For Host Families in Germany

How to find the right au pair for your family

Finding an au pair is not just about availability. The best match depends on childcare experience, language skills, daily routine compatibility, and open communication before deciding.

What makes a successful au pair match?

✓Proven childcare experience for your child's age
✓Matching start date & length of stay availability
✓Clear expectations on weekly hours and duties
✓Good language understanding & communication fit
✓Mutual trust & shared household values

Where can host families find an au pair?

Families can search for an au pair through matching platforms, traditional agencies, or personal recommendations. The key is carefully comparing expectations before making a decision.

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Auost Matching Platform

Compare verified profiles, filter by language, childcare experience, availability dates, and matching percentage score directly.

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Au Pair Agencies

Traditional agencies provide full agency support, though often with higher placement fees and fixed processing timelines.

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Personal Recommendations

Personal network referrals can work well, but host families should still verify official documents, visa status, and contracts.

How the au pair search process works

Follow these 5 proven steps to ensure a smooth, secure matching process for your host family.

1

Create your host family profile

Describe your children, location, daily routine, accommodation, start date, and what you expect from your au pair.

2

Search & compare compatible candidates

Look beyond nationality. Focus on practical childcare experience, language level, driving skills, and matching criteria.

3

Start direct communication & video calls

Use messaging and video calls to get to know candidates personally and ensure clear, open communication.

4

Clarify contract, pocket money & duties

Discuss working hours (max 30h/week in Germany), pocket money (€280/mo), private room, language course, and insurance.

5

Finalize the match & prepare for arrival

Sign the official RAL au pair contract, assist with visa application if required, and welcome your au pair to Germany !

What key criteria should families compare?

A great au pair should fit the real daily flow of your household. Pay close attention to these 6 factors:

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Childcare Experience

Has the candidate cared for children of similar ages (toddlers, school-age) or handled multi-child routines?

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Availability & Duration

Does the candidate’s desired start month and planned stay (6 to 12 months) align with your family schedule?

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Language Level

Can the candidate communicate adequately in German or English for safety, emergency situations, and daily tasks?

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Driving & Mobility

If school runs require driving, verify driving license validity and real driving confidence in traffic.

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Daily Routine & Habits

Compare expectations regarding morning routines, meal times, evenings, weekend activities, and personal quiet time.

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Personality & Expectations

Ensure mutual alignment on household rules, privacy, family integration, and social independence.

Explore essential host family guides on Auost

Get detailed answers on hosting conditions, pocket money, insurance requirements, and visa regulations:

Host Family Requirements

Check family eligibility criteria, room requirements, and hosting rules in Germany.

View Requirements →

Au Pair Cost Hub

Calculate monthly costs (€280 pocket money + €70 language subsidy + insurance).

Calculate Costs →

Au Pair Visa Guide

Step-by-step visa process, Embassy requirements, and residence permit details.

Visa Guide →

Au Pair Insurance

Learn about host family health, liability, and accident insurance obligations.

Insurance Guide →

Take your time before making a final decision

A successful au pair stay relies on mutual trust, realistic expectations, and transparent communication between host families and candidates.

  • Conduct at least 2 video calls before confirming
  • Review a sample weekly schedule together
  • Confirm exact tasks and free time expectations
  • Verify official identification & reference documents

Ready to find your ideal au pair?

Join hundreds of host families using Auost to find, compare, and connect with verified au pairs from around the world.

🚀 Start Matching Au Pairs Now