How to Master the WG-Gesucht Interview: Finding Your Perfect Flatshare

A WG-Casting is the interview that current flatmates hold to choose who gets the free room in their shared flat (Wohngemeinschaft, WG). The flatmates are picking someone to live with, not checking your income. Four things get you a room: a short, personal first message that proves you read the ad; an honest picture of your daily routine; good questions of your own; and a quick follow-up.

This guide covers each step. It also explains the legal points newcomers often miss: subletting permission, registration, the deposit, and scams.

Know which kind of WG you are applying to

Ads usually signal what the flatmates expect:

If an ad says the household speaks German at home and your German is basic, say so honestly. A mismatch discovered at the casting rarely ends well.

The first message: short, specific, personal

Flatmates in big cities read many messages for each room, and copy-pasted texts are easy to spot. A message that works:

1. Greets them by name. Ads usually list the flatmates.
2. Refers to something specific in the ad. That proves you read it.
3. Introduces you in 3–4 sentences: what you do, your routine, and what kind of flatmate you are.
4. Covers the logistics: move-in date, how long you plan to stay, and when you are available for a casting, including by video if you are not in the city yet.

Example structure (adapt it, don't copy it):

Hallo Lena, Jonas und Mira, your ad mentions you cook together on Sundays. That sounds exactly like what I'm looking for. I'm 29, work as a data analyst (mostly office hours, home office on Fridays), and I've been in Germany since March. I'm tidy, happy to follow a cleaning rota, and usually spend weekends cycling or cooking. I'd like to move in from 1 November for at least a year. I can come by any evening next week or do a video call. Viele Grüße, Sam

A complete profile with a clear, friendly photo makes replies more likely. On WG-Gesucht, a blank profile looks like either a lack of effort or a fake account.

At the casting: what they ask, and why

Answer honestly. A WG where you fit is worth more than a room you got by pretending.

Questions you should ask them

• How is the cleaning organised? Is there a Putzplan?
• How are shared supplies paid for? Is there a shared kitty (WG-Kasse)?
• What exactly does the rent include: heating, electricity, internet, the broadcasting fee?
• Who is on the lease? Will you be a co-tenant (Mitmieter) or a subtenant (Untermieter)?
• Does the landlord know about and allow the sublet?
• Can you register your address here (Anmeldung)?
• How much is the deposit, and how is it handled?

The last four questions protect you legally. More on them below.

Legal points to check before you say yes

Subletting permission. In most WGs one or more main tenants (Hauptmieter) rent from the landlord and sublet rooms. Subletting needs the landlord's permission (§ 540 BGB). A tenant with a legitimate interest arising after the lease was signed can usually claim permission to sublet part of the flat (§ 553 BGB). An unauthorised sublet puts the main tenant's lease at risk, and with it your room.

Registration. You must register at your new address within two weeks of moving in (§ 17 BMG). You need a move-in confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung) from whoever is providing the room. For a sublet, that is the main tenant (§ 19 BMG). Be wary of a WG that will not let you register. Many other steps, including your tax ID and bank account, depend on registration.

Deposit. If you have your own lease with the landlord, the deposit is capped at three months' net cold rent (§ 551 BGB). In a sublet, agree the amount and repayment terms in writing, and get a receipt. The Kaution guide explains the rules.

Broadcasting fee. The Rundfunkbeitrag is charged per flat, not per person. In a WG only one person pays, so check whether the cost is already shared out. See the Rundfunkbeitrag guide.

Written agreement. Even a sublet should have a written contract. It should state the room, the rent and what it includes, the deposit, the start date, and the notice period or end date.

Scam warning signs

• The "landlord" is abroad and offers to send keys after you transfer a deposit.
• No viewing is possible, in person or by live video call that walks through the actual flat.
• Pressure to pay immediately, or payment via money-transfer services or gift cards.
• A rent far below comparable rooms in the same district.

Never pay anything before you have seen the room (in person or by live video), met the people, and received a written contract. See apartment scam red flags for current patterns.

After the casting

Send a short thank-you message the same day or the next morning. Mention something from the conversation, and confirm you are still interested and when you could move in. If you don't get the room, a friendly reply costs nothing, and WGs sometimes come back when their first choice drops out.

Checklist

• Profile complete, with a clear photo.
• Personal message for each ad: names, a specific detail, your routine, dates.
• Questions ready about cleaning, costs, the lease and registration.
• Subletting permission and Anmeldung confirmed.
• Written agreement and deposit receipt.
• No money transferred before a viewing and a contract.

For the wider search, including portals, application documents and full-flat rentals, see WG-Gesucht strategies and the complete guide to finding an apartment in Germany.