German term (edited): Wohnfl�chenvermessungen

If you pay per square metre, as most flat tenants do in Germany, you need to know exactly what your flat measures....

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Note added at 13 mins (2005-02-21 17:42:51 GMT)
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Of course, it\'s not restricted to flats by any means!

German term (edited): Wohnfl�chenvermessungen

oder "floor area"

German term (edited): Wohnfl�chenvermessungen

Legally, the price paid for a living unit, whether rented or sold, is always related to the square footage involved, so this is an important factor. 'Wohnfläche' is calculated by first totalling the lengths and widths of all inside walls and partitions in a dwelling (ignore doorways) and subtracting this figure from the total area inside all the exterior walls (one or more levels) of that dwelling. After subtracting, the area left over is the dwelling's 'Wohnfläche'. The distinction between 'living space' and 'surrounding areas' in German depends on the structure of the building. In English it's more likely to depend on the way the space is used. Garages, balconies and terraces don't count; porches do; basements and attics do or don't, depending on the building permit. Thus if you were to say 'living space' the English-speaking reader might expect more than the German word implies. That's why I think the meaning should be spelled out, to help avoid misunderstandings.