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🪟 How to Hang Curtains in Germany (2025 Guide)

Buying curtains in Germany can feel confusing — too many types of rods, clips, hooks, and weird German words like Faltenband or Bohrmaschine.
Here is a simple, clear guide for beginners, plus all the important German vocabulary you will need.

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⭐ 1. Choose Your Curtain System

In Germany you’ll usually find three main systems:

1) Curtain Rod (die Gardinenstange)

• Best for heavier fabric

• Decorative

• Mounted on the wall

• Often used in older buildings or stylish rooms

2) Curtain Rail (die Gardinenschiene)

• Quiet, smooth sliding

• Great for light or medium fabric

• Mounted on the ceiling

• Very common in new apartments (Neubau)

3) Tension Rod / Pressure Rod (die Klemmstange / die Spannstange)

• No drilling required

• Good for rental flats

• Works only in window frames

• Not suitable for heavy curtains

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⭐ 2. Measure Your Window Correctly

Before you buy anything, measure these:

Width (die Breite)

Add 20–30 cm on each side so the curtains cover the light properly.

Height (die Höhe / die Länge der Gardine)

Measure from:

• the curtain rod/rail
  to

• the point where you want the curtains to stop (floor, windowsill, radiator).

German Vocabulary

• das Maßband – measuring tape

• die Breite – width

• die Höhe – height

• die Fensterbank – windowsill

• der Fußboden – floor

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⭐ 3. What You Need to Hang Curtains

Tools (Werkzeuge):

• die Bohrmaschine – drill

• der Bohrer – drill bit

• der Schraubenzieher / Schraubendreher – screwdriver

• die Wasserwaage – spirit level

• der Zollstock – folding ruler

• der Bleistift – pencil

Mounting Parts (Befestigungsteile):

• die Halterung / der Träger – bracket

• die Schrauben – screws

• die Dübel – wall plugs

• die Gardinenstange / Gardinenschiene – rod/rail

• die Ringe / die Haken – rings/hooks

• das Faltenband / Kräuselband – pleat tape

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⭐ 4. Step-by-Step: How to Hang a Curtain Rod (Gardinenstange)

Step 1: Mark the Drilling Points (Bohrpunkte markieren)

• Hold the brackets (Halterungen) above the window.

• Use a Wasserwaage to make sure everything is straight.

• Mark the points with a Bleistift.

Step 2: Drill the Holes (Löcher bohren)

• Choose the correct drill bit for your wall (stone, concrete, drywall).

• Insert Dübel.

Step 3: Attach the Brackets (Halterungen befestigen)

• Use screws (Schrauben) and a screwdriver or drill.

• Check stability.

Step 4: Place the Rod and Hang the Curtains

• Slide rings, clips or hooks on the rod.

• Put the rod on the brackets.

• Adjust the fabric.

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⭐ 5. Step-by-Step: How to Install a Curtain Rail (Gardinenschiene)

Step 1: Measure and mark drill points on the ceiling.

Step 2: Drill holes and insert Dübel.

Step 3: Screw the rail in place.

Step 4: Insert the Gleiter (gliders) and hang the curtain using Haken.

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⭐ 6. Tips for German Apartments

🇩🇪 1. Check if drilling is allowed.
If you rent a furnished apartment or a room, ask your landlord (Vermieter).

🇩🇪 2. Concrete walls are normal in Germany.
You may need a strong drill (Schlagbohrmaschine).

🇩🇪 3. Measure twice. Drill once.
German walls are unforgiving — once you drill, the holes stay.

🇩🇪 4. Use blackout curtains for ground floor apartments.
They are called Verdunkelungsvorhänge.

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⭐ 7. Useful German Vocabulary List (Quick Overview)

Curtains

• die Gardine – curtain

• der Vorhang – heavy curtain

• der Verdunkelungsvorhang – blackout curtain

• das Rollo – roller blind

• das Plissee – pleated blind

Mounting

• die Halterung / der Träger – bracket

• die Gardinenstange – curtain rod

• die Gardinenschiene – curtain rail

• die Dübel – wall plugs

• die Schrauben – screws

• der Bohrer – drill bit

Curtain Accessories

• die Ringe – rings

• die Haken – hooks

• das Faltenband/Kräuselband – pleat tape

• der Gleiter – glider for rails

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🔗 Learn More German Words

To learn more useful German vocabulary for home, shopping, and daily life, visit:
👉 https://konnektoren.help/