Glossary
The words from your official letter, explained
What German paperwork terms mean and why they matter for your family.
A
A1Basic knowledge of the German language
The first level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). A1 means that simple words, sentences and everyday expressions can be understood and used.
Why it matters here
Our au pairs bring German skills of at least A1 level. Their language confidence then develops step by step, through the language course and above all through daily exchange within the host family.
ADHS (ADHD)Attention and impulsivity
ADHD can show up as difficulties with attention, impulse control and regulating activity levels.
Why it matters here
A well-matched au pair can bring structure, offer support, and take pressure off everyday family life.
Angelman-Syndrom (Angelman syndrome)Rare genetic condition
Angelman syndrome is a rare genetic condition that can affect development, language and motor skills, among other things.
Why it matters here
An au pair can accompany, occupy and offer the family additional support in everyday life.
Arbeitszeit beim Au-pair (au pair working hours)Time for the family and for oneself
Au pair work is time-limited and must leave enough room for the language course and free time.
Why it matters here
Clear working hours create a fair and reliable family routine.
Au-pair mit Behinderungserfahrung (au pair with disability experience)Experience that helps in daily life
An au pair who already has experience with children with a disability or additional support needs.
Why it matters here
Prior experience can provide reassurance and make settling into family life easier.
Au-pair-Agentur (au pair agency)Support in finding an au pair
An au pair agency supports families in finding, choosing and placing a suitable au pair.
Why it matters here
Besondere Sterne places au pairs specifically also with families whose children have additional support needs.
Au-pair-Aufgaben (au pair tasks)Support around the children
Tasks include childcare and light household tasks connected with the children.
Why it matters here
Clear tasks help the au pair and the family both know what is expected in daily life.
Au-pair-Kosten (au pair costs)Costs for the au pair year
Alongside pocket money, costs arise for accommodation, meals, insurance, a contribution to the language course and, where relevant, placement.
Why it matters here
Good planning shows families early on what monthly costs to expect.
Au-pair-Programm (au pair programme)Cultural exchange programme
A cultural exchange programme in which young people live with a host family for a limited time and support them with childcare.
Why it matters here
Au pair means living together, cultural exchange and learning from each other.
Au-pair-Versicherung (au pair insurance)Cover during the stay
Au pairs need suitable health, accident and liability insurance during their stay.
Why it matters here
The host family is responsible for ensuring the required insurance cover is in place.
Au-pair-Vertrag (au pair contract)The contract between family and au pair
The written contract between host family and au pair covering duration, tasks, working hours, pocket money and days off.
Why it matters here
It is not made with us but with the au pair. What we provide is set out in the placement terms.
Au-pair-Voraussetzungen (au pair requirements)Who can become a host family
Certain legal and personal requirements must be met before a family can take in an au pair.
Why it matters here
Families with a child with a disability can, in principle, also become a host family.
Aufenthaltserlaubnis (residence permit)Time-limited stay in Germany
A residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) is a time-limited residence title granted for a specific purpose, for example work, study or family reunification.
Why it matters here
Not to be confused with the visa: many au pairs already receive a national visa for the whole au pair year.
Aufenthaltstitel (residence title)Permission to reside
The umbrella term for various permits that allow foreign nationals to live lawfully in Germany. These include, for example, the visa and the Aufenthaltserlaubnis.
Why it matters here
The national au pair visa is also a residence title (Aufenthaltstitel).
Ausländerbehörde (immigration office)Responsible for residence matters
The local authority responsible for questions and applications relating to residence titles and residence permits.
Why it matters here
It is, for example, the contact point when a residence title needs to be changed, extended or newly applied for.
Auslandsvertretung (German embassy or consulate)German embassy or consulate
The German embassy or the responsible consulate in the country of origin. The au pair visa is applied for there and issued after a successful review.
Why it matters here
For au pairs from countries that require a visa, the Auslandsvertretung is the central point of contact for the visa process.
Autismus (Autism)Individual perception and development
Autism can affect communication, perception, social interaction and everyday life in different ways.
Why it matters here
A carefully selected au pair can support routines and offer additional help in everyday family life.
B
BabysittingCare in the evening
Occasional babysitting can also be one of an au pair's tasks.
Why it matters here
It can give parents extra breathing space in everyday family life.
Bedarfsermittlung (needs assessment)Establishing individual support needs
This establishes what support a person with a disability needs in everyday life.
Why it matters here
The needs assessment forms the basis for planning and approving suitable support.
Begutachtung (assessment)Assessing support needs
An assessment examines what limitations exist and what support or care needs are present.
Why it matters here
The result can form the basis for which benefits and support are approved.
Behinderung (disability)Different needs, individual support
A disability can involve physical, intellectual, mental or sensory impairments and can affect everyday life in very different ways.
Why it matters here
Families with a child with a disability can also host an au pair and gain support in everyday family life through this.
Bescheid (official decision letter)A written decision from an authority
A Bescheid states whether and to what extent an applied-for benefit is approved or refused.
Why it matters here
The Bescheid states in binding form which benefits were approved in the specific case.
Betreuung eines Kindes mit Behinderung (childcare for a child with a disability)Support in everyday family life
A child with a disability can also be supported and cared for as part of the au pair programme.
Why it matters here
An au pair can provide extra time and relief, but does not take on professional care.
Betreuungsbedarf (care needs)How much support is needed?
Describes in which areas and to what extent a child needs childcare and support.
Why it matters here
The individual care needs help in finding suitable support for the family.
Betreuungszeiten (childcare hours)When support is needed
The times during which a family needs support in caring for their child.
Why it matters here
Clear childcare hours help in planning family life and the au pair's role well.
Bundesteilhabegesetz (BTHG) (Federal Participation Act)More self-determination and participation
The Bundesteilhabegesetz (Federal Participation Act) regulates and strengthens benefits for the participation of people with disabilities.
Why it matters here
It forms an important legal basis for many Eingliederungshilfe benefits.
C
Cerebralparese (Cerebral palsy)Movement impairment from early brain injury
Cerebral palsy covers a range of lasting impairments of movement and posture.
Why it matters here
Depending on the child's independence, an au pair can support and accompany them in everyday life.
Chronische Erkrankung (Chronic illness)Long-term health condition
Chronic illnesses last over a longer period and can affect a child's everyday life in different ways.
Why it matters here
Additional childcare can take pressure off families with a chronically ill child in everyday life.
Cri-du-Chat-Syndrom (Cri du chat syndrome)Rare chromosomal change
Cri du chat syndrome is a rare genetic condition that can come with developmental delays and different impairments.
Why it matters here
Support needs are individual and can make additional help in everyday family life worthwhile.
D
DiGeorge-Syndrom (22q11.2-Deletionssyndrom) (DiGeorge syndrome)Genetic change
DiGeorge syndrome (22q11.2 deletion syndrome) is a genetic condition that can affect development and health in very different ways.
Why it matters here
An au pair can offer support in everyday life that matches the child's abilities and needs.
Down-Syndrom (Trisomie 21) (Down's syndrome)Genetic difference
Down's syndrome (trisomy 21) is caused by an extra chromosome 21 and can affect development and support needs in different ways.
Why it matters here
An au pair can support a child with Down's syndrome in everyday life and offer the family additional help.
E
Eigenanteil (personal contribution)Costs that are paid personally
The part of the costs of a support service or benefit that the family must pay themselves.
Why it matters here
Whether an Eigenanteil applies and how much it is depends on the particular benefit and approval.
Eigeninitiativbewerbung (unsolicited application)Au pair makes contact directly
An au pair applies directly to a host family because they find the family profile interesting.
Why it matters here
This allows au pair and host family to start getting to know each other directly.
Eingliederungshilfe (integration assistance)Support for people with a disability
Benefits intended to enable people with a disability to take part in everyday life and society as independently as possible.
Why it matters here
Depending on individual need, different kinds of support can be funded.
Entlastung pflegender Angehöriger (relief for family carers)Support for the whole family
Relief services create breathing space for relatives who take on a lot of care and responsibility in daily life.
Why it matters here
An au pair can also bring extra relief to everyday family life, within the childcare tasks that are permitted.
Entlastungsbetrag (relief allowance)Support in everyday care
A monthly amount from the long-term care insurance for people with a Pflegegrad, which can be used for certain recognised support and relief services.
Why it matters here
It can help families fund additional support in everyday life.
Entwicklungsverzögerung (Developmental delay)Development at the child's own pace
A developmental delay means certain abilities develop later than expected in a child.
Why it matters here
An au pair can create additional time for support, play and shared everyday activities.
Epilepsie (Epilepsy)Condition with recurring seizures
Epilepsy is a neurological condition in which epileptic seizures can occur repeatedly.
Why it matters here
An au pair should be well informed about the child's particular needs and how to act correctly in an emergency.
EUTB (independent counselling service)Supplementary independent participation counselling
A free counselling service for people with a disability and their families on questions of participation and support.
Why it matters here
The EUTB gives independent advice on possible benefits, applications and individual support services.
F
Familienentlastender Dienst (FED/FUD) (family relief service)Relief for families
A support service for families with relatives with a disability that provides childcare and support in everyday life.
Why it matters here
Familienentlastende Dienste (family relief services) can create extra freedom and provide relief for relatives.
Familienunterstützung (family support)Relief in daily life
Family support covers various forms of help that can make everyday life with children easier.
Why it matters here
An au pair can be a family-based form of support directly within a family's own home.
FASD (FASD)Effects of alcohol exposure before birth
FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) refers to a range of possible physical, cognitive and social-emotional impairments caused by alcohol exposure during pregnancy.
Why it matters here
Reliable routines and an additional trusted person can support families in everyday life.
Fragiles-X-Syndrom (Fragile X syndrome)Genetically caused developmental condition
Fragile X syndrome is a genetic condition that can particularly affect learning, development and behaviour.
Why it matters here
A reliable additional trusted person can bring structure and support into everyday family life.
Freizeit beim Au-pair (au pair free time)Time outside au pair tasks
Au pairs need enough free time for their language course, friends and their own activities.
Why it matters here
Free time and rest are part of a fair and successful au pair stay.
G
Gastfamilie (host family)A home for an au pair
A family that takes in an au pair for a limited time and includes them in their everyday family life.
Why it matters here
The host family and the au pair live together and support each other as part of the au pair programme.
Gastkind (host child)The child in the host family
The host child is the child who is supported and cared for by the au pair during the au pair's stay.
Why it matters here
The host child's needs play an important part in choosing a suitable au pair.
Geistige Behinderung (intellectual disability)Individual development and support
An intellectual disability can affect learning, communication, independence and everyday life in different ways.
Why it matters here
An au pair can accompany the child in everyday family life and support the family with childcare.
Gendefekt / genetische Erkrankung (Genetic condition)Genetically caused differences
Changes to a person's genetic material can lead to different illnesses, disabilities or developmental differences.
Why it matters here
Children with rare genetic conditions, too, can benefit from the additional support an au pair provides in everyday life.
Grad der Behinderung (GdB) (degree of disability)A measure of impairment
The GdB (degree of disability) describes, in steps of ten, how far health-related impairments affect a person's participation in life.
Why it matters here
The GdB that is established can be relevant for compensation for disadvantages and further entitlements.
H
Hilfeplan / Gesamtplan (support plan)Planning support together
A Hilfeplan or Gesamtplan (support plan/overall plan) records individual goals, needs and suitable support benefits.
Why it matters here
It helps to plan necessary support in a structured way and to determine suitable benefits.
Hochbegabung (Giftedness)Particularly high abilities
Gifted children can show exceptionally high cognitive abilities in one or more areas.
Why it matters here
Particular talents, too, can bring individual childcare and support needs.
Hochsensibilität (High sensitivity)Perceiving stimuli particularly intensely
High sensitivity describes a particularly intense perception and processing of outer and inner stimuli.
Why it matters here
Calm, understanding support can make everyday family life easier.
I
Inklusionsassistenz (inclusion assistance)Support with participation
A support person who accompanies children and young people with a disability in everyday life, for example at school or nursery.
Why it matters here
It helps to enable participation and as independent a role in everyday life as possible.
Integrationshilfe (integration support)Support for greater participation
Support for children and young people who need additional assistance because of a disability or impairment.
Why it matters here
It can, for example, make attending nursery or school and taking part in everyday life easier.
K
Kinder mit besonderen Bedürfnissen (children with additional needs)Every child needs something different
An umbrella term for children who need additional support because of their development, a health condition or a disability.
Why it matters here
An au pair can bring extra time, companionship and relief into everyday family life.
Körperliche Behinderung (Physical disability)Support with physical impairments
A physical disability can affect mobility, motor skills or other physical functions.
Why it matters here
An au pair can accompany and support a child in everyday life, but cannot replace professional care.
Kostenübernahme (cost coverage)Costs are covered
An authority or another benefits provider covers the costs of approved support in full or in part.
Why it matters here
Whether and to what extent costs are covered depends on the particular benefit and approval.
Kulturaustausch (cultural exchange)Learning from each other and living together
Getting to know another language, culture and way of life by living together in a host family.
Why it matters here
Cultural exchange is a central part of the au pair programme.
Kurzzeitpflege (short-term care)Temporary care and support
Time-limited residential care for when care at home is temporarily not possible.
Why it matters here
It can give family carers temporary relief.
L
Leichte Hausarbeit (light housework)Support around family life
An au pair may take on light household tasks that are part of normal shared living.
Why it matters here
An au pair is not a housekeeper – the focus is on caring for the children.
Leistungsträger (benefits provider)Responsible for support benefits
A body responsible for certain social benefits, which decides on applications and benefits.
Why it matters here
Depending on the support needed, different Leistungsträger (benefits providers) may be responsible.
M
Medizinischer Dienst (medical review service)Assessment for the long-term care insurance
The Medizinischer Dienst examines care needs and supports the Pflegekassen in establishing the Pflegegrad.
Why it matters here
Its assessment is often the basis for classification into a Pflegegrad.
Mehrfachbehinderung (Multiple disabilities)Several impairments at the same time
Multiple disabilities means that several different disabilities or impairments occur together in one child.
Why it matters here
Support needs are individual — here too, an au pair can offer additional relief in everyday family life.
Meldebescheinigung (registration certificate)Proof of address
A certificate from the residents' registration office confirming where a person is registered in Germany.
Why it matters here
It is needed in the au pair process as proof of the host family's address.
N
Neurodivergenz (Neurodivergence)Different ways of thinking and perceiving
Neurodivergence describes neurological differences in perception, thinking, learning or behaviour.
Why it matters here
Children can have very different needs — what matters is an au pair who is a good match for the child and the family.
P
Persönliches Budget (personal budget)Organising support independently
A form of Eingliederungshilfe in which people with a disability receive money to organise approved support themselves.
Why it matters here
It allows more self-determination in choosing and shaping the support.
Persönliches Budget für ein Au-pair (personal budget for an au pair)Checking individual funding options
The Persönliches Budget (a German benefit paid to you as money you manage yourself) allows people with a disability to organise approved participation benefits themselves.
Why it matters here
Whether and to what extent costs relating to an au pair can be considered has to be clarified individually with the relevant benefits authority.
Pflege oder Betreuung (care or childcare)An important distinction
Betreuung (childcare) means accompanying and supporting someone in daily life. Pflege (care) covers tasks that go beyond this and can involve particular responsibility.
Why it matters here
An au pair is not a care worker and may not replace professional or medical care.
Pflegebedürftigkeit (need for care)Support in daily life
A need for care exists when a person requires lasting support in daily life because of health-related impairments.
Why it matters here
Where a need for care exists, benefits from the long-term care insurance may be available.
Pflegegeld (care allowance)Financial support for care at home
A monthly benefit of the long-term care insurance for people with a Pflegegrad who are cared for at home.
Why it matters here
Pflegegeld can generally be used freely by the family to organise care and support at home.
Pflegegrad (care level)Classification of care needs
The Pflegegrad shows how much a person's independence is affected and how much support they need.
Why it matters here
The Pflegegrad determines which benefits of the long-term care insurance can be used.
Pflegekasse (long-term care fund)Provider of long-term care insurance
The Pflegekasse is responsible for the benefits of the long-term care insurance and is located within the respective health insurance fund.
Why it matters here
Care benefits are applied for there, for example Pflegegeld or Verhinderungspflege.
Pflegekind (Foster child)A child living with a foster family
A foster child lives temporarily or permanently with a foster family without being their birth child.
Why it matters here
Under certain conditions, foster families too can host an au pair.
Prader-Willi-Syndrom (Prader-Willi syndrome)Rare genetic condition
Prader-Willi syndrome is a genetic condition that can affect development, metabolism and eating behaviour, among other things.
Why it matters here
Clear routines and reliable support can be especially important in everyday family life.
R
Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung (appeal rights notice)Notice about the right to object
The part of a Bescheid that explains how and within which deadline a decision can be challenged.
Why it matters here
It states what can be done if someone does not agree with a Bescheid.
Rett-Syndrom (Rett syndrome)Rare genetic condition
Rett syndrome is a rare, genetically caused neurological developmental condition that mainly affects girls.
Why it matters here
Families can have a high level of support needs, and additional everyday support can bring relief.
S
Sachleistung / Pflegesachleistung (benefits in kind for care)Professional care at home
Pflegesachleistungen (benefits in kind for care) fund approved outpatient care services that support people in need of care at home.
Why it matters here
The amount of Pflegesachleistungen available depends, among other things, on the Pflegegrad (care level).
Schulbegleitung (school support assistant)Support during the school day
A Schulbegleitung (school support worker) supports children and young people who need help attending school because of a disability or impairment.
Why it matters here
It enables many children greater independence and participation in the school day.
Schwerbehindertenausweis (severe disability card)Proof of a severe disability
An official card for people with an established degree of disability of at least 50.
Why it matters here
Depending on the markers noted on it, various forms of compensation for disadvantages and concessions can be linked to it.
Selbstbestimmung (self-determination)Shaping one's own life
Self-determination means being able to decide, as far as possible, about one's own life, everyday routine and the support needed.
Why it matters here
Good support is meant to accompany and enable, without unnecessarily taking over independence.
Seltene Erkrankung (Rare disease)When a diagnosis affects only a few people
In the EU, a condition is considered rare when it affects no more than 5 in 10,000 people.
Why it matters here
Even with a rare diagnosis, what matters is not the name of the condition but the support the child actually needs in everyday life.
Sinnesbehinderung (Sensory disability)Impairments of perception
A sensory disability affects, for example, sight or hearing and can influence everyday life and communication.
Why it matters here
An au pair can adapt to a child's individual way of communicating and their needs.
Sprachentwicklungsstörung (Speech and language disorder)Difficulties with language acquisition
A speech and language disorder can affect understanding, speaking or the structure of language.
Why it matters here
A patient trusted person can support communication in everyday life and give the child extra time.
Sprachkurs (language course)Learning German during the au pair year
The language course gives the au pair the chance to develop their German further during their stay.
Why it matters here
Learning German and cultural exchange are a key part of the au pair programme.
Sprachkurszuschuss (language course contribution)Contribution towards language learning
A financial contribution from the host family towards the au pair's German language course.
Why it matters here
The host family is required to contribute towards the cost of the language course.
T
Taschengeld (pocket money)Monthly amount for the au pair
The au pair receives a fixed monthly Taschengeld (pocket money) from the host family.
Why it matters here
Pocket money is one of the fixed benefits an au pair receives during their stay.
Teilhabe (participation)Belonging and being able to take part
Teilhabe (participation) means being able to take part in social life on as equal a basis as possible.
Why it matters here
Support can remove barriers and give children with a disability greater participation in everyday life.
Teilhabeassistenz (participation assistance)Support in everyday life
An assistance service that supports people with a disability in taking part in society as independently as possible.
Why it matters here
It provides support wherever it is needed for personal participation.
Teilhabeplanung (participation planning)Planning support together
This sets out what support a person with a disability needs for their individual participation.
Why it matters here
It helps in planning suitable benefits and support services.
Träger der Eingliederungshilfe (responsible authority)Responsible for benefits
The responsible body that examines, approves and funds benefits under Eingliederungshilfe.
Why it matters here
Benefits under Eingliederungshilfe are applied for there.
U
überörtlicher Träger (regional authority)Responsible at a regional level
A regionally responsible authority that, depending on the federal state, takes on tasks of Eingliederungshilfe.
Why it matters here
It can be responsible for the application and approval of certain benefits under Eingliederungshilfe.
Unterstützungsbedarf (support needs)What support is needed in everyday life?
Describes where and to what extent a person needs support.
Why it matters here
In the au pair search, the specific support needs help in choosing an au pair who is a good fit for the family.
Urlaub beim Au-pair (au pair holiday)Rest is part of it too
Au pairs are also entitled to paid holiday during their stay.
Why it matters here
Holiday times should be planned together with the host family well in advance.
V
Verhinderungspflege (respite care)Cover when the carer is unavailable
A benefit of the long-term care insurance for when the private carer is temporarily unavailable.
Why it matters here
It can be used to fund replacement care and provide relief for caring families.
Vermittlungsgebühr (placement fee)Cost of au pair placement
The fee a host family pays for placement and support through an au pair agency.
Why it matters here
It covers the services around finding, placing and supporting the au pair.
Visum (visa)Permission to enter and stay
The national au pair visa allows entry into and a stay in Germany for the au pair year.
Why it matters here
Au pairs from countries that require a visa need it for their au pair stay in Germany.
Volljähriges Kind (a child who has come of age)Care from the age of eighteen
The German au pair programme is designed for caring for children who are still minors within a host family.
Why it matters here
For the care of a child who has already come of age, other forms of support need to be looked into.
W
Wechsel-Au-pair (au pair change)Au pair looking for a new host family
An au pair who is already in Germany and wants to change host family during their au pair year.
Why it matters here
A change allows the au pair stay to continue with a new host family.
Widerspruch (formal objection)An objection to a Bescheid
A Widerspruch allows an official decision to be challenged and reviewed again.
Why it matters here
If a benefit was refused or approved differently than applied for, a Widerspruch can be raised against it.
Williams-Beuren-Syndrom (Williams syndrome)Rare genetic condition
Williams syndrome is caused by a genetic change on chromosome 7 and can affect development, health and learning in different ways.
Why it matters here
An au pair can support the child in everyday life according to their individual abilities and needs.
Wochenplan (weekly schedule)Planning the au pair routine clearly
A weekly schedule sets out childcare times, tasks, the language course and free time in a clear overview.
Why it matters here
It creates clarity and helps the family and au pair organise their shared daily life well.
Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (landlord confirmation)Proof for registration
A confirmation from the landlord (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung) stating that a person has moved into the address given.
Why it matters here
The au pair needs it to register their address with the residents' registration office.
Z
Zielvereinbarung (target agreement)Recording shared goals
An agreement setting out which goals are to be achieved with an approved form of support.
Why it matters here
It can be part of planning benefits under Eingliederungshilfe.
Zustimmung der Bundesagentur (employment agency approval)Review of the au pair stay
The Bundesagentur für Arbeit checks whether the requirements for employment as an au pair are met and gives its approval.
Why it matters here
The approval can be a requirement for issuing the au pair visa.
Next step
Become a host family
Get to know us and find the right au pair for your family.