Housing in German-speaking countries

Context

In the Perspektiven section of Kapitel 4 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 to an Immobilien in Germany, keeping a pen and notebook handy to jot down notes as you think about the following:

• What rooms do apartments and houses typically have in Germany ?
• How big are the rooms? How big are apartments and houses?
• Do houses and apartments look different from apartments or houses where you live? How do they differ?
• What are rents and home prices like in German-speaking countries? Do they seem higher or lower than where you live? Why?
• What are the requirements for renters in Germany?

Application

Based on the houses and apartments you saw offered on the Web, create an ad for a house or 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 Deutsche Marks (and Euros if you like!). 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 who answers questions about the ad. Be creative!

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