Are We Really All One World? Au Pairs and Cultural Differences

Germany

The idea of traveling to the United States to become an au pair is a very familiar concept in Germany. These young women are motivated by several factors including a desire to become more independent, to improve their English skills, and to experience American culture. German youth are fascinated with American music, TV programs, Hollywood stars and movies. In addition, young German women know that a year abroad that improves her English is a significant plus on her resume, greatly increasing her job potential once she returns home. Therefore, the au pair program continues to be a highly popular gap year for young women who usually return to Germany to continue at University. Approximately 37% of all au pairs who arrive in the United States are from Western Europe and 23% of that number are from Germany (although in recent years, that trend seems to be declining).

German Culture

• Young people in Germany have much more freedom from their families to socialize and date compared to their American peers. Socializing with friends is very important and German youth go out to pubs from the early age of 16.


• Curfews are not common and there is generally a relaxed and accepting attitude between parents and their adolescent children. You may want to remember that if you have a German au pair.


• German youth are generally open-minded, well mannered and tend to be ambitious regarding their careers.


• Germans take family life very seriously and most German families eat together for all meals, including lunch. Government rules allow all shops and businesses to close each day for from 12 noon to 2 o’clock so the family can come together for lunch.
  
• Germans are very private people and greatly value their time alone. It would not be unusual for your German au pair to keep her door shut while she is in her room on her time “off” and during these times you should make sure the children are not barging in and bothering her. She may feel this is very rude behavior.
  
  

Childcare

• Discipline includes talking to the child, taking candy or snacks away or not allowing the child to have television or video privileges.


• German au pairs tend to be highly organized and responsible and catch on quickly to the family’s routine.


• Corporal punishment is forbidden in Germany.


• Applicants obtain their childcare experience through formal training (in kindergartens, etc.) and babysitting for friends and family.
  German parents (either mother or father) typically stay home with their young children at least until they are old enough to attend kindergarten.
  
• Your German au pair will expect the children to treat her with respect and to listen to her and follow the house rules. Unruly or bad behavior is a sign of disrespect and a child who is overly indulged by parents (with toys, sweets, privileges not earned) is considered spoiled behavior and a result of poor or failed parenting.
  
  

Driving Skills

• Most German au pairs are excellent drivers. They receive their license at age 18 and the test is much more demanding and time consuming compared to their American peers. Most driving pupils need 20-30 lessons in order to pass the test and there is an hour practical driving test! If any German fails the test more than 3 times, a psychological test is then required by the state.


• Most parents have a car for the teen to practice on and they support their teenagers in getting the license and becoming good, safe drivers. German au pairs are exclusively sought out by host parents for their excellent driving skills
  

English Skills

• English is a compulsory subject at the age of 10, but many children start as early as kindergarten. As a result, German youth have competent English skills with many having no or a very slight German accent.


• German au pairs are popular with host parents for their English skills. Host parents typically expect them to help the children with homework and German au pairs are generally very competent in this area.

Health

• Germans are typically very healthy. They have good medical and dental insurance.


• Eating disorders are not very common in Germany.


• Most young people in Germany eat meat and lots of vegetables and fresh foods are preferred to fast foods/processed foods.

Religion

• The two most common religions in Germany are Catholic and Protestant
  
• Most young people in Germany do not practice their religion on a regular basis but will attend weekly church services if the family does.
  
  Other Useful Information
  

Most German families have at least one computer with access to the internet and most young Germans have their own cell phones; contacting prospective au pairs is relatively easy during the interviewing process. Family members usually speak English and can take messages from you if the au pair is not home. This is good news for you since you will not keep playing phone or internent tag!

Keep in mind German students end their academic year in June and most of the young women apply to arrive in the USA during the summer months but before our school term starts here in the USA (plan to have your German au pair arrive in early or mid August). German au pairs are typically serious students and will expect to sign up for courses immediately upon arrival. German au pairs will expect flexibly from her host parents so she can attend her classes without interruption so please attend to this if you want a happy, well-adjusted au pair.

West Germans are generally more educated, are more experienced drivers and possess better English skills compared to East Germans. Generally, West Germans have less trouble assimilating into American culture and do not generally suffer from culture shock. They genuinely like American culture and look forward to their year abroad. Most importantly: the majority of German au pairs will not extend beyond the 12 months – they will return home to continue their education, start a business or look for a professional job. If you hire German au pairs, be prepared to start looking for a new au pair at the end of the 12 month contract.