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Housing in German-speaking countries

Context

In the Perspektiven section of Kapitel 3 several young people described their apartments in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. People in German-speaking countries often use an Immobilien (real estate service) to rent or buy apartments or houses. Immobilien typically describe the apartment or house, and often will include a floor plan or picture as well.

Exploration

Explore the following link that gives tips for renting in Germany, keeping a pen and notebook handy to jot down notes as you think about the following:

What rooms do apartments typically have in Germany? Are these rooms furnished or unfurnished?
Do houses and apartments look different from apartments or houses where you live? How do they differ?
How many fundamental elements do all rental contracts contain, and what are they?
When must tenants decide whether or not they want to renew their lease?
What kind of evidence do landlords look for before signing a lease? Why is this information important? What types of documents can be used to verify this information?

Immobilien http://www.settler-international.com/ germany/ housing.htm

Find out all you need to know about getting an apartment in Germany

Application

Create an ad for an apartment in Germany, Switzerland, or Austria. Remember to include information about the rooms, size of the apartment, information about the location, and the price of the home in Euros. Post your offers on a wall in the classroom. Choose the ad you like best. Then, take turns with a classmate being a client looking for an apartment, and a real estate agent who answers questions about the ad. Be creative!