Life in a shared apartment in Germany | Super Easy German (111)

Summary

Living in a WG (shared apartment) in Germany is a common and practical way to save money. Roommates share common spaces like the kitchen and sometimes the living room, while each person has their own bedroom. The experience varies from small, quiet WGs to large, lively ones with multiple people. While challenges like shared bathrooms and forgotten chores can arise, the sense of community often turns roommates into a close-knit 'family.' The video highlights the pros and cons of WG life and offers resources for learning German through interactive apps.

Takeaways

• 😀 In Germany, many people live in shared apartments called 'WGs' (Wohngemeinschaft), where individuals share a living space to save on costs.
• 😀 Each person in a WG typically has their own bedroom, though some WGs may have a shared living room.
• 😀 Most social interaction in a WG happens in the kitchen, where housemates cook, eat, and chat together.
• 😀 WGs can range in size from two people to large groups of five, six, or more housemates.
• 😀 In a WG, housemates often share common spaces like bathrooms, which can sometimes lead to issues such as long usage times (e.g., someone taking 50 minutes in the bathroom).
• 😀 Shared items, like food and hygiene products, are common in WGs, but this can occasionally lead to conflicts (e.g., using up someone else's toothpaste).
• 😀 Some people live in WGs for practical reasons (e.g., affordability), and they may not spend much time socializing. This is known as a 'zweck WG' (purpose WG).
• 😀 Good relationships with housemates make living in a WG more enjoyable. The script's narrator, for example, enjoys a good relationship with their housemates and has both male and female roommates.
• 😀 Some WGs have cleaning schedules, though these are not always strictly followed. For example, sometimes housemates forget tasks like taking out the trash.
• 😀 Finding a WG in Berlin can be difficult due to high demand, and short-term rentals (known as 'zwischenmiete') are common.
• 😀 Each housemate in a WG usually has their own section in the fridge, but sharing food and occasionally forgetting to replenish supplies (e.g., the narrator's empty fridge section) is common.
• 😀 Living in a WG may not always include a dishwasher, so each person is responsible for washing their own dishes. This can be a point of contention depending on personal preferences.
• 😀 Housemates in a WG often help each other out, such as watering each other's plants when someone goes on vacation.
• 😀 Living in a WG can be challenging at times, but the benefit is having people around for socializing, support, and companionship, which can feel like being part of a family.

Q & A

What does WG stand for in Germany?

WG stands for 'Wohngemeinschaft,' which translates to 'shared apartment' or 'shared living community.' It refers to a living arrangement where people share an apartment to reduce living costs.

What is typically included in a WG?

In a WG, each person has their own bedroom, and sometimes a shared living room. The residents usually share a kitchen, where they meet, cook, and eat together.

Are all WGs the same size?

No, WGs can vary in size. Some are small with just two people, while others can be much larger, consisting of five, six, seven, or even eight people.

How are bathroom facilities managed in a WG?

In a WG, bathroom facilities are usually shared. It is common for residents to experience inconvenience, such as long waits if one person spends a lot of time in the bathroom.

What things do WG members typically share?

WG members often share things like food, hygiene products, and sometimes even cleaning duties. However, certain items, like toothpaste, might be used up by others, leading to the need for replacements.

What is a 'Zweck WG'?

A 'Zweck WG' is a 'purpose WG,' where people live together primarily for financial reasons and don't spend much time together. It contrasts with a more sociable, friendly living arrangement.

Do WGs always follow a cleaning schedule?

Not always. While some WGs have a cleaning schedule, it doesn't always work perfectly. Sometimes tasks like taking out the trash or cleaning are forgotten.

Why is it difficult to find a WG in Berlin?

In Berlin, finding a WG can be particularly difficult due to high demand. Sometimes only short-term rental options are available, like a few months, which are known as 'zwischenmiete' or subletting.

What is 'zwischenmiete'?

'Zwischenmiete' refers to a sublet or short-term rental, where a room in a WG is available for a limited time, often just a few months.

What personal responsibilities do residents have in a WG without a dishwasher?

In a WG without a dishwasher, each resident is responsible for washing their own dishes, and it's important that everyone adheres to this responsibility to avoid conflicts.

What is the benefit of living in a WG despite some challenges?

Living in a WG can be challenging, but the benefit is the social aspect—there is always someone to talk to, share meals with, or simply have fun. It can sometimes feel like living with a family.