What is a WG?
A WG (Wohngemeinschaft) is a shared flat where you rent your own room and share kitchen, bathroom, and common areas with flatmates. It is the most common first home for students, newcomers, and many young professionals in Berlin.
On renting.berlin, filter Offers by “Shared room” to browse WG listings. You can also post a seeker profile so WG hosts find you directly.
The casting (Kenny)
Most WGs invite several applicants to a group viewing — often called a casting or Kenny. Flatmates want someone who fits the household vibe, not just someone who can pay rent.
Prepare a short intro: who you are, what you do, your move-in date, and how long you plan to stay. Ask practical questions about cleaning, guests, and quiet hours.
- Arrive on time — late arrivals rarely get the room
- Be honest about pets, partners staying over, and work-from-home habits
- Follow up the same day with a friendly message if you are interested
Main tenant vs sublet
You may rent from the main tenant (Untermiete) or directly from the landlord. Sublets are often temporary (Zwischenmiete). Always clarify Anmeldung before signing — many WG sublets do not allow registration.
If you need Anmeldung for visa or work, filter for it on renting.berlin and say so upfront in your seeker profile.
Search smarter for WGs
WG rooms move fast — often within hours. Save a search filtered to shared rooms in your target neighborhoods and enable email alerts.
Write a genuine seeker profile with a photo, languages, budget, and move-in date. Landlords and main tenants browse Requests when they need someone quickly.