Finding Housing in Germany for Ausbildung Trainees

Housing Guide

Finding accommodation
in Germany

Unlike university students, Ausbildung trainees cannot use student dorms. Finding housing is one of the biggest challenges — here is everything you need to know.

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Shared Flat (WG)

A Wohngemeinschaft (WG) is a shared apartment with other people. Cheapest and most common option for trainees. Includes utilities, internet, and kitchen access.

✅ Recommended for trainees

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Own Apartment (Eigene Wohnung)

Renting your own flat gives privacy but costs more. Requires 2–3 months deposit (Kaution) upfront. Usually too expensive on trainee salary alone.

⚠️ Possible after Year 2+

🏭

Company Housing

Some companies (especially in healthcare, construction, and rural areas) provide or subsidize housing. Always ask your employer! This can save €400–700/month.

✅ Ask your employer first!

🛏️

Temporary Housing

For first 2–4 weeks, use hostels or temporary rentals (Airbnb, booking.com) while you search for permanent housing. Budget €30–60/night.

⚠️ Short-term only

📱 Best Platforms to Find Housing

🏠 WG-Gesucht.de

Germany's #1 platform for shared flats. Free to search. Most listings. Create a profile and apply to rooms.

FreeWG roomsBest for trainees

🏢 ImmobilienScout24

Germany's largest real estate platform. Good for own apartments. Many listings across all cities.

All typesLarge database

🔍 Immonet.de

Alternative to ImmobilienScout. Good selection especially in smaller cities and rural areas.

All typesRural areas

📋 eBay Kleinanzeigen

Classifieds with many private listings. Often cheaper than agencies. Now called "Kleinanzeigen".

Private landlordsOften cheaper

💰 Average Rental Costs by City

City	WG Room (shared)	1-Room Apartment	2-Room Apartment
🏙️ Munich (München)	€700–1,000	€1,200–1,800	€1,600–2,400
🏙️ Frankfurt	€600–900	€1,000–1,500	€1,400–2,000
🏙️ Berlin	€550–850	€900–1,400	€1,200–1,800
🏙️ Hamburg	€600–900	€1,000–1,500	€1,300–1,900
🏘️ Cologne (Köln)	€500–750	€800–1,200	€1,100–1,600
🏘️ Stuttgart	€550–800	€900–1,300	€1,200–1,700
🌾 Rural areas / small cities	€300–550	€450–750	€600–1,000

💡 Essential Housing Tips for Newcomers

📝

Register your address (Anmeldung) within 2 weeks

By law, you must register your address at the local Einwohnermeldeamt within 14 days of moving in. You need this for opening a bank account, getting health insurance, and many other things.

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Prepare for the deposit (Kaution)

Landlords usually require 2–3 months rent as a deposit. For a €700/month room, that is €1,400–2,100 upfront. Plan for this in your budget.

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Start searching 2–3 months before you arrive

The German housing market is very competitive, especially in big cities. Start looking as soon as you have your Ausbildungsvertrag signed. Many landlords want to see your contract.

🗣️

Write a personal introduction (Selbstvorstellung)

When applying for a WG room, write a friendly message in German about yourself, your Ausbildung, and why you would be a good housemate. Landlords prefer tenants who communicate well.

🏢

Ask your employer about housing support

Many companies, especially in healthcare, construction, and rural areas, help with housing or have contacts. Always ask HR: "Können Sie mir bei der Wohnungssuche helfen?"

⚠️

Watch out for scams

Never send money without viewing the apartment first (even by video call). If a deal seems too good to be true, it usually is. Legitimate landlords never ask for money via Western Union or cryptocurrency.