Kostholds

Kostholds are communal housing arrangements found in certain parts of Europe, particularly in Germany, England, and other Northern European countries. The term is believed to have originated from the German word "Kosten," meaning "costs," as in shared living expenses.

In a kosthold, one or more families or individuals share a house and its expenses. This type of arrangement was traditionally practiced by peasants and working-class people who could not afford to buy or rent individual homes. The cost of maintaining the property was split among the residents, who contributed food, fuel, and other essential items.

Kostholds were typically governed by a set of rules and expectations. Residents would contribute according to their means, and tasks such as cleaning, cooking, and childcare were shared among the household members. In return, each person would receive a roof over their head, meals, and sometimes laundry and other household amenities.

Kostholds continued to exist in many European countries well into the 20th century. They often provided a sense of community and support for working-class families, who otherwise risked living on the margins or in poor conditions. Some researchers have noted that kostholds may also have served as a form of short-term accommodation for migrants, travelers, or other transient individuals.

Today, kostholds remain a relatively rare but still relevant form of communal living in some parts of Europe. While many modern communities have adopted more formalized cooperative living arrangements, the basic principle of shared costs and mutual support remains a familiar concept.