All you want to know about being an Aupair in Germany
What does Aupair mean?
The term "au pair" comes from the French and means "mutual". Aupairs come to a foreign country to improve their language skills and to get to know the country and its people. As a "temporary family member", the Aupair lives with his or her host family, which gives them a different approach to a country. In return for helping with childcare and daily household chores, the host family provides the Aupair with room, board and a small amount of pocket money.
It is important to note that Aupairs are not domestic workers. Therefore, except for rare individual cases, Aupairs are not trained educators. Nevertheless, it makes sense to have experience in childcare and to be willing to participate in the family life of a foreign host family. Especially when dealing with babies and small children, it is important that the Aupair already has experience.
What are the tasks and duties of an Aupair?
The daily tasks of an Aupair can vary greatly depending on the host family. They depend entirely on the character and lifestyle of the family that has taken in the Aupair.
The daily routine of an Aupair includes i.e.
Light housework, i.e. helping to keep the house clean and tidy.
Preparing breakfast and simple meals
Accompanying the children on their way to kindergarten or school
Going for walks with the children or playing with them.
Doing homework with the children
Prepare dinner and eat together with the family.
To take care of pets if necessary
Important: The Aupair is not a cleaning lady!
What does the Aupair get for his or her work? What are the rights of the Aupair?
The Aupair receives a monthly pocket money of 280 Euros.
The Aupair receives a language course allowance of 70 Euros per month. Necessary travel costs for participation in the nearest German language course suitable for the Aupair must be paid additionally by the host family.
The Aupair receives a paid holiday of 4 weeks. If the Aupair period lasts less than 12 months, he/she receives a paid holiday entitlement of 2 working days for each full month.
The Aupair may not perform household duties (including watching minor children) for over six hours daily or over 30 hours per week. This limit may only be exceeded on certain occasions by prior agreement. Overtime hours must be compensated with time off.
The Aupair must have at least one and a half full days off per week (not necessarily on the weekend, although at least one Sunday per month must be free). In addition, they must be granted at least four free evenings per week.
The host family insures the Aupair against illness and accident.
Please find additional information in this official brochure (click on it to download)
Who can become an Aupair?
The Aupair must be between 18 - 26 years old. When applying for a visa, the Aupair must not be older than 26 years.
The Aupair must not have children of his/her own.
The Aupair must have a good basic knowledge of the German language. At least the language certificate A1 is required. We recommend to acquire even more language skills in order to facilitate communication with the host family and the children.
The Aupair needs to be in good health to work with children. This should be proven by a medical certificate not older than 3 months.
The Aupair must be willing to pay the travel expenses to Germany.
The Aupair should be willing to adjust to the host family and to participate in the family life.
What can the Aupair do in case of an emergency?
We as your agency in Germany are available 24/7 for the Aupair via our emergency hotline at +49 151 51 926 797.
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