Talking about your home in German

Being able to talk about your home is an important topic for any German learner. In this guide, you'll learn practical vocabulary and simple, natural phrases to describe your home in German.

Basic Vocabulary: Types of Homes

Let’s start with the different types of homes and living arrangements you may want to describe.

die Wohnungapartment / flat
das Haushouse
die WG (Wohngemeinschaft)shared flat
das Einfamilienhaussingle-family house
das Mehrfamilienhausapartment building / multi-family house
die Etagenwohnungapartment on a specific floor
der Altbauold building (pre-WWII)
der Neubaunew building (post-WWII)

Talking About the Rooms

Here are the key words you’ll need to talk about the different parts of your home.

das Schlafzimmerbedroom
das Wohnzimmerliving room
die Küchekitchen
das Badezimmerbathroom
das Arbeitszimmerstudy / office
der Flurhallway
der Balkonbalcony
der Kellerbasement
die Abstellkammerstorage room / utility closet
der Gartengarden

Useful Phrases for Describing Your Home

Here are simple, everyday phrases you can use to describe your living situation and your home’s features.

Ich wohne in einer kleinen Wohnung im dritten Stock.

I live in a small apartment on the third floor.

Die Wohnung hat drei Zimmer, eine Küche und ein Bad.

The apartment has three rooms, a kitchen and a bathroom.

Mein Lieblingszimmer ist das Wohnzimmer.

My favourite room is the living room.

Wir haben einen Balkon mit Blick auf den Innenhof.

We have a balcony overlooking the courtyard.

Die Wohnung ist hell und ruhig.

The apartment is bright and quiet.

Ich teile die Wohnung mit zwei Mitbewohnern.

I share the apartment with two flatmates.

Location and Surroundings

Often, people will ask you where you live and what the area is like. These phrases will help you describe your neighbourhood.

Ich wohne in Berlin, im Stadtteil Neukölln.

I live in Berlin, in the district of Neukölln.

Die Gegend ist sehr lebendig, aber manchmal laut.

The area is very lively, but sometimes noisy.

Es gibt viele Cafés und Geschäfte in der Nähe.

There are lots of cafés and shops nearby.

Die Wohnung liegt zentral und ist gut angebunden.

The apartment is central and well connected.

Gibt es öffentliche Verkehrsmittel in der Nähe?

Are there public transport options nearby?

Common Features & Adjectives

These words will help you describe your home in more detail.

hellbright
ruhigquiet
gemütlichcosy
modernmodern
renoviertrenovated
geräumigspacious
kleinsmall
zentral gelegencentrally located
die Lagelocation / setting
die Mieterent

Talking About Moving or Renting

If you're renting or planning to move, these phrases will help you explain your situation.

Ich suche gerade eine neue Wohnung.

I'm currently looking for a new apartment.

Ich bin vor drei Monaten umgezogen.

I moved three months ago.

Die Miete ist ziemlich hoch.

The rent is quite high.

Ich habe die Wohnung über eine Anzeige gefunden.

I found the apartment through an ad.

Ich wohne zur Miete.

I live in a rented place.

Final Thoughts

Being able to talk about your home is a useful skill. Try to practice these words & phrases out loud, and don’t worry about making mistakes. The more you talk about your home, the more confident you'll become.

As always, if we've missed any important words or phrases, don't hesitate to send us a quick e-mail.