Fremdenzimmer or pensionen is a common type of cheap accommodation in Germany, which offers a modest level of comfort at an affordable rate. They can be compared to bed & breakfast in other countries. A pensionen has a room available if it puts up a sign saying “Zimmer frei”. Hostels are also considered as cheap accommodation in Germany and if you want a very low rate, you should choose shared rooms. There are two flavors exist: independent hostels and youth hostels.
Youth hostels are run by an organization called DJH and there are six hundreds official youth hostels in Germany. To sleep in these places, you are required to apply for a membership to any youth hostel organization belonging to the Hostelling International Network. Registration is easy; you only need to show your identity card and fill out a card.