German Phrase
Was kostet die Miete im Monat?
Meaning
This question asks for the amount of money you have to pay each month for renting a place. It focuses on the price rather than the size or location of the apartment.
When to use
Use this sentence when you are looking at an apartment, a flat‑share, or a house and need to know the monthly rent. It is common in real‑estate viewings, online listings, or when negotiating with a landlord.
✦Grammar Breakdown
WaskostetdieMieteimMonat?
Was (interrogative pronoun)
Used to ask 'what' in a question; it triggers a verb‑first word order.
kosten (verb)
A regular verb meaning 'to cost'. In the 3rd person singular present it becomes 'kostet'.
die Miete (noun, feminine)
The noun for 'rent'. The definite article 'die' marks it as feminine singular in the nominative.
im = in dem (preposition + article)
A contraction of the dative preposition 'in' + definite article 'dem', meaning 'in the' or 'per' when referring to time.
Monat (noun, masculine)
Means 'month'. In the phrase 'im Monat' it is in the dative case because of the preposition 'in'.
Question word order
In German yes‑no and wh‑questions, the finite verb follows the interrogative word directly.
🗨In Conversation
Was kostet die Miete im Monat?
How much is the rent per month?
Die Miete beträgt 800 Euro im Monat, Nebenkosten sind extra.
The rent is 800 euros per month, utilities are extra.
✕Common Mistakes
Was kostet der Miete im Monat?
Miete is feminine, so the correct article is 'die'.
Was kostet die Miete pro Monat?
While 'pro Monat' is understandable, native speakers usually say 'im Monat' or 'monatlich'.
Was kosten die Miete im Monat?
The verb 'kosten' must agree with the subject 'die Miete' (3rd person singular), so 'kostet' is correct; a common error is to use 'kosten' (plural).
↔Alternatives
Wie hoch ist die Miete pro Monat?
What is the monthly rent amount?
Wie viel kostet die Miete monatlich?
How much does the rent cost monthly?
Was zahlt man monatlich für die Miete?
What does one pay monthly for rent?
Cultural Tip
In Germany, rent (Miete) is often quoted as a 'Kaltmiete' (cold rent) which excludes Nebenkosten such as heating, water, and building maintenance. When you ask about the rent, clarify whether you mean the Kaltmiete or the 'Warmmiete' (warm rent) that includes those extra costs. Also, most rental contracts require a security deposit of up to three months' cold rent.