Au-Pair Language Course: Requirement, Grant & Country Overview 2026
Photo: Fco Javier Carriola / Pexels
One of the most common questions from host families is: “Do I really have to pay for my au pair’s language course?” The short answer for Germany: Yes. The subsidy for the language course is legally required here—regardless of whether the au pair actually attends a course in the end.
In this guide we explain what exactly is mandatory, what it costs the family, and how the regulation looks in other popular au‑pair countries. That way you know in advance what you’re getting into—honestly and without fine print.
Is the language course in Germany mandatory?
Yes. The Au-Pair program in Germany is designed as a cultural exchange — and learning the German language is an integral part of it. Therefore the host family is obliged to enable the Au-Pair to attend a language course and to contribute to the costs.
This specifically means three things:
- Time: The family must provide the Au-Pair with sufficient free time to attend a language course. The course time does not count as working time.
- Money: The family pays a monthly contribution of at least €70 towards the course fees — alternatively a one‑off payment of €840.
- Travel expenses: In addition, the family covers the travel costs to the nearest suitable language course.
Important: The language‑course subsidy of at least €70 per month (or a one‑time €840) is mandatory in Germany — even if the au‑pair is not currently attending a course. It is part of the au‑pair arrangement, similar to the pocket money. So plan it — along with travel costs to the course — as a fixed item in your budget.
How much does it cost for the host family?
The statutory minimum subsidy is €70 per month — alternatively the family can provide it as a one‑off payment of €840 (which equals €70 over twelve months). In addition, the family covers the travel costs to the nearest suitable course. A basic integration or evening course at a community college often falls within this subsidy; more intensive courses at private language schools can be more expensive. In that case the Au‑pair pays the difference themselves — unless you agree otherwise.
It’s best to add the subsidy to the other monthly expenses. An honest overall calculation for an Au‑pair in Germany looks roughly like this:
- Pocket money: €280 (statutory)
- Language course subsidy: from €70/month or €840 one‑off (statutory), plus travel costs to the course
- Accommodation, meals, utilities: variable, often the largest item
- Insurance (health, accident, liability): usually €35–60
Overall, most families end up at around €600–800 per month — the language course is a small but fixed component of that.
Country overview: Where is the language course mandatory?
The language course regulations vary from country to country. An overview of popular Au-Pair destinations:
- Germany: Mandatory. At least €70 per month subsidy, plus sufficient free time for the course.
- Austria: Mandatory. The host family must contribute to a German course (approximately €50 per month).
- France: Mandatory. The language course is part of the Au-Pair status; the Au-Pair must learn French at an accredited institution, which the family supports.
- USA: Mandatory under the J-1 program. The host family pays up to 500 US dollars for a required training (studies at an accredited institution).
- Netherlands: Not strictly required, but explicitly desired and common — many families voluntarily subsidize.
Even where no law requires it, a language‑course subsidy is a kind gesture—and simply sensible. An au‑pair who speaks the language better gets along more easily with the children, integrates faster, and feels more comfortable. In the end, the whole family benefits.