The time afterwards
May the au pair leave early if they find a place in vocational training or an FSJ?
Short answer
Many au pairs from third countries come to Germany with a clear goal: during their au pair year, they want to improve their German and afterwards start vocational training (Ausbildung) or a voluntary social year (FSJ). Since the start dates of these do not always exactly match the end of the au pair contract, an au pair may sometimes want to leave the family a few weeks earlier. What matters here is early discussion, mutual consideration and a good relationship between both sides.
Last updated: 13.08.2026
What lies behind it
For many of our au pairs, the au pair year is not just a year abroad but the first step towards a long-term professional future in Germany. Many vocational training courses later require a certain level of German - often B2.
That is why it is important to think ahead about the time after the au pair year from the start. So talk to each other early on: what plans does the au pair have?
Try to also see the situation from the au pair's perspective. A suitable training place can be decisive for whether their further professional path in Germany succeeds. Letting such an opportunity pass because of a few weeks can have far-reaching consequences for a young person.
At the same time, the host family naturally also needs planning security. This is why an earlier change should not happen at short notice or without discussion. A good au pair year lives from mutual give and take - including at the end.
If your au pair has found a suitable place in vocational training or an FSJ, try together to find a solution that enables their future prospects while also giving you enough time for further planning.