German Phrase
Referenzen von früheren Vermietern.
Meaning
The phrase means ‘references from previous landlords.’ It is typically used when a prospective tenant is asked to provide proof of good rental history, such as contact details of former landlords who can vouch for their reliability.
When to use
Use this phrase in rental applications, during conversations with real‑estate agents, or when filling out online housing portals in German‑speaking countries. It signals that you are ready to supply the landlord with credible references from your past rentals.
✦Grammar Breakdown
ReferenzenvonfrüherenVermietern
Referenzen (noun, plural)
‘Referenzen’ is a plural noun meaning ‘references’; it takes the plural ending -en in the nominative and accusative.
von (preposition)
‘von’ is a preposition that always governs the dative case, indicating ‘from’ or ‘of’.
früheren (adjective, weak declension)
After ‘von’, adjectives take the weak dative ending –en, so ‘früher’ becomes ‘früheren’.
Vermietern (noun, dative plural)
‘Vermieter’ (landlord) in the dative plural adds –n, becoming ‘Vermietern’, required by the preposition ‘von’.
🗨In Conversation
Können Sie mir Referenzen von früheren Vermietern geben?
Can you give me references from previous landlords?
Ja, hier sind die Kontaktdaten meiner letzten Vermieter.
Yes, here are the contact details of my last landlords.
✕Common Mistakes
Referenzen von früher Vermietern.
‘früher’ is an adverb meaning ‘earlier’; the adjective must be declined to ‘früheren’ after the preposition ‘von’.
Referenzen von früheren Vermieter.
After ‘von’, the noun must be in the dative plural ‘Vermietern’, not the nominative/accusative ‘Vermieter’.
Referenzen früheren Vermietern.
Omitting the preposition changes the meaning; you need ‘von’ to indicate ‘from’.
↔Alternatives
Vermieterreferenzen
Landlord references
Nachweise früherer Vermieter
Proofs from former landlords
Empfehlungen von vorherigen Vermietern
Recommendations from previous landlords
Cultural Tip
In Germany, it is common for landlords to request a ‘Vermieterbescheinigung’ (landlord certificate) or direct contact details of former landlords. Providing these references promptly can greatly improve your chances of securing a new apartment, as German landlords place high value on a tenant’s rental track record.