German Phrase
Wann ist die Wohnung frei?
Meaning
A direct way to ask a landlord or flat‑share partner when the apartment will become vacant or available for rent. It literally translates to “When is the apartment free?” but the intended meaning is “When will the apartment be available?”.
When to use
Use this question when you are looking for a new place to rent, contacting a real‑estate agency, or speaking with a current tenant about moving dates. It works in both formal (Sie) and informal (du) contexts, though you’ll usually keep the rest of the conversation polite and professional.
✦Grammar Breakdown
WannistdieWohnungfrei?
Wann (question word)
Used to ask about time; it does not change with case or gender.
ist (sein, 3rd pers. sg.)
The present‑tense form of the verb "sein" that agrees with a singular subject.
die (definite article, nominative feminine)
Marks the noun "Wohnung" as singular, feminine, and in the nominative case.
Wohnung (noun, feminine)
Means "apartment" or "flat"; the subject of the sentence.
frei (adjective)
When used with "sein", it means "available" or "vacant".
🗨In Conversation
Wann ist die Wohnung frei?
When will the apartment be available?
Sie ist ab dem 1. Mai frei.
It will be free from May 1st.
✕Common Mistakes
Wann sind die Wohnung frei?
The subject "die Wohnung" is singular, so the verb must be "ist", not "sind".
Wann ist die Wohnung kostenlos?
Do not translate "free" as in "cost‑free"; here it means "available". Using "kostenlos" would be wrong.
Wann ist Wohnung frei?
If you drop the article, the sentence sounds incomplete in standard German.
↔Alternatives
Ab wann ist die Wohnung verfügbar?
From when is the apartment available?
Ab wann kann ich einziehen?
From when can I move in?
Ist die Wohnung noch zu vermieten?
Is the apartment still for rent?
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries the rental market is highly regulated. When you ask about availability, landlords often expect you to also ask about the "Kaltmiete" (cold rent) and any additional costs (Nebenkosten). Using the formal "Sie" is safest unless the landlord invites you to use "du". Also, note that "frei" can refer to a vacant room in a shared flat as well as a whole apartment.