Anyone coming to Germany for a language course often thinks first about the visa, the course place and the blocked account. But the real challenge often begins afterwards: finding suitable accommodation.
Especially for international language students, the housing search in Germany is not always easy. Many landlords want to see German documents, shared apartments receive a large number of applications, and in popular cities, good rooms are often taken very quickly. Still, it is possible to find a good solution — if you plan early, use the right platforms and avoid common mistakes.
In this guide, you will learn how to find a shared apartment, a room or an apartment in Germany as a language student in 2026, what to watch out for in a rental contract, how registration at the citizens’ office works, and why Leipzig is a particularly good choice for many language students.
Accommodation in Germany is more than just a place to sleep. It determines how quickly you settle into everyday life.
With a fixed address, you can register at the citizens’ office, open a German bank account, activate your blocked account, sign contracts and receive important letters. Without an address, many things become more complicated.
Your housing situation also affects your German learning. If you live in a shared apartment, you often speak more German automatically: while cooking, shopping, cleaning or simply talking to your flatmates. A good place to live can therefore also become part of your language course.
Many language students underestimate how long the housing search can take. Especially in cities such as Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt or Cologne, it can take several weeks to find a permanent room.
That is why the rule is: ideally, start searching 6 to 8 weeks before your arrival.
If you are still abroad, it is often difficult to get a long-term rental contract straight away. Many shared apartments want to get to know you personally or at least have a short video call with you. That is why a temporary solution makes sense.
For the first few weeks, you can book a furnished room, a temporary sublet, a hostel with a private room, a guesthouse or accommodation through a reputable short-term rental platform. This gives you time to search locally, attend viewings and get to know the city.
Our language school is located in Leipzig, Saxony. This is a major advantage for language students.
Leipzig is a young, international and lively city. At the same time, rents are often still more affordable compared to Munich, Frankfurt or Hamburg. The city is large enough to offer many leisure activities, culture, cafés, libraries and part-time job opportunities — but it is not as expensive and overcrowded as some other major cities.
Districts such as Südvorstadt, Reudnitz, Zentrum-Süd, Plagwitz, Lindenau, Gohlis, Connewitz, Volkmarsdorf and Schleußig are especially popular with young people and language students. If you want to live more cheaply, you should not only search in the city center. In Leipzig, many districts are easy to reach by tram and bus.
This is practical for language students: you do not have to live directly next to the language school. What matters is that you have a good tram connection and can reliably reach your course in the morning.
There are several ways to live in Germany. Not every solution suits every person. Your budget, course length, German skills and personal preferences are the key factors.
A WG is a shared apartment. You have your own room, but you share the kitchen, bathroom and sometimes the living room with other people.
For language students, a shared apartment is often the best solution. It is cheaper than having your own apartment, and you immediately have contact with other people. If your flatmates speak German, you learn many everyday words that you might not learn in class alone.
The cost of a room in a shared apartment varies greatly depending on the city. In Leipzig, you should roughly expect around €350 to €550 warm rent. In very popular areas, for furnished rooms or short-term rentals, it can be more expensive. In Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg or Berlin, prices are often significantly higher.
Advantages of a shared apartment:
You pay less than for your own apartment.
You get to know people more quickly.
You speak more German in everyday life.
Many shared apartment rooms are already furnished.
Internet, electricity and heating are often already included in the warm rent.
Disadvantages of a shared apartment:
You have less privacy.
You have to follow shared rules.
Good rooms are taken quickly.
Some shared apartments only look for people who can stay longer.
There can be conflicts about cleaning, visitors or noise.
Still, a shared apartment remains the most realistic and useful housing option for most language students.
Having your own apartment sounds attractive to many people. You have privacy, can organize your everyday life independently and do not have to coordinate with flatmates.
In practice, however, your own apartment is often difficult to get for new language students. Many landlords want a SCHUFA credit report, proof of income, a German bank account or a long-term rental perspective. If you have just arrived in Germany, you often do not have these documents yet.
In addition, individual apartments are significantly more expensive. In Leipzig, a small apartment can cost around €550 to €850 warm rent, depending on location, size and equipment. In Munich or Frankfurt, a small apartment can quickly cost more than €1,000 warm rent.
Your own apartment is more worthwhile if you plan to stay in Germany for a longer period, have a higher budget or already have support locally.
A furnished temporary room is especially useful for the first few weeks or months. You do not have to buy furniture, you can move in immediately and the application process is often easier than with traditional rental apartments.
You can find these rooms through platforms for temporary sublets, furnished apartments or private landlords. They are usually more expensive than normal shared apartment rooms, but they are more flexible.
For language students, this is often the best starting solution: arrive first, register, get to know the city and then search calmly for long-term accommodation.
Student residences are often very affordable in Germany. In Leipzig, the Studentenwerk Leipzig lists prices for many residence places in the range of about €215 to €325 for single rooms in shared flats and around €295 to €435 for apartments. Compared to the private housing market, this is very attractive.
The problem: student residences are usually intended for enrolled university students. If you only attend a language course and are not enrolled at a university, your chances are often lower.
Nevertheless, you should check whether an application is possible. Some residences, private providers or international programs have special rules. Also ask your language school whether they have contacts or recommendations.
A host family is a good option if you want to speak German quickly and would like a family-like environment.
You live with a person or family in Germany, usually have your own room and share parts of the apartment or house. Sometimes breakfast or dinner is included.
The advantage: you get direct contact with everyday German culture. You learn how people in Germany really speak, eat, plan and live.
The disadvantage: you have to adapt more. For very independent people, a shared apartment or an apartment is often better.
When searching for housing in Germany, you should use several platforms at the same time. Do not rely on only one website.
WG-Gesucht is especially important. There you will find many shared apartment rooms, temporary sublets and smaller apartments. This platform is particularly useful for language students because many offers come from private individuals.
Other platforms include real estate portals such as ImmoScout24, Immowelt or Kleinanzeigen. For furnished rooms and short-term rentals, HousingAnywhere, HomeCompany or similar providers can also be interesting. These are often more expensive, but sometimes easier for international people.
Facebook groups can also help. Search, for example, for groups such as “WG Leipzig,” “Wohnung Leipzig,” “Internationals Leipzig” or “Zwischenmiete Leipzig.” But be especially careful about scams there.
It is also worth looking at local providers. In Leipzig, housing companies such as LWB, housing cooperatives or private property management companies can also be interesting. For language students, they are sometimes more difficult than a shared apartment, but if you are staying longer, applying can be worthwhile.
Many shared apartments receive a lot of messages. A short standard message is usually not enough. Your application should be friendly, personal and clear.
It is best to write in German and, if necessary, additionally in English. This shows that you are making an effort and want to learn the language.
A good message includes:
Who you are.
Which country you come from.
Why you are coming to Germany.
Which language course you will attend.
How long you want to stay.
When you can move in.
How you will finance the rent.
Why you are interested in this exact shared apartment.
Example:
“Hello, my name is Sara, I am 22 years old and I come from Morocco. From September, I will attend a German course in Leipzig and I am looking for a room in a shared apartment for at least six months. I am quiet, tidy and looking forward to speaking German in everyday life. I especially like your room because the location is convenient for my language school and I would like to live in an open shared apartment. I would be very happy to get to know you by video call or in person.”
Important: Do not always copy the same text. Adjust each message slightly. Mention the district, the room or something from the listing. This feels honest and increases your chances.
Even if you are still new in Germany, you can prepare a small application folder. This makes you appear more trustworthy.
Helpful documents are:
Copy of your passport.
Visa or proof that you have applied for a visa.
Confirmation of registration or contract from the language school.
Proof of blocked account or financial support.
Short personal introduction letter.
If available: guarantee from parents or a supporting person.
If available: SCHUFA credit report.
If you do not yet have a SCHUFA report, that is normal. SCHUFA is a German credit information agency. People who are new to Germany often do not have an entry yet. Explain this politely and offer other proof instead, such as your blocked account or a guarantee.
Your housing budget depends heavily on the city. Compared to many large cities in western and southern Germany, Leipzig is more affordable, but rents are also rising here.
For Leipzig, you can roughly plan:
A simple shared apartment room often costs around €350 to €450 warm rent.
A larger or furnished shared apartment room is often around €450 to €600 warm rent.
A small apartment can cost around €550 to €850 warm rent.
Short-term rentals and furnished apartments are usually more expensive.
For Germany in general, the rule is: in very expensive cities, you should plan more around €600 to €900 for a shared apartment room. In cheaper cities or smaller towns, it can be significantly less.
A good rule of thumb: your warm rent should not consume your entire budget. Besides rent, plan money for food, health insurance, mobile phone, public transport, learning materials, leisure activities and unexpected costs.
For language course stays, a monthly proof of financial resources of around €1,091 is sometimes required in 2026. This shows that if your rent is already €800, there is not much left for everyday life. That is why Leipzig is financially much more relaxed for many language students than Munich or Frankfurt.
In German housing listings, there are often words that are confusing for newcomers.
Cold rent means: this is only the basic rent for the apartment or room.
Warm rent means: the cold rent plus additional costs. These often include heating, water, building cleaning or waste fees. Sometimes internet is included, sometimes not.
Additional costs are extra costs connected to the apartment. For shared apartment rooms, a flat-rate amount is often agreed. For your own apartment, there may be an annual utility bill. Then it can happen that you get money back or have to pay extra.
Electricity and internet are not always automatically included. Therefore, always ask:
“Is the rent warm or cold?”
“Are electricity, heating and internet included?”
“Is there an annual utility bill?”
“Do I have to sign my own electricity contract?”
These questions are important so that you know your real monthly costs.
The deposit is a security payment to the landlord. It protects the landlord if you have unpaid rent or cause damage.
In Germany, the deposit may not be higher than three net cold rents. So if your cold rent is €450, the deposit may be a maximum of €1,350.
You should be careful if someone asks for unusually high deposits or wants money very quickly. Serious landlords give you a rental contract, state clear payment dates and explain what the deposit is for.
Important: Do not transfer a deposit before you are sure that the offer is real. Ideally, you should only pay once you have checked the rental contract and seen the apartment or room — either in person or at least through a video viewing.
When you move in, you should take photos. Photograph walls, floors, windows, furniture, bathroom, kitchen and any existing damage. Create a handover protocol. This allows you to prove when you move out that certain damages already existed before.
A German rental contract can be long and complicated. Still, you should not simply sign it.
Pay special attention to these points:
How high is the cold rent?
How high is the warm rent?
Which additional costs are included?
How high is the deposit?
When does the contract begin?
Is there a minimum rental period?
How long is the notice period?
Are you allowed to sublet?
Is furniture included?
Are there special house rules?
For language students, the minimum rental period is especially important. Many language courses last three, six or nine months. Some rental contracts, however, run for at least twelve months. If you leave earlier, you may still have to continue paying rent.
Therefore, ask clearly before signing:
“Is there a minimum rental period?”
“Can I cancel after three months?”
“How long is the notice period?”
“Is a temporary sublet possible?”
“Can I suggest a new tenant?”
Do not sign anything you do not understand. Ask a German-speaking person, your language school or an advice center for help.
When you move into an apartment in Germany, you must register at the citizens’ office or residents’ registration office. This usually has to happen within two weeks after moving in.
For registration, you usually need:
Passport or identity card.
Visa or residence permit, if available.
Landlord confirmation of residence.
Sometimes a completed registration form.
The landlord confirmation of residence is especially important. It is signed by the landlord or housing provider and confirms that you really live there. A rental contract alone is often not enough.
After registration, you receive a registration certificate. You often need this document for a bank account, your blocked account, the immigration office, insurance, contracts and other everyday matters.
In Leipzig, you can register your apartment through the City of Leipzig or book an appointment at the citizens’ office. Take care of this early, because appointments can be limited.
Many language students do not yet have a permanent apartment at the beginning. That is normal, but you should plan for it.
A hostel for a few nights is usually not a good long-term solution for registration. A furnished room, a temporary sublet or accommodation where the landlord can issue a landlord confirmation of residence is better.
Always ask before booking:
“Can I register with this address?”
“Will I receive a landlord confirmation of residence?”
“Is the accommodation possible for at least one month?”
“Is my name listed in the rental contract or confirmation?”
If you have friends or family in Germany, you can temporarily live with them. But even then, the rule applies: you must actually live there, and the person must be able to give you a landlord confirmation of residence.
Avoid so-called “registration addresses” from the internet. A simple mailbox address is not suitable for official registration and can cause legal problems.
Yes, in many cases you have to pay the broadcasting fee. In Germany, a monthly fee is charged per apartment. It does not matter how many people live in the apartment or whether you use radio or television.
If you live in a shared apartment, normally only one person pays for the apartment. Then you divide the costs internally. Ask your flatmates whether the apartment is already registered.
If you live alone, you will often automatically receive mail from the contribution service after registration. Do not ignore these letters. Clarify whether you have to pay or whether someone is already paying for the apartment.
Two types of insurance are especially important for tenants in Germany.
Personal liability insurance protects you if you accidentally cause damage. Example: you damage the floor, lose a key or break something in the apartment. This insurance is highly recommended in Germany and is often not expensive.
Home contents insurance protects your own belongings, for example your laptop, clothes, bicycle or furniture, in case of damage caused by burglary, fire, water or storm.
For language students staying only for a short time, personal liability insurance is usually more important than home contents insurance. If you own expensive technology or live alone, home contents insurance may also be useful.
Unfortunately, there are also scams on the housing market. International people are especially at risk because they do not yet know the German market and often need accommodation quickly.
Be careful with these warning signs:
The apartment is much too cheap.
The landlord is supposedly abroad.
You are asked to transfer money before seeing the apartment.
There is no viewing.
The key is supposed to be sent by post.
The landlord puts pressure on you and wants an immediate decision.
There is no written rental contract.
The photos look like they are from a hotel or catalogue.
The email address looks unprofessional.
The landlord’s name does not match the documents.
The most important rule: never transfer a deposit or rent before you have seen the room and checked the contract.
If you are unsure, ask your language school, an advice center or someone with experience in Germany.
Leipzig has many different districts. Which district suits you depends on your budget and everyday routine.
Zentrum and Zentrum-Süd are very practical, but often more expensive. You are close to many cafés, shops and public transport connections.
Südvorstadt is popular with students and young people. There are many restaurants, bars and shared apartments. Demand, however, is high.
Reudnitz is popular with students and international people. The location is good, and prices are often still somewhat lower than in very central districts.
Plagwitz and Lindenau are creative, lively and popular. There you will find many cafés, cultural spaces and shared apartments. However, some apartments have become noticeably more expensive.
Gohlis is quieter and well-kept. The district is a good fit if you want to study with focus.
Volkmarsdorf, Sellerhausen, Eutritzsch or Paunsdorf can be more affordable and are often well connected by tram. For language students with a smaller budget, it is worth looking at these districts.
What matters is not only the distance in kilometers, but the connection by public transport. Always check: how long will it take me to get to the language school in the morning?
Start searching 6 to 8 weeks before your arrival.
Create a short profile in German and English.
Prepare your documents: passport, language school confirmation, proof of financial resources, visa and personal introduction text.
Search daily on WG-Gesucht, real estate portals, Kleinanzeigen and local groups.
Write personal messages instead of standard texts.
Book safe temporary accommodation for the first few weeks.
Attend viewings in person or by video call.
Check the rental contract, deposit, warm rent and notice period.
Ask before booking whether you will receive a landlord confirmation of residence.
Register at the citizens’ office after moving in.
Keep all documents safe.
Yes, but it is more difficult. Many shared apartments and landlords want to get to know you personally. A video viewing can help. Still, it is often more realistic to book temporary accommodation first and then search locally.
Yes, compared to many large German cities, Leipzig is often cheaper. Nevertheless, Leipzig has also become more popular, and good rooms are taken quickly. If you are flexible with the district, you usually have better chances.
Not always. Many landlords ask for it, but as a newcomer, you often do not yet have a SCHUFA report. Explain this openly and show your blocked account, a guarantee or another proof of financial resources instead.
Usually not for just a few nights. For registration, you need real accommodation and a landlord confirmation of residence. Always ask in advance whether registration is possible.
Both are important, but for language students, public transport connections are crucial. A cheap room is only good if you can reliably reach your language school. Therefore, always check the connection by tram, bus or S-Bahn.
Many language schools can give tips, recommend reputable platforms or name contacts. They usually cannot guarantee an apartment. Still, it is worth asking early — especially if you are new to Germany.
Do not pay money before a viewing. Insist on a written contract. Check the landlord’s name. Be careful with extremely cheap offers. Have documents checked if you are unsure.
Housing as a language student in Germany can seem complicated at first. There are many new words, rules and documents. But with good preparation, the search becomes much easier.
The three most important things are: start early, plan realistically and do not make rushed payments.
For many language students, a shared apartment is the best solution because it is affordable and helps with learning German. Those who come to Leipzig also benefit from a lively city with many young people, good public transport connections and often fairer housing costs compared to other major cities.
If you are planning your language course in Leipzig, take care of your accommodation early. Start with a safe temporary solution, prepare your documents and ask your language school for support. This way, after your arrival, you can focus on what truly matters: learning German, settling in and beginning your new life in Germany.
About the Author
AKAZA Education
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