GUIDELINE FOR AFRICANS APPLYING TO BE AUPAIRS IN GERMANY

Introduction

Au pairs are young individuals, typically between the ages of 18 and 30, who come from foreign countries to live with a host family in another country and provide childcare services in exchange for room, board, and a cultural exchange experience.

Au pairs usually stay with their host families for a specified period, often six months to a year, and they may take care of children, help with light housework, and participate in family activities. In return, they receive room and board, a small stipend or allowance, and the opportunity to immerse themselves in a new culture and language.

This arrangement enables them to enhance their language proficiency and broaden their general education by becoming more acquainted with the host country.

The Council of Europe enacted the “European convention on hiring au pairs” in 1969, which establishes framework rules for living and working conditions, language instruction, social services, and the rights and responsibilities of the au pair and the host family.

Although this convention has not been ratified by the Federal Republic of Germany, the essential criteria of the convention are still regarded as applicable within the country. The subsequent document will discuss these criteria in more detail.

What does an Aupair do?

  1. Childcare:

    • Supervising and caring for the host family’s children, ensuring their safety and well-being.
    • Engaging in age-appropriate activities with the children, such as playing games, reading stories, or assisting with homework.
    • Preparing and serving meals and snacks for the children.
    • Bathing, dressing, and putting the children to bed when necessary.
    • Taking the children to and from school, extracurricular activities, and appointments.

  2. Light Housework:

    • Tidying up the children’s living spaces, such as their bedrooms and play areas.
    • Doing the children’s laundry.
    • Preparing simple meals or snacks for the children.
    • Cleaning up after meals and ensuring the kitchen and dining areas are tidy.
    • Depending on the specific arrangement with the host family, an au pair may also help with other light household chores.

  3. Cultural Exchange:

    • Engaging in cultural exchange activities with the host family, sharing aspects of their own culture, language, and traditions.
    • Learning about the host country’s culture, language, and customs through interaction with the host family and participation in local activities.

  4. Language Learning:

    • Many au pairs use their time abroad to improve their language skills. They may take language classes or practice speaking with the host family and others in the local community.

  5. Free Time and Personal Activities:

    • Au pairs typically have some free time to explore the host country, participate in cultural activities, and pursue personal interests or hobbies.
    • They may also attend language classes or other educational programs, depending on the arrangement.

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Work and Free time

working hours and free time of an au pair are regulated to ensure that they are not overworked and have sufficient time to pursue personal interests. Typically, an au pair is not expected to perform household duties (including watching minor children) for more than six hours daily or 30 hours per week.

However, in certain circumstances and with prior agreement, the limit may be exceeded. In such cases, the extra hours must be compensated with time off. It is important to note that handling private matters, such as cleaning their own room, is not considered part of the au pair’s housework time.

 
 

Accommodation and Food

The host family must provide the au pair with free housing and meals.

The au pair should have their own room in the family home and take part in common meals, receiving the same food as family members.

If the au pair has any dietary restrictions, they should indicate this in their application.

 

Overall, the regulations aim to ensure that au pairs have a reasonable workload, sufficient time off, and are treated fairly while living and working with their host family.

 
 

Expenses/Travel Expenses

au pair relationship is designed to benefit the au pair by improving their language skills and expanding their knowledge of the host country. As such, the au pair is not considered an employee and does not receive a traditional wage. Instead, the au pair is provided with a monthly allowance known as “spending money.” This amount is fixed at 280 euros per month, regardless of the number of hours worked by the au pair.

In addition to the spending money, the host family is responsible for providing the au pair with free accommodation and meals. However, it’s important to note that the au pair is responsible for their own travel expenses to and from the host country.

When it comes to health and accident insurance, the host family is required to purchase a policy that covers the au pair for sickness, pregnancy and birth, as well as accidents. While liability insurance is not mandatory, it is recommended by many insurance brokers. The host family is responsible for paying all insurance premiums.

 
 

AUPAIR REQUIREMENTS

.1 Age/marital status:

      To become an au pair, the applicant must be at least 18 years old when they join the family, and they must be younger than 27 years of age when they request their residence permit. Au pairs may be married.
 
2 Language abilities:
      It is expected that the au pair will have a basic knowledge of German. Language skills on at least level A1 under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages are expected. This means that the au pair can understand and use familiar, everyday expressions and very simple sentences for the purpose of satisfying concrete needs. They can introduce themselves and others and ask other people questions about themselves, such as where they live, who they know, or what kinds of things they have, and answer questions of this type. The au pair can communicate in a simple manner if their speaking partner speaks slowly and clearly and is willing to help them. The language skills of the au pair must be assessed by the diplomatic mission or foreign services office, and the language test results must be provided to the German Federal Employment Agency along with the approval request.
 

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3 Application:
        The applicant must complete their application documents, including the application letter and CV, carefully and precisely in German, and they should include an attractive application photo (voluntary). Many au pair agencies also require applicants to complete a questionnaire. All the information provided in the application must be truthful.
 
4 Other requirements:
        The au pair must not be related to the host family they will be employed by. Families are defined as married couples of the same or opposite sex as well as unmarried couples with at least one child under 18 years of age living continuously in their household. Single parents with at least one child under 18 years of age living continuously in their household are also considered a family. The definition of family in this sense does not include single persons or couples.
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