German Phrases for Moving Houses

About this list

A curated list of essential German phrases for moving houses — organized into categories with translations and example sentences. A practical starting point for using these words in real conversations.

In this guide, we give you the most useful vocabulary and everyday phrases for all the different parts of a move: planning, packing, renting a van, talking to neighbours, and settling into your new home.

All phrases are written in clear, natural German, and explained in plain English.

Moving and Housing Vocabulary

Let’s start with the core vocabulary related to moving.

umziehento move (house)
der Umzugthe move / relocation
die neue Wohnungthe new apartment
die alte Wohnungthe old apartment
die Kündigungnotice / cancellation
die Kautionsecurity deposit
der Mietvertragrental contract
der Umzugswagenmoving truck
die Umzugskartonsmoving boxes
die Adresseaddress

Talking About the Move

Here are common phrases you can use to talk about your move — whether you're telling a friend or calling a company.

Ich ziehe nächste Woche um.

I’m moving next week.

Wir haben eine neue Wohnung gefunden.

We’ve found a new apartment.

Ich muss meine alte Wohnung kündigen.

I have to give notice for my old apartment.

Der Umzug ist am Samstag.

The move is on Saturday.

Ich brauche Hilfe beim Tragen der Kartons.

I need help carrying the boxes.

Organising the Move

When preparing for the move, you’ll often need to deal with planning, packing, and hiring services. These words and phrases are useful when talking to friends or professionals.

die Umzugsfirmamoving company
die Möbelpackermovers / furniture movers
der Transporttransport
die Halteverbotszoneno-parking zone (for the truck)
das Einpackenpacking
das Auspackenunpacking
der Fahrstuhlelevator
die Etagefloor / level (of a building)

Here are a few useful sentences that use some of the words above:

Wir haben eine Umzugsfirma beauftragt.

We hired a moving company.

Hast du schon die Kartons gepackt?

Have you already packed the boxes?

Gibt es einen Fahrstuhl im Haus?

Is there an elevator in the building?

Changing Address

After the move, you’ll need to update your address in many places. Here are some related terms:

die Ummeldungofficial change of address (at the town hall)
das Einwohnermeldeamtregistration office
die neue Adressenew address
die Postnachsendungmail forwarding
die Anmeldungregistration
die Abmeldungde-registration (of old address)

Ich muss mich beim Einwohnermeldeamt ummelden.

I have to update my address at the registration office.

Wir haben einen Nachsendeauftrag bei der Post gemacht.

We set up mail forwarding at the post office.

Die neue Adresse ist schon überall aktualisiert.

The new address has already been updated everywhere.

Talking to Neighbours

When you move into a new apartment building, it’s normal in Germany to briefly introduce yourself to your neighbours. Here are some helpful and polite phrases.

Hallo, ich bin neu im Haus.

Hello, I’m new in the building.

Ich heiße Lara und wohne jetzt in der dritten Etage.

My name is Lara, and I now live on the third floor.

Wir sind gerade erst eingezogen.

We just moved in.

Lassen Sie es mich wissen, wenn wir stören.

Let us know if we’re being noisy.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to memorise everything at once. Start with the phrases that fit your situation. The more you use them, the more natural they’ll feel.

German Phrases for Moving Houses (B1) | Vocabulary List