Discover the perfect au pair from Germany

Hosting an au pair from Germany is about more than just childcare—it’s about building meaningful connections across cultures. Whether it’s sharing childhood traditions like the Schultüte on the first day of school, cheering on their favorite soccer team, trying new German foods, or introducing your kids to the German language, welcoming a German au pair into your home will help your children see the world from a new perspective.

Get started

Search now

Find a German au pair in the USA

Find an au pair

Why choose a German au pair?

Many families who welcome German au pairs start their search in our host family app—where you can browse profiles and connect with someone who’s the right fit for your family.

Au pairs from Germany are known for their strong family values and a culture that values responsibility and togetherness. Their adaptability, positive attitude, and reliability—along with a reputation for timeliness and safe driving—make them a natural fit for families seeking dependable, flexible, and caring support.

How our au pair program works

Matching process & local support

We'll help you find an au pair from Germany who is a strong match in terms of personality, values, and parenting style. With guidance from our team during the matching process—and yearlong support from a local coordinator in your community—you’ll have expert help every step of the way.

Visa requirements & legal considerations

German au pairs travel to the U.S. on a J-1 cultural exchange visa. These legal au pair visas for Germans are issued by the U.S. Department of State which also regulates the program. Cultural Care is a designated sponsor of this program and is responsible for ensuring compliance with all federal regulations.

Understanding the program costs

Hosting an au pair through Cultural Care is a cost-effective alternative to daycare or nanny care—especially for those with multiple kids. The cost of a German au pair starts around $1,755/month. You're also expected to provide a weekly stipend, meals, and up to $500 toward your au pair’s educational requirement.

Create your account

The unique benefits of hosting a German au pair

Help your children learn German

While they're conversationally fluent in English, German-speaking au pairs love to share their native language—giving your children the chance to experience language-learning through daily conversation, songs, and play.

Celebrating German traditions in your home

Your au pair from Germany will bring rich traditions into your home. Hosting means sharing everything from hearty foods like bratwurst and schnitzel to celebrations rooted in community and connection.

Tailored support for your family’s needs

Our German au pair program provides care that fits into your family’s schedule and lifestyle—think help with school drop-offs and pick-ups, bedtime routines, weekend and date-night coverage, and everything in between.

How we support host families and German au pairs

Preparation and training

Our team provides pre-arrival guidance and comprehensive training for both au pairs and host families, so everyone feels prepared and confident from day one.

Local support during the year

With the arrival of your German au pair to the USA, you'll benefit from ongoing check-ins, 24/7 emergency support, and a dedicated local coordinator in your community.

Online and in-person events

Cultural Care hosts 365+ online and in-person support sessions and recreational activities, all of which program participants can access through the app.

Become a host family

Success story: How one German au pair became a part of the family

“I genuinely feel like Leoni was a missing part of our family.

She manages the boys' schedules, comes up with daily activities, and takes care of them like they are her little brothers. I never have to worry about the boys when they are with Leoni. Plus, as a German-speaking au pair, the boys are enjoying learning a new language and discovering German culture!”

Kristin, host mom to German au pair Leoni

FAQs about German au pairs

What are the requirements to become a German au pair?

To become a German au pair in America, Cultural Care has many requirements.

Candidates must:

Be between the ages of 18 and 26
Have completed secondary school or the equivalent education
Have at least 200 hours of childcare experience
Commit to 12 months in the USA with their American host family
Have a valid driver's license

As part of their application, au pairs must submit a doctor-issued health certificate and complete a criminal background check. Au pairs must also be willing to embrace the spirit of the au pair program, meaning they’re ready and excited to share their culture, learn about the U.S. and be part of a mutually beneficial relationship with an American family.

How long can German au pairs in the USA stay?

German au pairs commit to staying with their host families in the U.S. for at least one year, and they arrive with a legal J-1 visa allowing them to do so. Towards the end of their first year, au pairs can choose to extend their time with their current family or with a new one for an additional 6, 9, or 12 months. They must complete their Education Requirement and be in good standing with the program in order to extend.

What are the working hours and responsibilities of German au pairs in the USA?

German au pairs in the USA can provide childcare for up to 45 hours a week (up to 10 hours in a day), and their schedule can vary based on your family's specific needs.

During their on-duty time, German au pairs can provide one-on-one care and help with other tasks related to the kids, including their laundry, meal prep, and light household chores. They can also drive children to and from school, appointments, and activities and teach them their native German language.

What kind of training do German au pairs receive before arriving?

Participants complete a three-part training program to prepare them for life as a German au pair in the USA. First, they work through self-paced online modules to build foundational knowledge. Next, they attend Cultural Care’s Au Pair Training School—a 32-hour, online orientation covering child development, safety, First Aid, and CPR. Finally, they participate in pre-departure workshops in their home countries to better understand American family life, cultural expectations, and how to succeed in their new role.

How does the matching process work for German au pairs and host families?

The Cultural Care app makes matching with German au pairs easy! After signing up and creating your profile, you’ll be able to search for au pairs in the app and use our filters to find candidates from Germany. You can favorite the candidates you like best and start a chat or video call right through the app. Once you find a great match, you'll extend an offer to join your family. (Au pairs can initiate a match, too.) If you have questions or need help along the way, our team of Matching Specialists is available throughout your search.

What happens if the match between a host family and an au pair isn’t working out?

As one of the country's top-rated au pair programs, we're here to help if challenges arise. If either the host family or au pair feels the match isn’t a good fit, our office staff and your local consultant will step in to provide guidance and support. In some cases, concerns can be resolved through communication and coaching. If not, we’ll work with both parties to find a new match—ensuring the transition is smooth and respectful for everyone involved.

More FAQs