
Looking for a household helper? Learn what tasks they handle, typical costs, and how to legally register them as a minijob in Germany.
Helpful Folks Redaktion
Experts for Everyday Services
March 25, 2026
The laundry pile keeps growing, the windows could use a good clean, and the fridge won't fill itself — sound familiar? You're not alone. More and more people in Germany are getting professional help around the house. And that's a smart move: a household helper gives you back valuable time that you can spend on family, work, or simply on yourself.
The term "household helper" sounds broad — and it is. Depending on the arrangement, a household helper can take on a wide variety of tasks. The range goes well beyond basic cleaning.
Typical tasks include general cleaning of living spaces, kitchen, and bathroom. This covers dusting, vacuuming, mopping floors, and wiping down surfaces. Many household helpers also handle washing, drying, ironing, and folding laundry. Running errands, stocking the fridge, or light gardening tasks like watering plants can also be part of the deal.
Tip: Create a list of all tasks that matter to you before the first meeting. This way, you can set priorities together and avoid misunderstandings.
Some household helpers additionally offer support with cooking simple meals, tidying up after events, or seasonal deep cleans. The key is to talk openly about your expectations and clarify the scope from the start.

Finding the right household helper doesn't have to be a struggle. With a clear approach, you'll get there quickly:
Define your needs: Think about which tasks need to be done, how often (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly), and how many hours per visit are realistic.
Set a budget: Expect an hourly rate between 13 and 25 euros, depending on your region and the scope of work. Prices tend to be higher in major cities like Munich or Hamburg and lower in rural areas.
Start your search: Use a platform like Helpful Folks to find verified household helpers near you. This is much safer than classified ads because profiles are verified.
Have an introductory meeting: Meet in person or via video call. Discuss tasks, expectations, and availability. Pay attention to whether you click — after all, this person will be coming to your home regularly.
Agree on a trial period: Start with a trial period of 2–4 weeks. This gives both of you a chance to see if the collaboration works before committing long-term.

The cost of a household helper depends on several factors. Here's an overview:
| Factor | Impact on Price |
|---|---|
| Region | Major city: €18–25/hr · Small town/rural: €13–18/hr |
| Scope of work | Cleaning only: base rate · With laundry, errands, cooking: +€1–3/hr |
| Experience | Beginners: from minimum wage · Experienced: €18–25/hr |
| Frequency | Weekly: often lower hourly rate · One-time: tends to be higher |
| Employment type | Minijob: +14.62% contributions · Self-employed: invoice incl. VAT |
The statutory minimum wage in Germany is €13.90 per hour in 2026. In practice, most households pay between 15 and 20 euros — that's fair and motivates good workers to stay long-term.
Example calculation: At 3 hours per week and €17/hr, you'll pay around €221 per month (plus contributions for a minijob). Sounds like a lot? Consider how many hours of free time you gain in return.
Many people employ their household helper off the books — risking hefty fines. Yet legal registration is easier than you think and actually pays off financially.
How to register a minijob:
The contributions are manageable: As an employer, you pay just 14.62% of earnings as a flat-rate contribution. For monthly earnings of €250, that's only €36.55.
Here's the kicker: You can deduct 20% of total costs (wages + contributions) directly from your income tax — up to €510 per year. The tax benefit often exceeds the contributions themselves. Registration literally pays for itself.
The minijob threshold in 2026 is €603 per month. As long as your household helper stays below that, you both benefit: they have accident insurance and build pension entitlements, you save on taxes.

Beyond professional skills, soft skills play a major role. Your household helper has access to your private living space — trust is therefore essential.
On platforms like Helpful Folks, you can view profiles with ratings, response rates, and verifications. This makes the selection process much easier than word of mouth or bulletin boards.
A household helper isn't a luxury expense — it's an investment in your quality of life. With clear agreements, fair pay, and legal registration, both sides benefit. Start your search today on Helpful Folks and find the right support for your everyday life.
Helpful Folks connects you with verified service providers — free and hassle-free.