WG is an abbreviation for Wohngemeinschaft (shared apartment). Harry visits one in Berlin. Sharing apartments is typical among young people, especially in big cities. They move in together to save money, in many instances without knowing one another beforehand. Each person usually has their own bedroom. They share the kitchen and bathroom – and the housework. Sometimes they also split the costs of food. If all goes smoothly, WG living has great appeal. Roommates sometimes eat meals together, throw parties, go out together or have discussions – and sometimes arguments. Varying ideals of cleanliness can lead to conflicts. A messy bathroom or poorly cleaned coffee cups can even cause a major WG crisis.

Since their emergence in the 1960s, WGs have established themselves not only as a form of sharing dwelling space but as a way of life. Nowadays, the adventure of living together has found appeal beyond the student community. There is an increasing number of intergenerational projects and shared apartments for senior citizens or people living together without having stereotypical family ties and arrangements.