank guarantee.
  • Write in German if you can
    Even a short message in German signals effort and respect. If your German is limited, write in both English and German – many landlords appreciate the attempt.
  • Warm rent vs. cold rent
    In Germany, you'll often see two prices: Kaltmiete (cold rent, without utilities) and Warmmiete (warm rent, including heating and sometimes other utilities). Always confirm what is included before applying.
  • Registration (Anmeldung)
    Once you move in, you're legally required to register your address at the local citizens' office (Bürgeramt) within two weeks. Your landlord or flatmates can give you the required Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (landlord confirmation form).
  • React quickly
    Popular rooms in cities like Munich, Frankfurt or Heidelberg can be gone within hours. Have your documents ready and reply promptly to listings you're interested in.

Useful Guides for Newcomers

Viewing a Shared Flat: The Golden Rules

How to make a great impression at a WG viewing – what to ask and how to prepare.

Read the guide

Types of Shared Flats in Germany

Student WG, professional flatshare, couple-friendly setups – which type suits you?

To the guide

10 Frequently Asked Questions from Tenants

Common questions about renting in Germany – answered clearly for newcomers.

Read the guide

Tools for Your Housing Search

Recommended

WG-Gesucht Plus

See new listings before everyone else – in competitive cities, being first often makes all the difference.

Learn more about Plus

Application folder

SCHUFA credit report, proof of income and a personal cover letter – all in one professional document that landlords and flatmates trust.

Create your application folder

Credit Report

A verified credit check signals reliability – show landlords you're a dependable tenant before they even ask.

Create your Report

Frequently Asked Questions

WG stands for Wohngemeinschaft, which means shared flat or shared house. It's a very common way to live in Germany, especially in cities. Each person has their own room; kitchen and bathroom are shared.

A WG room is a private room within a shared flat. You pay less than for a whole apartment because rent and utilities are split between flatmates. You share common areas like the kitchen and living room.

Most landlords and flatmates will ask for a SCHUFA report. If you've just arrived in Germany and don't have one yet, explain this honestly and offer proof of income or a bank statement as an alternative.

Kaltmiete is the base rent without utilities. Warmmiete includes utilities (heating, water, sometimes internet). WG rooms are usually advertised with Warmmiete – all costs included in one monthly amount.

Yes – especially in major cities and university towns, many WGs have international flatmates and communicate in English. You can filter by this on WG-Gesucht.

It depends on the city and market. In smaller cities like Leipzig or Dresden, it can take a few weeks. In Munich, Frankfurt or Heidelberg, finding the right room can take longer. Having documents ready and reacting quickly makes a big difference.

Typically: a credit report, proof of income (payslips or a bank statement), a copy of your ID or passport, and sometimes a short cover letter. An application folder by one of our partners helps you present all of these in one professional document.

Icono de sello de CO2
Servicio de Ayuda | Aviso legal | Términos y Condiciones Generales | ·¡²õ³Ù²¹»åí²õ³Ù¾±³¦²¹²õ | Política de Privacidad | Accesibilidad | Configuración de cookies
Uso profesional y comercial | Reseña de la prensa | ¿Olvidó la contraseña? | ¸é±ð²¹±ô¾±³¾±ð²Ô³Ù²¹³¦¾±Ã³²Ô Leer ofertas | Crear oferta | Leer solicitudes | Crear solicitud
Síganos en
es