Many expat families already know the system of au pairs from their home country. Basically, it is the same in Germany.

A young woman or a young man from abroad, between 18 and 26 years old, comes for six to 12 months to live with you, to learn German and to help you with the kids. The basic idea is of give and take and to learn from each other. An au pair gets at least DM 500 pocket money per month for a maximum of 30 work hours per week.

Many German families take au pairs as childminders if the working hours of the host parents are a bit difficult.

Keep in mind: Before you invite an au pair you must check the visa rules with your local Ausländeramt or with an au pair agency. Some may see it as an obstacle that you yourself are a foreigner.

In any case it's important that you feel able to help the au pair experience the local culture and language. The au pair must get a visa and a special au pair permit from the local authorities in Germany. This can take two months or longer.

Where do the au pairs come from?

Sometimes the US, sometimes western Europe, but most from eastern Europe. Many au pairs do this job in an orientation phase before going to university. Others mainly wish to improve their language skills, to travel or get to know new people. In most cases you find an au pair via an agency. This will cost you about DM 500 to DM 1000 commission fee.

How can you find the right au pair?

Have a close look through the files the agency sends you. Then phone two or three of the au pairs. Check if their language skills are sufficient and if you like each other. In the end, let your intuition be your guide. After arrival, allow yourself and the girl/boy at least two weeks to get to know each other before you go back to working fulltime.

What do au pairs need?

It's wise to help them to make friends quickly (language course/ discotheque/ sport). Give them a private phone in their room (and let them pay for the units). Put an extra TV in the room too. Allow him/her to check email on your private computer and make sure you live in a house with at least two bathrooms.

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