Apartment Viewing
Wohnungsbesichtigung
View an apartment, ask practical questions, and clarify rent and move-in details with the landlord.
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Dialogue
You
Guten Tag, ich bin wegen der Besichtigung da.
Good day, I'm here for the viewing.
Landlord
Guten Tag, schön, dass Sie da sind. Kommen Sie bitte rein.
Good day, nice that you're here. Please come in.
You
Danke. Soll ich die Schuhe ausziehen?
Thanks. Should I take off my shoes?
Landlord
Ja, bitte. Die Wohnung ist frisch geputzt.
Yes, please. The apartment has just been cleaned.
You
Alles klar. In welchem Stockwerk ist die Wohnung?
Alright. Which floor is the apartment on?
Landlord
Im dritten Stockwerk, leider ohne Aufzug.
On the third floor, unfortunately without an elevator.
You
Verstehe. Wie viele Zimmer hat sie?
I see. How many rooms does it have?
Landlord
Zwei Zimmer, eine kleine Küche und ein Bad.
Two rooms, a small kitchen, and a bathroom.
You
Gibt es auch einen Balkon?
Is there also a balcony?
Landlord
Ja, hier hinten. Der Balkon geht zum Innenhof.
Yes, back here. The balcony faces the courtyard.
You
Sehr ruhig. Ist die Wohnung möbliert oder unmöbliert?
Very quiet. Is the apartment furnished or unfurnished?
Landlord
Unmöbliert. Die Küche ist drin, aber sonst nichts.
Unfurnished. The kitchen is included, but nothing else.
You
Okay. Wie hoch ist die Miete?
Okay. How much is the rent?
Landlord
Die Kaltmiete ist 780 Euro, die Warmmiete 950 Euro.
The basic rent is 780 euros, and the total rent is 950 euros.
You
Sind die Nebenkosten inklusive?
Are the utilities included?
Landlord
Ja, Wasser und Heizung sind drin. Der Strom ist nicht inklusive.
Yes, water and heating are included. Electricity is not included.
You
Gut zu wissen. Ab wann ist die Wohnung frei?
Good to know. When is the apartment available?
Landlord
Ab dem 1. April. Sie könnten dann einziehen.
From April 1st. You could move in then.
You
Passt. Darf man Haustiere halten?
That works. Are pets allowed?
Landlord
Eine Katze ist in Ordnung, aber ein großer Hund eher nicht.
A cat is fine, but a large dog is probably not.
You
Verstanden. Gibt es einen Stellplatz dazu?
Understood. Is there a parking space included?
Landlord
Einen Stellplatz können Sie extra mieten, das sind 60 Euro im Monat.
You can rent a parking space separately, that's 60 euros per month.
You
Okay. Wie ist es mit dem Keller?
Okay. What about the basement storage?
Landlord
Es gibt ein Kellerabteil, ich zeige es Ihnen gleich.
There is a storage compartment in the basement. I'll show it to you in a moment.
You
Danke. Wie hoch ist die Kaution?
Thanks. How much is the deposit?
Landlord
Drei Monatskaltmieten, wie üblich.
Three months' basic rent, as usual.
You
Alles klar. Wenn ich die Wohnung mieten möchte, was brauchen Sie von mir?
Alright. If I want to rent the apartment, what do you need from me?
Landlord
Eine Selbstauskunft und die letzten Gehaltsnachweise. Dann melden wir uns.
A self-disclosure form and your recent payslips. Then we'll get back to you.
You
Gut, ich schicke Ihnen alles heute Abend. Falls es klappt, bekomme ich die Infos zur Kaution dann schriftlich?
Good, I'll send you everything this evening. If it works out, will I get the deposit details in writing?
Landlord
Natürlich. Wenn Sie noch Fragen haben, melden Sie sich einfach.
Of course. If you have more questions, just get in touch.
Key Vocabulary
Cultural Notes
Kaltmiete vs. Warmmiete
In Germany, listings often separate Kaltmiete (rent without most utilities) and Warmmiete (rent including operating costs like heating and water). Electricity is usually not included and you typically sign your own contract with an electricity provider.
Shoes Indoors
At a private apartment viewing, some people take off their shoes at the door, especially if the apartment is freshly cleaned or someone still lives there. If you’re unsure, asking politely makes a good impression.
Many Viewings, Quick Decisions
In many German cities, viewings can include multiple applicants at once. Landlords often decide quickly, so having your documents ready and sending them the same day can help.
Deposit and Bank Transfer
The deposit (Kaution) can be up to three months of cold rent. It is usually paid by bank transfer after the contract is signed. Written payment details are standard, and if any money is paid in cash, you should always ask for a receipt (Quittung).
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