What and Who is an Au Pair?

Here is a presentation that was done by Sylvia A. At the Diaspora Day in Berlin which I later requested her to share the the Azubis Day. Hope it gives you enough insight into being an Au Pair in Germany

• living and working in a host family
• learning the language and culture of host family
• extending his/ her own culture to host family
• playing big sister/brother role to host children
• in any case Not a domestic worker

• diverse ways of becoming au pair!
• legally registered agencies
• church organisations
• friends, relatives etc “mouth to mouth propaganda”

• 18-25 years (changed in 2013 to 27, more info here)
• basic knowledge of German language

• online registration (au pair)
• request by host family to the agency
• placement fee by host family
• choice of au pair, filling of forms, health check
• contact between host family and would be au pair
• health insurance, liability insurance, Visa process begins (min 6 wks.)
• visa fee, certificate of good conduct, air ticket (au pair)

• first and foremost “children”
• play “big sister/brother-role” – not any kind of employment
• taking the children to bed and/or waking them up
• preparing or assisting them prepare for day care and/or school
• accompanying them or picking them up from school or day care
• playing with them
• assisting them with homework
• accompanying them for events with or without parents and only if necessary
• assist with light household chores e.g.
• preparing meals, dusting, sweeping, washing, ironing and arranging of laundry.

• family related status to the Au pair
• accommodation to the Au pair (separate room of his/her own)
• appropriate meals
• medical cover, in case of illness, accidents, pregnancy and delivery
• liability insurance, in case of any accidents caused by the Au Pair e. g in a supermarket
• Pocket money (€260,00 which varies from time to time) on either a monthly or weekly basis
• Time and assistance for German language courses
• For the overall wellbeing (physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually) of au pair

• a contract on terms and conditions, read and signed by both parties
• work a maximum of 6 hours a day and 30 hours a week with 1-3 nights of babysitting a wk (unless otherwise agreed)
• a minimum of 260 € (save for variations) should be given to the au pair. extra services equal extra pay (unless otherwise agreed)
• 4 wks of paid leave (pocket money)
• religious needs, cultural events and excursions should be put into consideration
• a passport is a personal belonging, therefore not to be confiscated by anyone.
• unless it is in terms and in agreement with the signed contract, au pairs should Not do heavy garden work, heavy household chores and the likes

• enhances the understanding of other cultures and mentalities
• opportunity to meet people of different cultures and nature
• helps you learn to understand and appreciate your world better and that of others
• chance to create lasting friendships or networks
• empowerment of young people and platform to think of personal future development
• ability to compare and contrast between cultures
• it can be a door opener to other opportunities

• away from home/family/friends for a long time
• possible cultural shock
• lack of awareness can lead to misuse of power
• it can be demoralising especially if one has to work under harsh terms and conditions.
• if not cautiously taken care of, it can lead young people into slavery, forced prostitution, forced labour, forced marriages, drug trafficking.

• travel back home
• studies (minimum c+ kcse)
• ausbildung
• language learning visa
• voluntary service

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