Au Pair Programme Germany

 

Contract

For you safety, you should sign a contract with your host family. Here you can find the official contract complying with the European Agreement in German and English.

Please note: The Employment Office (Agentur für Arbeit) acknowledges au pair contracts signed for a 6-month placement. If you are non EU citizen, you may work as an au pair in Germany for 12 months at most.

If you have already worked as an au pair in Germany, you may not be an au pair again, regardless of the length of your previous au pair placement.

You can find more information on this topic on the page: Don't forget: contract, insurance & Co.

Duties

Your main responsibility is to look after the children. Besides, helping with light housework is part of your duties. Our tip: talk to your host family in advance about your exact duties. It is recommended to make a note of these duties in the contract before signing it.

Pocket Money

In Germany, an au pair receives a monthly pocket money of 260 euros. You receive this amount regardless of your working hours. You are also entitled to receiving your pocket money during your holiday and in case of illness.

Board and Lodging

The host family must offer free board and lodging to the au pair. An au pair must always be given an individual room at the family's home. This room must have a window and be 8 square metres large. It should also be lockable and heatable.

As an au pair, you take part in the daily life of the family. You will eat your meals together. You are also entitled to free board and lodging in case of illness and during your holiday.

Working Hours

You can arrange your time for doing the household chores according to the families habits and needs. You should not work more than 6 hours a day and 30 hours a week, including babysitting.

Time Off

You are entitled to at least one day off per week. Once a month, this day should be a Sunday. Your host family should make sure that you get at least 4 free evenings per week.

Holiday

According to the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit), an au pair is entitled to a 4 week paid holiday, provided that the au pair stays with his/her host family for a whole year. Should the family go on a holiday, they usually take their au pair with them. During this time, you take on your regular duties by looking after the children.

Accompanying your host family on their holiday does not count as an au pair holiday, unless your duties are minor and you are not obliged to be available. In this case, it is considered as a holiday for you, as well. Not accompanying your host family on their holiday, does not entitle you to work for a different family during this time.

Language Course

Your host family should offer you the possibility to attend a German language course during your free time. The same applies to cultural activities. It is common that the au pair pays the language course fee by himself/herself.

Travel Cost

Normally, you bear the travel costs to your host country and back home by yourself.

Contract Termination

According to the Federal Employment Agency, the contract ends with the end of the period agreed upon. Should the contract be terminated before this period, a notice period of 2 weeks should be provided. The contract should be terminated in written form.

Here is what you should do after cancelling your contract; stay with your current host family until you find another host family. Ideally, your host family will help you in your search. In exchange, you can help them find a new au pair. In case of serious circumstances, the contract can be terminated with immediate effect.

Information from the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit):

• for au pairs (PDF)

More Information about host country Germany

• Quick Check for au pairs
• How do I get to Germany? (as an EU citizen, as a non-EU citizen)
• Don't forget: contract, insurance & Co.
   

More information for host families in Germany

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[Last Update: June 2011]