How to Ask About a Security Deposit in German
Learn to ask 'How much is the deposit?' in German and understand refund conditions for rental deposits.
By SofiaGetting around · Yapr Learn
When renting an apartment in a German-speaking country, you will almost always need to pay a security deposit, called die Kaution. Knowing how to ask how much it is and under what conditions it is returned is essential. This lesson teaches you the key phrases and patterns to discuss the deposit confidently at an elementary level.
By the end, you can…
- ask how much the security deposit is.
- ask when and how the deposit will be refunded.
- understand simple answers about deposit conditions.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
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Wie hoch ist die Kaution?
How much is the deposit?
vee hohkh ist dee KOW-tsee-ohn
Standard polite question. Use 'Wie hoch' for amounts like deposits or rent.
Wie viel Kaution muss ich zahlen?
How much deposit do I have to pay?
vee feel KOW-tsee-ohn moos ikh TSAH-len
Alternative with 'wie viel'. Slightly more direct but still polite.
Wann bekomme ich die Kaution zurück?
When do I get the deposit back?
van buh-KOM-uh ikh dee KOW-tsee-ohn tsoo-RUEK
Use 'zurückbekommen' for getting something back.
Unter welchen Bedingungen wird die Kaution zurückgezahlt?
Under what conditions is the deposit refunded?
OON-ter VEL-khen buh-DEEN-goong-en virt dee KOW-tsee-ohn tsoo-RUEK-guh-tsahlt
Formal phrasing for contracts or official inquiries.
Die Kaution beträgt drei Monatsmieten.
The deposit is three months' rent.
dee KOW-tsee-ohn buh-TRAYGT dry MOH-nats-mee-ten
Common answer. 'Betragen' means 'to amount to'.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To ask about amounts, use 'Wie hoch ist ...?' or 'Wie viel ...?'. For example: 'Wie hoch ist die Kaution?' (How much is the deposit?) or 'Wie viel Miete muss ich zahlen?' (How much rent do I have to pay?). The verb 'betragen' is often used in answers: 'Die Kaution beträgt 900 Euro.' (The deposit is 900 euros.) Note that 'Kaution' is feminine, so use 'die'.
When to use it
Use these questions when signing a rental contract, talking to a landlord (Vermieter) or a property manager (Hausverwaltung). In Germany, deposits are often up to three months' rent, but you can ask: 'Ist die Kaution verhandelbar?' (Is the deposit negotiable?). For refunds, ask: 'Wann wird die Kaution zurückgezahlt?' (When will the deposit be refunded?) Typically, it is returned after you move out and the landlord checks for damages.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Guten Tag, ich interessiere mich für die Wohnung. Wie hoch ist die Kaution?
Hello, I am interested in the apartment. How much is the deposit?GOO-ten tahk, ikh in-ter-uh-SEE-ruh mikh fuer dee VOH-noong. vee hohkh ist dee KOW-tsee-ohnDie Kaution beträgt drei Monatsmieten, also 1.800 Euro.
The deposit is three months' rent, so 1,800 euros.dee KOW-tsee-ohn buh-TRAYGT dry MOH-nats-mee-ten, AL-zoh OW-zent AHT-hun-dert OY-rohUnd wann bekomme ich die Kaution zurück?
And when do I get the deposit back?oont van buh-KOM-uh ikh dee KOW-tsee-ohn tsoo-RUEKNormalerweise innerhalb von zwei Monaten nach dem Auszug, wenn alles in Ordnung ist.
Usually within two months after moving out, if everything is in order.nor-MAH-ler-vy-zuh IN-er-halp fon tsvy MOH-nah-ten nahkh daym OWS-tsook, ven AL-es in ORT-noong istA little context goes a long way
In Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, rental deposits are legally regulated. In Germany, the deposit may not exceed three months' rent (excluding utilities). It is often paid in three installments. Landlords must keep the deposit separate from their own money and pay interest, though interest rates are low. Refunds usually occur after the tenant moves out and the landlord verifies no damages. Always get a written confirmation of the deposit amount and refund conditions.
One thing to watch for
Using 'Wie viel kostet die Kaution?' (How much does the deposit cost?)
Try this instead: While understandable, 'kosten' is used for prices of goods, not deposits. Use 'Wie hoch ist die Kaution?' or 'Wie viel Kaution muss ich zahlen?' instead. Example: 'Wie hoch ist die Kaution?' is the standard phrasing.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you ask 'How much is the deposit?' in German?
Show a sample answer
Wie hoch ist die Kaution?
This is the most common and polite way. 'Wie viel Kaution muss ich zahlen?' is also correct but slightly more direct.
2Translate: 'When do I get the deposit back?'
Show a sample answer
Wann bekomme ich die Kaution zurück?
Uses 'zurückbekommen' (to get back). You could also say 'Wann wird die Kaution zurückgezahlt?' (When is the deposit refunded?).
3What is the maximum legal deposit in Germany (in months' rent)?
Show a sample answer
Three months' rent (excluding utilities).
German law limits the deposit to three months' rent. In Austria, it can be up to three months' rent as well, but check local regulations.
Always ask 'Wie hoch ist die Kaution?' and clarify refund conditions in writing before signing a rental contract.
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