German Phrase
Wann kriege ich meine Kaution zurück?
Meaning
You are asking the landlord or property manager when you will receive the security deposit you paid at the start of the tenancy. It implies you have already moved out and are waiting for the money.
When to use
Use this sentence after you have handed over the keys of a rented apartment or house and want to know the expected date of the deposit’s return. It is common in informal spoken German, especially when speaking with the landlord, a property manager, or a fellow tenant.
✦Grammar Breakdown
WannkriegeichmeineKautionzurück?
Wann (interrogative adverb)
‘Wann’ asks about time and is placed at the beginning of a yes‑no or wh‑question.
Verb‑second (V2) word order
In main clauses the finite verb (kriege) must be the second element, right after ‘Wann’.
Kriegen vs. bekommen
‘Kriegen’ is colloquial for ‘to get/receive’; it works in spoken German but ‘bekommen’ is more neutral.
Possessive adjective
‘meine’ agrees in gender, number and case with the noun ‘Kaution’ (feminine accusative).
Zurück as a particle
‘zurück’ is an adverbial particle meaning ‘back’; it follows the object in this construction.
🗨In Conversation
Wann kriege ich meine Kaution zurück?
When will I get my deposit back?
Wir prüfen die Wohnung noch und überweisen das Geld innerhalb von vier Wochen.
We’re still inspecting the flat and will transfer the money within four weeks.
✕Common Mistakes
Wann kriege ich zurück meine Kaution?
‘Zurück’ must follow the object; the correct order is ‘meine Kaution zurück’.
Ich wann kriege meine Kaution zurück?
German main clauses require verb‑second order; the verb cannot come after the subject when ‘wann’ is first.
Ich kriege meine Kaution zurück wann?
The time question word stays at the front; placing ‘wann’ at the end turns the sentence into a statement.
↔Alternatives
Wann bekomme ich meine Kaution zurück?
When will I receive my deposit back?
Wie lange dauert es, bis ich meine Kaution zurückerhalte?
How long does it take until I receive my deposit?
Können Sie mir sagen, wann die Kaution zurückgezahlt wird?
Can you tell me when the deposit will be repaid?
Cultural Tip
In Germany the security deposit (Kaution) is usually up to three months’ cold rent. By law the landlord must return it after the tenancy ends, minus any justified deductions for damages. Most landlords aim to settle the refund within 4–6 weeks, but it can take longer if the property is being inspected or if the tenant’s bank details need verification. Asking politely, as in the example sentence, is the standard way to initiate the process.