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What does "Au pair" mean in English?

Employment, Miscellaneous • 
Last updated on 14 March 2024

An “Au pair” is a term that originates from French, meaning “on par” or “equal to,” referring to a young person from abroad who lives with a host family and helps with childcare and sometimes light housework, in exchange for room, board, and a cultural exchange experience.

What is “Au pair”?

An Au pair is typically a young individual who stays with a host family, often in a foreign country, to learn the local language and culture while providing childcare services. In Germany, individuals between the ages of 18 and 26 years old can apply for an Au pair visa. Au pairs are quite popular in Germany, with many families welcoming them to assist with children and to bring a cultural exchange element into their homes[1][2][6].

More information about “Au pair”

Au pairs are expected to perform a variety of tasks related to childcare, such as waking the children, preparing meals, and driving them to school or activities. They may also help with light housework related to the children, like laundry and tidying up play areas. The experience is designed to be mutually beneficial, with the Au pair receiving a stipend and the opportunity to learn a new language and culture, while the host family gains valuable childcare assistance and cultural enrichment[3][4][5].

Here are some additional terms that are related to Au pair:

  • Host Family: The family that welcomes an Au pair into their home and provides them with accommodation and a cultural exchange experience.
  • Cultural Exchange: The mutual sharing of culture, language, and customs between the Au pair and the host family.
  • Stipend: A regular allowance given to an Au pair for personal expenses as part of the exchange agreement.
  • Childcare: The primary responsibility of an Au pair, involving the care and supervision of the host family’s children.

Au pairs offer a unique blend of childcare and cultural exchange, making them a valuable addition to many families in Berlin and across Germany[1][2][6].

Sources

[1] https://www.aupair.com/en/p-au-pair-meaning.php [2] https://www.aupair.com/en/p-au-pair-germany.php [3] https://www.aupairinamerica.com/aupairs/responsibilities/ [4] https://www.aupairinamerica.com/benefits/ [5] https://culturalcare.com/what-is-an-au-pair/ [6] https://www.aupairworld.com/en/au-pair-programs/germany [7] https://www.aupair.com/en/p-duties.php [8] https://culturalcare.com/blog/top-5-au-pair-benefits-for-host-families/ [9] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Au_pair [10] https://www.aupair.com/find_family.php?countryQ=76&language=en&quick_search=search [11] https://www.goaupair.com/host-families/au-pair-duties/ [12] https://www.aupair.com/en/p-au-pair-benefits.php [13] https://www.aupairworld.com/en/wiki/definition-au-pair [14] https://www.aupaircare.eu/au-pair-germany [15] https://www.reddit.com/r/Aupairs/comments/yjpfdt/what_are_some_ap_responsibilities/ [16] https://www.reddit.com/r/Aupairs/comments/15ypdu2/what_is_the_benefit_to_host_families/ [17] https://www.aupairusa.org/what-is-an-au-pair/ [18] https://www.nina.care/au-pair/program/germany/ [19] https://www.aupairworld.com/en/wiki/tasks [20] https://www.gooverseas.com/blog/how-to-au-pair-germany [21] https://www.culturalcare.co.uk/being-an-au-pair/duties-responsibilities [22] https://www.euraupair.com/au-pairs-from-germany/ [23] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-au-pairs-responsibilities-oxbridge-academy [24] https://www.aupairworld.com/en/au-pair-programs/germany/general-conditions [25] https://www.au-pair.com/en/become-aupair-hostfamily/au-pair-tasks/