… Before You Go to a WG Casting (Berlin Kiez Edition)

So you’ve been invited to a WG casting. Congratulations! This means at least one person opened your message, didn’t immediately hate your vibes, and believes you might be capable of coexisting with other humans. 

But in Berlin, a WG casting isn’t just about whether you’re clean or employed. It’s also about fit. And that fit depends on the Kiez, a lot.

Here’s what you should emotionally, mentally, and spiritually prepare for – based on where the WG is located.

Kreuzberg: Prepare Your Political Opinions (All of them)

1. You will be asked what you do for work – but only after being asked how you feel about gentrification.
2. Someone will casually mention a protest, and you are expected to nod knowingly.
3. The kitchen contains at least one jar of fermented something. Do not ask what it is.
4. Shoes are not worn inside, but rules about cleaning are… flexible.
5. Dinner may turn into a three-hour conversation about capitalism. Eat beforehand.

Survival tip: Bring wine. Say “community is important to me.” Do not suggest ordering take-out.

Neukölln: Prepare to Compete With 12 Other Cool People

1. Everyone has a creative project. None of them are fully explained.
2. The casting starts late because someone “just ran into a friend.”
3. You will be asked what your vibe is, not what your job is.
4. The flat looks chaotic but costs more than your first car.
5. Someone is barefoot. It’s not you.

Survival tip: Mention you like quiet nights and spontaneous dancing. Balance is key.

Friedrichshain: Prepare for Soft Chaos

1. The living room doubles as a pre-drinks location.
2. Someone says they’re “over partying” while wearing last night’s eyeliner.
3. Music volume is, let’s say, “discussed” but never actually lowered.
4. The fridge contains five different plant milks, all half-empty.
5. You will be invited to something at 1 a.m. This is a test.

Survival tip: Laugh at party stories, but say you also value sleep. They will respect you (eventually).

Prenzlauer Berg: Prepare to Be Judged Silently

1. The flat is very clean. Suspiciously clean.
2. Everyone smiles politely while scanning you for red flags.
3. There is a printed cleaning schedule. Laminated.
4. Noise sensitivity is mentioned early.
5. Someone asks how you feel about “communication.”

Survival tip: Say you love routines, fresh air, and calm mornings. Hide your chaos.

Mitte: Prepare for Efficiency

1. The casting has a clear start and end time.
2. Rent is high, but so are expectations.
3. Someone works in consulting, tech, or “strategy.”
4. Bills are already split via an app you’ve never heard of.
5. The vibe is friendly, but professional.

Survival tip: Be on time. Be normal. Compliment the furniture (but not too much).

Wedding: Prepare for Zero Performance

1. The flat is bigger than expected.
2. No one is trying to impress anyone.
3. Tea is offered. Maybe soup.
4. The rent is suspiciously low. Don’t ask questions.
5. The casting feels like hanging out – and that’s the point.

Survival tip: Be yourself. Truly. Wedding can tell if you’re pretending.

Moabit: Prepare for Calm Intelligence

1. The WG is quiet. Not awkward – just peaceful.
2. Someone reads. For fun.
3. Conversations are thoughtful, not loud.
4. You’re asked practical questions about routines.
5. The location will be defended passionately if questioned.

Survival tip: Show reliability. Mention libraries or long walks.

Charlottenburg: Prepare for Domestic Expectations

1. The flat feels like an adult lives there. Because they do.
2. Someone cares deeply about the dishwasher.
3. Silence after 10 p.m. is assumed, not negotiated.
4. The couch is decorative and functional.
5. You may be asked how long you plan to stay in Berlin. This is serious.

Survival tip: Compliment the coffee setup. Close doors gently.

Tempelhof: Prepare for Practical Coolness

1. The flat has space. Actual space.
2. Someone owns tools. Real ones.
3. Plans are made in advance, and followed.
4. The vibe is relaxed but competent.
5. Snacks appear when needed.

Survival tip: Mention you appreciate balance, sunlight, and functioning appliances.

A WG casting in Berlin isn’t just about whether you’ll clean the bathroom.
It’s about whether your energy matches the Kiez. 

Know the neighborhood. Adjust your expectations. And remember:
If a WG says “we’re like a family,” ask follow-up questions.

And if you’re tired of decoding vibes, guessing expectations, and losing flats to someone named Luca who “just felt more right”: well, that’s kind of why heyroom exists.