die  Eigentumswohnung

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈaɪ̯ɡn̩tʊmsˌvɔːnʊŋ/

🏠 What Exactly is an Eigentumswohnung?

An Eigentumswohnung (often abbreviated as ETW) is an apartment or flat within a larger building or complex that is privately owned by an individual or group. Unlike a Mietwohnung (rented apartment), where you only rent the right to use the space, with an Eigentumswohnung, you acquire actual ownership of the living space (Sondereigentum) and a co-ownership share of the common property (e.g., staircase, roof, land - Gemeinschaftseigentum).

The article is always die, because the base word "Wohnung" (apartment) is feminine (die Wohnung).

🚨 Attention: Buying an Eigentumswohnung is often a major financial decision and comes with legal obligations as part of a homeowners' association (Eigentümergemeinschaft).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Deep Dive: Declension of 'die Eigentumswohnung'

The word die Eigentumswohnung is a feminine noun. It declines as follows:

Example Sentences

1. Sie haben sich endlich den Traum von einer eigenen Eigentumswohnung erfüllt.
   (They finally fulfilled their dream of owning their own condominium.)
2. Die Verwaltung der Eigentumswohnung übernimmt eine externe Firma.
   (An external company handles the administration of the condominium.)
3. In diesem Haus gibt es sowohl Miet- als auch Eigentumswohnungen.
   (In this building, there are both rental apartments and condominiums.)
4. Der Preis der Eigentumswohnungen in dieser Gegend ist stark gestiegen.
   (The price of condominiums in this area has risen sharply.)

💬 How to Use 'Eigentumswohnung'?

The term Eigentumswohnung is primarily used in the context of real estate, housing, and finance.

• Buying & Selling: Used when talking about purchasing, selling, or financing a condominium.
• Type of Housing: It describes a specific form of living and ownership, contrasting with renting (Miete).
• Legal Context: Refers to the German Condominium Act (Wohnungseigentumsgesetz - WEG) and the rights and obligations within a homeowners' association (Eigentümergemeinschaft).

Comparison:

• Eigentumswohnung vs. Mietwohnung: The main difference is ownership. An Eigentumswohnung belongs to the resident (or an investor), while a Mietwohnung belongs to the landlord (Vermieter).
• Eigentumswohnung vs. Haus: An Eigentumswohnung is part of a larger building with shared common property, whereas a house (Haus, Einfamilienhaus) is usually entirely owned by one person/family, including the land.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic: Remember the base word: it's die Wohnung (the apartment). Even though 'Eigentum' (das Eigentum - the property) comes before it, the last word determines the article. So: die Eigentums + die Wohnung = die Eigentumswohnung.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine having your own little realm (eigen-tum = property/ownership) inside a big building – your very personal Wohnung (apartment). That's your Eigentumswohnung.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Caution: An Eigenheim (own home) can be an Eigentumswohnung, but also a detached house (Einfamilienhaus). The term is more general.

😄 A Little Joke

DE: Fragt der Immobilienmakler: "Haben Sie spezielle Wünsche für Ihre zukünftige Eigentumswohnung?" Kunde: "Ja, sie sollte möglichst wenig Eigentum von der Bank haben!"

EN: The real estate agent asks: "Do you have any special wishes for your future condominium (Eigentumswohnung)?" Customer: "Yes, it should have as little 'property' belonging to the bank as possible!" (A pun on 'Eigentum' meaning property/ownership).

✍️ The Dream Condo: A Poem

DE:
Vier Wände, Decke, Boden,
nicht gemietet, nicht geliehen,
mein Eigentum, mein kleines Nest,
hält jedem Sturm und Wetter fest.

Die Tür gehört nur mir allein,
hier zieh' ich meine Grenzen ein.
Im Grundbuch steht mein Name klar,
die Eigentumswohnung, wunderbar!

EN:
Four walls, ceiling, floor,
not rented, not borrowed anymore,
my property, my little nest,
withstands each storm and weather test.

The door belongs to me alone,
here I establish my own zone.
In the land register, my name is clear,
die Eigentumswohnung, oh so dear!

❓ Riddle Time

DE:
Ich bin ein Teil von einem Haus,
doch schaust du nur auf mich heraus.
Du zahlst nicht Miete, Monat für Monat,
denn ich gehöre dir als Lohnat... (na ja, fast!).
Im Grundbuch steh' ich, klar und rein,
was kann ich wohl nur sein?

EN:
I am part of a house, you see,
But just my space belongs to thee.
You don't pay rent, month after month it's true,
Because as your reward, I belong to you... (well, almost!).
In the land register, I stand clear and fine,
What could I possibly be? Give me a sign!

Solution: die Eigentumswohnung

💡 Other Interesting Facts

Word Composition:

The word Eigentumswohnung is a compound noun, formed from:

• das Eigentum: property, ownership; the right to dispose freely of a thing.
• -s-: Linking 's', a common connecting element in German compounds.
• die Wohnung: apartment, flat; premises for living.

Abbreviation:

In everyday life, especially in real estate listings or technical discussions, the abbreviation ETW is very commonly used.

Legal Aspect:

In Germany, condominium ownership is regulated by the Condominium Act (Wohnungseigentumsgesetz - WEG), which defines the rights and obligations of the owners among themselves and concerning the common property.