Short or long application letter?
The most common question about the German application letter (Anschreiben): how much should you write? The honest answer is short – with a few exceptions. Here's the rule, what to always keep, what to cut, and a short and a longer example to adapt.
The rule: short by default
A landlord with 50 applications reads each in seconds. Around 100 to 150 words is the sweet spot – long enough to be personal, short enough to be read in full. A wall of text is more likely to be skipped than a crisp message that answers the key questions and refers to their specific flat.
When a few extra lines help
- A WG room: flatmates want a feel for who you are, so a little more warmth and personality is welcome.
- A special situation: a new job, relocating to the city, or offering a guarantee instead of a SCHUFA – one clear sentence to reassure, not a paragraph.
- An unusual fit: if the listing mentions something specific you match (garden for your dog-free quiet life, home office needs), a line connecting to it lands well.
Even then, keep it focused: every extra line should add reassurance, never padding.
Short vs. longer (German)
Guten Tag, die 2-Zimmer-Wohnung in [Stadtteil] passt gut zu mir. Ich bin 31, unbefristet als Ingenieurin tätig und Nichtraucherin. Mein Einkommen deckt die Miete sicher ab; Nachweise und SCHUFA bringe ich mit. Über eine Besichtigung würde ich mich freuen. Beste Grüße [Name]
Roughly: "Hello, the 2-room apartment in [district] suits me well. I'm 31, permanently employed as an engineer and a non-smoker. My income safely covers the rent; I'll bring proof and a SCHUFA. I'd be glad of a viewing. Best regards, [Name]."
Hallo zusammen, euer Zimmer in der WG in [Stadtteil] klingt genau nach dem, was ich suche. Ich bin 26, arbeite als Grafikerin und bin neu in der Stadt. In der WG schätze ich ein freundliches Miteinander – gemeinsam kochen ja, Party-WG eher nicht. Da ich gerade erst nach Deutschland gezogen bin, habe ich noch keine SCHUFA; die Miete ist aber über eine Bürgschaft meiner Eltern abgesichert, Nachweise bringe ich gern mit. Ich würde euch total gern kennenlernen – meldet euch einfach. Liebe Grüße [Name]
Roughly: "Hi all, your room in the WG in [district] sounds just like what I'm looking for. I'm 26, work as a graphic designer and I'm new to the city. In a flatshare I value a friendly atmosphere – cooking together yes, party flat not so much. As I just moved to Germany I don't have a SCHUFA yet, but the rent is secured by a guarantee from my parents and I'm happy to bring proof. I'd love to meet you – just get in touch. Warm regards, [Name]."
Short, formal or warm – in one click
WohnungsBewerber reads the listing and writes your German letter in one of five tones – including a compact "short" version and a warm one for WGs – so you always hit the right length. You review and send it yourself. Free, no account, data stays local.
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Frequently asked questions
How long should the letter be?
Short by default – around 100 to 150 words. Landlords skim each application in seconds, so a brief, specific message is more likely to be read in full than a long essay.
When should I write a longer letter?
For a WG room, where flatmates want a feel for you, or when you need to explain a special situation like a new job or offering a guarantee. Even then, keep it focused – reassurance, not padding.
What should every letter include?
A reference to the specific apartment, who you are (job, household, non-smoker if true), that your income covers the rent, that you can provide the usual documents, and a friendly request for a viewing.
Is a short letter seen as lazy?
No, as long as it's personal and specific. A short letter that refers to their flat and answers the key questions is considerate of the landlord's time. What looks lazy is a generic copy-paste, whatever its length.