Morning course, free afternoon
A common choice: intensive German from 9:00 to 12:30, then childcare in the afternoon. It keeps evenings free for the family and for homework.
Language classes · Germany · German
German classes for au pairs in Germany
A German course is part of the au pair year — and the host family contributes to it. Here is how the course, the childcare timetable and the visa rules fit together, with one verified school in Münster.
Why the course is part of the au pair agreement
In Germany, the au pair arrangement is built around two things at once: childcare and a language course. The host family does not simply “allow” the course — it contributes at least €840 over the stay and pays the necessary travel costs to the nearest suitable course.
The practical question is therefore not “can I take a course?” but “which timetable fits the family?”. A morning course that ends around 12:30 leaves the afternoon for childcare; an evening course leaves the day free. Class time is never counted as childcare time.
Fitting a course around childcare
There is no single legal timetable. Host families and au pairs agree on one, within the limits below.
Evening course, free daytime
Useful when the family needs help during the day. The family must still respect the daily and weekly limits on childcare and household tasks.
Intensive block before or after
Some au pairs take a short intensive course at the start. What matters is that the plan is written into the agreement and agreed with the family.
Reference point, not a legal quota: “25–30 hours a week” is often quoted for childcare. The binding rule is 6 hours a day and 30 hours a week maximum, with class time treated separately.
A verified German school
We only list schools whose programme, timetable and prices we have checked. Each card opens the full, sourced partner page.
KAPITO Sprachschule
- 9:00 → 12:30 · Classes in the morning
- 20 · Lessons per week
- from €160 · Per week from week 24
KAPITO Sprachschule teaches German in the centre of Münster, Germany’s cycling capital and a city known for its clear standard German. The morning course ends at 12:30: you learn, and you are still there for the children in the afternoon.
See the full school pageThe “Recommended Partner” label describes a partnership with AuPair Connect, not an official certification or state accreditation. Prices are set by the school and may change.
Legal notice and childcare compatibility
Legal notice and childcare compatibility
- Language course: The host family contributes to a language course actually attended, with at least €840 in total (usually €70 per month over 12 months) and pays the necessary travel costs to the nearest suitable course (Bundesagentur für Arbeit, “Au-pairs in German families”, April 2023).
- Working time: Childcare and household tasks may not exceed 6 hours a day and 30 hours a week. Class time is not childcare time: the timetable must be agreed with the host family. “25–30 hours a week” is a guide, not a legal quota.
- Visa: German missions generally require German at A1 level for the au pair visa; a certificate (e.g. Goethe or telc) may be requested, while some missions assess the level at interview. A course alone does not create a right to a visa; the mission decides.
- Transparency: Prices and course conditions are set by the school and may change. A “Recommended Partner” label means a partnership with AuPair Connect, not an official certification or state accreditation. AuPair Connect adds no extra fee; enrolment is directly with the school.
AuPair Connect cannot be held liable for legislative changes after the verification date or for the interpretation of the texts cited.
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
Does the host family pay for the German course?
The family contributes at least €840 in total, usually about €70 per month over 12 months, and pays the necessary travel costs to the nearest suitable course. This comes from the Bundesagentur für Arbeit guidance, not from AuPair Connect.
Can I take a morning course and look after the children in the afternoon?
Yes, that is a common arrangement. Class time is not childcare time, so the timetable must be agreed with the family. Childcare and household tasks may not exceed 6 hours a day and 30 hours a week.
Do I need A1 German for the visa?
German missions generally require A1 for the au pair visa; a Goethe or telc certificate may be requested, while some missions assess the level at interview. A course alone does not create a right to a visa — the mission decides.