Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Germany Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Germany Property Pack
You can buy property in Germany without speaking German, but the process involves mandatory German-language documents and legal procedures that require professional translation services.
While it's legally possible to complete a German property purchase without German proficiency, all contracts must be in German by law, notary appointments are conducted in German, and most government offices process cases exclusively in German. Foreign buyers typically spend an additional €500-2,000 on translation services and bilingual legal support to navigate the process safely.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Germany, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.
German language skills are not legally required to buy property in Germany, but all official documentation must be in German and translation services are essential for non-German speakers.
Buyers without German proficiency should budget for additional costs and time delays while ensuring they work with bilingual professionals throughout the process.
| Aspect | German Required? | Solution for Non-German Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| Property Purchase Contract | Yes - Must be in German by law | Certified translator at notary (€100-300) |
| Notary Appointment | Yes - Conducted in German | Official interpreter required |
| Mortgage Documents | Yes - Final contracts in German | Bank translation or bilingual broker |
| Real Estate Agents | No - Many speak English | Choose international agencies |
| Government Offices | Yes - Process only in German | Bilingual lawyer with power of attorney |
| Utilities & Insurance | Preferred - Most companies use German | Expat-focused service providers |
| Property Management | Preferred - Especially outside major cities | International property management firms |
Can I complete the entire German property purchase without speaking German?
Yes, you can legally complete a German property purchase without speaking German, but the process requires careful planning and professional support.
The German legal system allows foreign buyers to purchase real estate without language proficiency requirements. However, all mandatory legal documents must be in German, and key procedures like notary appointments are conducted exclusively in German.
Non-German speakers typically hire certified translators for the notary appointment, work with bilingual real estate professionals, and engage German-speaking lawyers to handle official communications. This approach adds approximately 2-4 weeks to the standard timeline and increases costs by €500-2,000 depending on the complexity of the transaction.
Major cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt have established networks of English-speaking real estate professionals specifically serving international buyers. These professionals can guide you through each step while ensuring all legal requirements are met.
It's something we develop in our Germany property pack.
Do all contracts need to be written in German?
All legally binding property contracts in Germany must be written in German according to German civil law.
The property purchase agreement (Kaufvertrag) must be drafted in German and notarized by a German notary to be legally valid. This includes all terms, conditions, property descriptions, and financial arrangements. Similarly, mortgage contracts from German banks are finalized in German, though some international banks may provide English versions for reference.
While real estate agents may provide English summaries or translations of contract terms during negotiations, these informal translations have no legal standing. Only the German version of the contract is legally binding and enforceable in German courts.
Many buyers request certified translations of their contracts after signing to ensure they fully understand their obligations. Professional legal translation services charge €40-80 per page for certified contract translations, depending on complexity and urgency.
Is a German-speaking notary mandatory for property purchases?
German law requires all property sales to be notarized, and notaries conduct these appointments exclusively in German.
The notary appointment (Notartermin) is legally mandatory for property transfers in Germany, and notaries are required by law to conduct proceedings in German. If you don't understand German, you must arrange for a certified interpreter to be present during the appointment.
Notaries cannot serve as translators themselves due to potential conflicts of interest and professional regulations. They are responsible for ensuring all parties understand the contract terms, which means requiring official interpretation services for non-German speakers.
The notary will verify that the interpreter is qualified and will pause the proceedings if any communication issues arise. This process ensures legal compliance but can extend the appointment from the typical 30-45 minutes to 60-90 minutes when interpretation is required.
How much do official translators cost for notary appointments?
Certified interpreters for notary appointments typically charge €100-300 per session depending on the location and complexity of the transaction.
| Service Type | Cost Range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Notary Appointment Interpretation | €100-300 per session | Book 1-2 weeks in advance |
| Contract Translation (Certified) | €40-80 per page | 3-7 business days |
| Mortgage Document Translation | €300-600 total | 5-10 business days |
| Government Document Translation | €50-100 per document | 2-5 business days |
| Power of Attorney Translation | €80-150 per document | 3-5 business days |
Do German banks offer English-language mortgage services?
Some German banks and mortgage brokers provide consultation and initial paperwork in English, but final mortgage contracts are always in German.
International banks like Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, and Hypovereinsbank often have English-speaking mortgage advisors in major cities. Specialized mortgage brokers like Hypofriend and Dr. Klein also offer comprehensive English-language services for expat clients.
However, regardless of the consultation language, German banking law requires all final loan agreements to be in German. Banks may provide English translations for reference, but only the German version is legally binding.
Many brokers specializing in expat mortgages include translation services in their fees, which typically range from 0.5% to 1.5% of the loan amount. This can be more cost-effective than arranging separate translation services.
It's something we develop in our Germany property pack.
Don't lose money on your property in Germany
100% of people who have lost money there have spent less than 1 hour researching the market. We have reviewed everything there is to know. Grab our guide now.
Can I find English-speaking real estate agents in Germany?
Yes, English-speaking real estate agents are widely available in German cities, particularly those serving international clients.
Major cities like Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt have numerous real estate agencies with English-speaking agents. Companies like Engel & Völkers, RE/MAX, and local agencies specifically target international buyers and provide complete services in English.
These agents handle property searches, negotiate terms, coordinate viewings, and communicate with sellers on your behalf. They also often have established relationships with bilingual lawyers, mortgage brokers, and other professionals needed for the purchase process.
Commission rates for English-speaking agents are typically the same as German-only agents, ranging from 3.57% to 7.14% of the purchase price (including VAT), split between buyer and seller depending on local customs.
Do government offices process cases in English?
German government offices, including land registries and tax authorities, process cases exclusively in German with very limited English support.
The Grundbuchamt (land registry), local tax offices, and municipal authorities conduct all official business in German. Documents must be submitted in German, and correspondence is issued only in German. Even in international cities like Berlin or Munich, English-language services at government offices are rare and unofficial.
Foreign buyers typically grant power of attorney to German-speaking lawyers who handle all government interactions. This includes property registration, tax filings, and ongoing administrative requirements.
Some municipalities in areas with large expat populations may have informal English support, but this cannot be relied upon for legal processes. All official documents and filings must meet German language requirements regardless of available staff language skills.
Will I miss important details without German proficiency?
Without German language skills, you risk missing critical details about taxes, fees, and legal obligations unless you work with qualified bilingual professionals.
German property purchases involve complex regulations regarding property taxes, transaction costs, ongoing maintenance obligations, and local zoning restrictions. These details are typically communicated in German through official documents, municipal notices, and legal correspondence.
Common issues non-German speakers face include misunderstanding property tax calculations, missing deadlines for official filings, not recognizing important communications from authorities, and failing to understand renovation restrictions or neighborhood regulations.
Professional support from bilingual lawyers, accountants, and property managers is essential to ensure compliance and avoid costly mistakes. Budget approximately €1,000-3,000 annually for ongoing professional support depending on your property portfolio complexity.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Germany versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.
Can I grant power of attorney to handle legal matters?
Yes, granting power of attorney to a bilingual German lawyer is an effective strategy for non-German speakers buying property.
A properly drafted power of attorney (Vollmacht) allows your lawyer to sign contracts, communicate with government offices, handle bank transactions, and manage all legal aspects of the purchase on your behalf. This document must be notarized and often requires apostille certification if prepared outside Germany.
Lawyers with power of attorney can complete most purchase steps without your physical presence, though some banks may require personal appearance for mortgage signing. This arrangement is particularly valuable for international buyers who cannot easily travel to Germany multiple times during the purchase process.
Legal fees for comprehensive power of attorney services typically range from €2,000-5,000 depending on transaction complexity, but this often saves time and prevents costly mistakes for non-German speakers.
What additional costs should I expect for language support?
Non-German speakers should budget €1,500-4,000 in additional costs for comprehensive translation and bilingual legal support during property purchase.
1. **Certified Translation Services**: €500-1,200 for all contract and document translations 2. **Notary Interpretation**: €100-300 for the mandatory notary appointment 3. **Bilingual Legal Support**: €1,000-2,500 for lawyer fees including power of attorney 4. **Mortgage Broker Premium**: Additional 0.3-0.8% of loan amount for English-language service 5. **Ongoing Professional Support**: €500-1,500 annually for tax filings and official correspondenceTimeline extensions typically add 2-4 weeks to the standard 8-12 week purchase process, primarily due to document translation requirements and scheduling bilingual professionals.
It's something we develop in our Germany property pack.
Do I need German to manage utilities and insurance after purchase?
German proficiency is highly beneficial for managing utilities and insurance, though international service providers are available in major cities.
Most German utility companies, insurance providers, and property management firms conduct business primarily in German. This includes contract terms, billing, customer service, and problem resolution. Property insurance policies, in particular, contain complex terms that are crucial to understand fully.
International service providers and expat-focused companies in cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg offer English-language support for utilities setup, insurance policies, and property management. These services typically charge 10-20% premium compared to German-only providers.
For ongoing property management, many foreign investors hire bilingual property management companies that handle tenant communications, maintenance coordination, and administrative tasks. Management fees typically range from 8-15% of rental income for comprehensive services.
Will not speaking German affect daily life if I live in the property?
Living in Germany without German language skills is possible in international areas but significantly more challenging for daily administration and local services.
Major cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg have established expat communities where English is commonly spoken in international neighborhoods. However, interactions with local government offices, healthcare providers, utility companies, and many service providers still require German.
Daily challenges include understanding official mail, dealing with building management, communicating with neighbors about property issues, and handling emergency situations. Many legal notices and important communications are only provided in German, which can lead to missed deadlines or misunderstandings.
Long-term residents typically invest in German language learning or maintain ongoing relationships with bilingual service providers to handle administrative tasks. Consider budgeting €200-500 monthly for translation services and administrative support if you plan to live in the property without learning German.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
While you can legally buy property in Germany without speaking German, success requires careful planning and professional support.
The investment in bilingual legal services and translation support is essential to avoid costly mistakes and ensure compliance with German property law requirements.