Glossary
Teilungserklärung
Declaration of Division. The notarised document splitting a building into condominium units. It defines exactly what you own (Sondereigentum), what's shared (Gemeinschaftseigentum), and your voting/cost shares.
Read it before buying: it fixes your co-ownership share (Miteigentumsanteil, the key to Hausgeld and vote weight), usage rights to gardens/parking/cellars, and any usage restrictions (e.g. commercial use, short-term letting bans).
Discrepancies between the Teilungserklärung's plans and physical reality (converted attics, annexed corridors) are classic legal risk — what's built without being declared isn't legally yours.