Megan is a teacher. The twins Max and Vanessa will soon start first grade. The household is hard to manage, and the rotating babysitters are causing her more and more grief. It can't go on like this! Her husband Peter is already very annoyed and has suggested she cut her working hours. But she doesn't want that, because her independence is very important to her.

A friend recently came up with an idea: "Megan, why don't you look for a suitable au pair!" But how does that work? Finding an au pair is hardly going to be that simple. The internet helps out with lots of information.

Plenty of first-hand reports can be read online. Some are positive and some are just as negative. That helps Megan, because now she knows how she will go about finding an au pair.

Finding an Au Pair and the Requirements for It

There is a lot to keep in mind when you want to find an au pair:

  • Age 17 - 30 from European countries and for EFTA citizens
  • Age 18 - 26 from non-European countries
  • Basic knowledge of the German language is required
  • no children of their own and not married
  • the au pair must be able to afford the length of the stay in Germany

For au pairs from European countries and EFTA citizens there is no time limit. For everyone else there is a time limit of 6 to 12 months.

EFTA citizens are people from the member states Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland.

Once these criteria are met, you can find an au pair.

Finding an Au Pair

Finding an Au Pair Takes a Bit of Luck

The chemistry should be right! Having an au pair in the house ultimately means nothing other than taking in another housemate. Ideally, of course, you have enough space. The au pair is best off living in your home with a separate entrance. With a bathroom of her own. These are of course the conditions both the family and the au pair wish for.

Nobody knows in advance how it will turn out. Will you get along? Will the children accept the new au pair? Because in the end you can't say: "Oh, let's just not do this. Thanks, it was a nice day, but now fly back home!" Taking in an au pair also involves responsibility.

It's give and take. Yet all too often the au pair is exploited as a glorified cleaner. She is supposed to lend a hand in the household and yet is primarily responsible for childcare. Some families see this differently, though. The ideal situation for an au pair is when the housework is additionally handled by a cleaning lady. Because she should take care of the children and also attend a language course.