Everything you need to know about finding cleaners, handymen, gardeners, childcare and more.
Looking for a cleaner, babysitter, gardener, handyman or household help?
You have the option to hire someone on a more permanent basis (minijob) or use a company to supply the services as needed.
Please be aware of your responsibilities when you hire someone directly, especially in the event of accidents or damage to property. Social taxes might also be applicable.
If you’re looking to hire someone for household help or small jobs — or you’re interested in offering your services — Minijobs might be the way to go. These are low-wage, low-hour employment arrangements regulated by the German government.
According to the Bundesagentur für Arbeit, Minijobs are considered “marginal employment,” meaning they come with a few specific limits: the employee can earn up to €538 per month or work a maximum of 70 days per calendar year.
For a deep dive into the legal rights and responsibilities — both for employers and employees — the Minijob-Zentrale offers an English-language guide to employment law that’s worth bookmarking.
Tip – In Germany, if you hire someone to help in your private household, and you register them properly, such as through a Minijob, you may be eligible for tax deductions. But here’s the kicker: you must prove the payment method. That means no cash in hand, it must be paid via bank transfer, and the helper must be registered, typically through the Minijob-Zentrale.
Minijob-Zentrale has a simple tool called Haushaltsscheck to help you register your household helper. They take care of social security contributions, accident insurance, and notify tax authorities, no suit-and-tie-level bureaucracy required. For more information, talk to your tax consultant or the Minijob-Zentrale
Need someone to clean your home, iron clothes or help around the house?
Need someone to hang curtains, assemble IKEA furniture, fix a leaking tap, paint a room, do electrical work or do plumbing
We also have some South African-owned businesses that offer handyman and home renovation services
The ERS Group provides practical, English-speaking support for expats and international residents in the Rhine-Main region. Their services focus on moving assistance, furniture assembly, home setup, and general handyman work
Duncan’s Hand & Haus Service: Your Partner in Pristine Homes and Happy Spaces At Duncan’s Hand & Haus Service, we believe that your home is more than just a place—it’s
Need people to move furniture, carry boxes, and transport appliances
Moving from One Town to Another in Germany Moving within Germany, whether it’s to a neighbouring town or a different state, is a process that involves more than just packing up your belongings and setting up in a new home. German bureaucracy is known for its thoroughness, and to ensure
If you are looking for someone to help your children with school work or look after them when you go on a date, you can find services on the Betreut website or on Wonda Kinderbetreuung.
To find a full-time Au Pair, search on Aupairworld and Facebook groups like Au Pair in Europe.
You can also look in your local newspaper or online community groups
Need someone to look after your pets?
We have fellow South Africans offering their pet-sitting services
Area: Available for pet sitting or house sitting in Hamburg. Types of Pets Experience with cats and dogs (every size). However, comfortable with all animals. I am physically active, so your pets will get a good run/walk (if needed). I’ve also grown up horse riding and have worked on a
Two feet move our body; four feet move our soul.” 🐾 Professional and reliable pet sitting services offered since 2018. I am a dog and cat mom with an immense love for all critters and a passion for the physical, emotional and mental welfare of animals.
Area: Carmen lives in Berlin and has a house with a very large garden. They have a 10-year-old, female Puggle/Jack Russel mix, a 10-year-old cat (who hides most of the time), two small kids (8 & 6) and a 6-month-old baby. Types of Pets We are happy to pet-sit dogs,
Area: Pamela lives in Düsseldorf and is willing to have pets stay over by her at home and also stay out at the pet owner’s houses for those who prefer that (within Düsseldorf or close by). Types of Pets Cats, Dogs, birds and fish For safety reasons, she prefers not
Area: Natalie lives in Senden, close to Neu-Ulm, and can do pet sitting in the surrounding areas Types of Pets Cats, Dogs, birds and fish Fees For the love of animals
Area: Desdemona lives in Ulm, and can do pet sitting in the surrounding areas Types of Pets Cats, Dogs, birds and fish Fees For the love of animals
Need a drill for one weekend? Or maybe a carpet cleaner after a wild birthday bash? Good news — you don’t have to buy everything you need. In Germany, many stores offer rental services for tools and household equipment, saving you money and storage space.
You can rent things like Power tools (drills, sanders, saws), High-pressure cleaners (perfect for patios and grimy garden furniture), Carpet cleaners (for deep-cleaning rugs, couches, and car interiors), Ladders, paint sprayers, tile cutters, and more.
💡 Tip: Not every location offers rentals, so it’s best to check the website of the specific branch or call ahead.
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