As a Canadian living in Germany since 2014, I’ve experienced firsthand the differences between renting an apartment and buying a home here versus back in Canada. In this listicle, I’ll take you on a tour of my German apartment and share 10 things that make it unique, from the quirky windows to the unexpected appliance placements. Whether you’re moving to Germany or just curious about life here, this peek into my German apartment will give you a better understanding of what to expect, and some of the strange things I’ve learned about renting in Germany.
My German Apartment
- 1. The Unconventional Kitchen Layout🍳
- 2. The Cozy Bedroom with Dual Sheets 🛏️
- 3. The Tiny but Efficient Bathroom 🚽
- 4. The Hallway Filled with Family Memories 🖼️
- 5. The Transformed Living Room-Turned-Bedroom🛋️
- 6. The Ubiquitous German Storage Cubes
- 7. The Quintessential German “Pookie Car” Toy 🚗
- 8. The Balcony with Seasonal Flowers 💐
- 9. The Varying Rental Costs Across Germany 💶
- 10. The Creepy but Necessary Basement Cellar
1. The Unconventional Kitchen Layout 🍳
Let me take you on a little tour around our apartment so that you can see what it’s kind of like living here in Germany and what the apartments are like. The kitchen layout in my German apartment might look a bit strange to you with the stove in an unusual spot and the windows opening uniquely.
The Unique Windows 🪟
The windows in our kitchen open in a way that was bizarre to me when I first moved to Germany, and they can be tilted to let in fresh air. This might be a typical feature in German apartments, but it’s definitely something that stands out to me.
The Quirky Appliance Placements
It’s not uncommon to find the fridge in a different spot than the kitchen in Germany, and sometimes the washing machine is placed in the kitchen if it fits (which is normal in Germany but not in North America). This layout might be surprising to those used to North American apartment setups.
The Hot Water Boiler
The hot water boiler in the kitchen might be a noticeable feature that’s not common in North American apartments. In my German apartment, we hid it with wood, but it’s a unique aspect of the kitchen that adds character to the space.
2. The Cozy Bedroom with Dual Sheets 🛏️
As you step into the bedroom of my German apartment, you’ll notice a unique feature of German bedding – sleeping with two different sheets. It’s a cozy and comfortable setup that I absolutely love.
3. The Tiny but Efficient Bathroom 🚽
The bathrooms in my German apartment are extremely tiny, but they are designed to be efficient. The washing machine is a space-saving feature that is common in German bathrooms. Additionally, the buttons on the toilet for flushing used to confuse me, but now I find them quite humorous!
4. The Hallway Filled with Family Memories 🖼️
The hallway in “my German apartment” used to be filled with tons of pictures of the family. It’s a lovely space that holds many cherished memories and adds a personal touch to our home.
5. The Transformed Living Room-Turned-Bedroom 🛋️
Our living room has been transformed into our son’s bedroom in my German apartment. He refused to sleep in a crib or his own bed, so he now sleeps on the sofa, which has become his favorite spot in the whole wide world. It’s a super German thing to do, and it might seem funny to others, but it works for us!
6. The Ubiquitous German Storage Cubes
In my German apartment, we have the ubiquitous German storage cubes, like the ones from Ikea. These square boxes are a common sight in many German homes and are a practical and efficient storage solution. They’re versatile, and functional, and add a touch of organization to our living space.
7. The Quintessential German “Puky Car” Toy 🚗
In my German apartment, the bobby car, or as we call it, the Puky car, is a quintessential German toy for young children. It’s a typical sight in many German homes and adds a playful touch to our living space.
8. The Balcony with Seasonal Flowers 💐
On our other balcony, I used to have an array of seasonal flowers that added a vibrant pop of color to our outdoor space. Unfortunately, the weather has taken a turn, but it used to be a lovely sight!
9. The Varying Rental Costs Across Germany 💶
When it comes to rental costs in Germany, it really depends on where you’re living. Major cities like Dusseldorf, Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg tend to have higher prices compared to smaller towns or the outskirts of cities. For example, in Dusseldorf, a 73 square meter flat can cost around 800 euros warm, but the price can go up to 1200 or even 1500 euros for a couple living in the city center.
I recommend looking here for the best websites to find an apartment in Düsseldorf. Furnished apartments are also more expensive, and some internationals may start off with Airbnb, which can be pricey. It’s important to be aware of the potential costs to avoid being taken advantage of when moving in and moving out of your apartment.
10. The Creepy but Necessary Basement Cellar
Living in a city in Germany often means having a cellar space in the basement, which can be quite creepy. However, these spaces are essential for storing items like bikes and other belongings that can’t be kept in the apartment. Landlords often do not allow bikes to be parked in hallways, so the cellar provides a storage solution for such items. While they may be eerie, cellars offer valuable extra space for residents.
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