If you are looking for a home to rent, deciphering the German newspaper ads can be a challenge.
Here’s an ad for a place in Filderstadt-Sielmingen and what it means:
4 Zi.-WHG ( an apartment with four rooms — two bedrooms, a living room and a dining room ), Kueche (kitchen), Bad (full bath), WC (separate bathroom without a bath/shower), 120 m2 (size in square meters), sofort beziehbar (available right away), WM 1.250€ ( Warm Rent – €1,250, includes utilities, but not electricity)
You more than likely will be required to pay a KT (Kaution) or security deposit.
If you will see the word “Immobilienmakler” (realtor), you will have to pay his or her fee, plus your security deposit and your rent.
Check with the U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart Housing Office to ensure that the realtor is a legitimate realtor.
Other terms you should know:
EBK – built in kitchen
BLK – balcony
Kalt – cold rent (without utilities)
Haus – house
WHG – apartment
ZH – central heat
MM – monthly rent costs
Garten – garden
UG – bottom floor
Maisonette – two level apartment
DG – under the ceiling, usually slanted ceilings
TG – underground parking
Aufzug – elevator
BJ – year it was built
Dusche – shower
Wanne – bathtub
NR – non smoker
Keine Tiere – no pets
Keine Kinder – no children
Pendler – someone who just needs the place Monday through Friday
Mobiliert – already furnished
ELW – mother-in-law suite
DHH – townhouse
RMH – center townhouse
