Talking to Your Landlord in German: Phrases and Tips

At some point during your time renting in Germany, you will need to contact your landlord. Maybe the heating broke, or a pipe is leaking, or you want to ask about renewing your contract. Knowing how to talk to your landlord in German makes these conversations faster and more effective. Most private landlords do not speak English, so even basic German helps.

Talking to your landlord in German (or “Vermieter”) usually involves reporting problems, requesting repairs, asking about your contract, or giving notice. German landlord communication tends to be formal, especially in writing. Using “Sie” (the formal “you”) and writing clearly gets the best results.

How to Report a Problem to Your Landlord

When something breaks in your apartment, you are required to inform your landlord promptly. In German tenancy law, this is called a “Mängelanzeige” (defect notification). Failing to report a problem in time could make you liable for additional damage.

For urgent issues like water damage, heating failure in winter, or a broken front door lock, call or message immediately. For non-urgent issues, a written message (email or letter) is better because it creates a record. If you are still building your housing vocabulary, our apartment hunting guide covers the most important rental terms.

• “In meiner Wohnung gibt es ein Problem.” - There is a problem in my apartment.
• “Die Heizung funktioniert nicht.” - The heating is not working.
• “Es gibt einen Wasserschaden im Badezimmer.” - There is water damage in the bathroom.
• “Der Aufzug ist seit drei Tagen außer Betrieb.” - The elevator has been out of service for three days.
• “Könnten Sie bitte einen Handwerker schicken?” - Could you please send a repairperson?

Always describe the problem clearly and include your apartment number and contact details. If you send an email, a subject line like “Mängelanzeige: Heizungsausfall Wohnung 3.OG rechts” tells the landlord exactly what it is about.

Asking for Repairs in German

In Germany, your landlord is responsible for maintaining the apartment in a livable condition. This includes structural repairs, heating, plumbing, and anything that was part of the apartment when you moved in. You are typically only responsible for small things you caused yourself.

If you reported a problem and nothing happened, follow up in writing. German tenancy law allows you to set a reasonable deadline (“Frist”) for repairs.

• “Ich habe das Problem bereits am [Datum] gemeldet.” - I already reported the problem on [date].
• “Ich bitte um Reparatur bis zum [Datum].” - I request the repair be done by [date].
• “Bitte geben Sie mir eine Rückmeldung.” - Please give me a response.

Keep copies of all messages. If the issue escalates, you will need to show that you communicated clearly and gave reasonable time for the repair. Practice these kinds of conversations in the Landlord Complaint scenario.

How to Give Notice on Your Apartment

When you decide to move out, you need to send a formal written notice called a “Kündigung”. In most German rental contracts, the notice period is three months, counted from the end of the month.

For example, if you send your Kündigung on March 15, the three-month period starts at the end of March, and your contract ends on June 30. The notice must be in writing, signed by hand, and delivered to the landlord. An email alone is usually not sufficient.

• “Hiermit kündige ich meinen Mietvertrag fristgerecht zum [Datum].” - I hereby give notice on my rental contract, effective [date].
• “Bitte bestätigen Sie den Eingang der Kündigung.” - Please confirm receipt of the notice.

Check your contract for any special conditions. Some contracts have a minimum rental period (“Mindestmietdauer”) during which you cannot give notice. After that period, the standard three-month notice applies.

When to Use Formal vs. Informal German

Always use “Sie” with your landlord unless they explicitly offer the informal “du.” Even if you have a friendly relationship, official requests, complaints, and notices should use formal language.

Start written messages with “Sehr geehrte/r Frau/Herr [Name],” (Dear Ms./Mr. [Name]) and close with “Mit freundlichen Grüßen” (Kind regards). This is standard for any formal communication in Germany.

• “Sehr geehrter Herr Müller,” - Dear Mr. Müller,
• “vielen Dank für Ihre Rückmeldung.” - Thank you for your response.
• “Mit freundlichen Grüßen,” - Kind regards,

The word “bitte” (please) goes a long way in making requests sound polite rather than demanding. Words like “danke” (thank you) and “könnten Sie” (could you) soften the tone while keeping things formal.

What If Your Landlord Does Not Respond?

If your landlord ignores repair requests, you have options. German tenancy law is strongly pro-tenant. You can contact a local “Mieterverein” (tenants' association) for advice. Membership costs around 50 to 100 euros per year and includes legal consultations about your rights.

Before escalating, always document everything. Keep records of every message, set deadlines in writing, and take photos of any damage. A clear paper trail makes a significant difference if the case goes to mediation or court.

For more about your rights and the rental process in Germany, read our apartment hunting guide. It covers everything from finding a place to signing the contract.