Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

---

One of the first things Americans notice in Germany is that elevator floor numbers are different than in the U.S.

- KG (Kellergeschoss) = Basement level (Keller = basement/cellar)

- EG (Erdgeschoss) = Ground floor (Erde = earth/ground)

- 1. OG (1. Obergeschoss) = First floor above ground (Ober = upper)

- 2. OG (2. Obergeschoss) = Second floor above ground

- 3. OG, 4. OG, etc. = Continue upward in the same pattern

A simple trick:
Erd = Earth
Keller = Basement
Ober = Upper

So when you enter a building, you’re usually on EG (ground level), not the 1st floor. That’s why the German 1. OG is equivalent to the American 2nd floor.

PCSing to Germany? See my related video for my free checklist 🫡📋