German Phrase
Was steht im Mietvertrag?
Meaning
Literally, 'What stands in the lease agreement?' In everyday German it means 'What does the lease say?' – a request for the specific clauses or information contained in a rental contract.
When to use
Use this question when you are reviewing a rental contract, discussing terms with a landlord, a flat‑mate, or a friend who is moving in, and you need clarification about rights, obligations, or any specific clause.
✦Grammar Breakdown
WasstehtimMietvertrag?
Was (interrogative pronoun)
Used to ask 'what' in a question; it does not change form for case.
steht (verb stehen)
Third‑person singular present of 'stehen' used idiomatically to mean 'to state' or 'to say' in written documents.
im (in dem)
Contraction of the preposition 'in' + dative article 'dem', indicating location inside something (here, inside the contract).
Mietvertrag (noun)
Masculine noun meaning 'rental/lease agreement'; takes the dative case after 'in dem' (im).
🗨In Conversation
Was steht im Mietvertrag?
What does the lease say?
Es steht, dass die Kaution drei Monatsmieten beträgt und dass Haustiere nicht erlaubt sind.
It says that the deposit is three months' rent and that pets are not allowed.
✕Common Mistakes
Was ist im Mietvertrag?
Using 'ist' (was ist im Mietvertrag?) asks what 'is' in the contract, not what it 'states' or 'contains'. The idiomatic verb is 'stehen'.
Was steht im dem Mietvertrag?
The preposition 'in' + dative article contracts to 'im'. Writing 'im dem' is redundant.
Was steht im Mietverträge?
The singular 'Mietvertrag' is needed because you refer to one specific contract.
↔Alternatives
Was steht im Mietvertrag geschrieben?
What is written in the lease?
Was steht im Mietvertrag genau?
What exactly does the lease say?
Was steht im Mietvertrag da?
What does the lease say (there)?
Cultural Tip
In Germany the rental market is highly regulated, and tenants are expected to read the Mietvertrag carefully before signing. Asking 'Was steht im Mietvertrag?' shows diligence and is considered a normal part of the negotiation process. Be aware that many contracts contain clauses about subletting, termination periods, and the condition of the apartment – all of which are common discussion points.