How much does a household helper cost per hour?

Costs range between 13 and 25 euros per hour depending on region and scope of work. You'll tend to pay more in major cities and less in rural areas. The statutory minimum wage in Germany is €13.90 in 2026.

What tasks does a household helper take care of?

Typical tasks include cleaning, vacuuming, laundry washing and ironing, running errands, stocking the fridge, and light gardening. The exact scope is agreed upon individually.

How do I register a household helper as a minijob?

Registration is done through the Minijob-Zentrale using the Haushaltsscheck. You need your household helper's tax ID and set up a SEPA direct debit. Contributions are collected semi-annually.

What is the minijob threshold in 2026?

The minijob threshold is €603 per month in 2026. As long as your household helper's income stays below this amount, they qualify as marginally employed with reduced contributions.

Where can I find a reliable household helper?

On platforms like Helpful Folks, you can find verified household helpers near you with ratings and profiles. This is safer than classified ads or bulletin boards.

How many hours per week do I need a household helper?

For an average 2-3 person household, 2-4 hours per week is usually sufficient. For larger apartments, families with children, or additional tasks like laundry and errands, 5-6 hours may be needed.

What happens if my household helper breaks something?

With a registered household helper, statutory accident insurance through the Minijob-Zentrale applies. For property damage, it's advisable to have your helper carry private liability insurance or include a clause in your household contents insurance.

Does a household helper need to bring their own cleaning supplies?

Generally, the employer provides cleaning products, equipment, and materials. Some experienced household helpers prefer to bring their own products — this should be discussed beforehand.

How do I terminate a household helper in a minijob?

Standard employment law notice periods apply to minijobs in private households. For employment of less than two years, the notice period is four weeks to the 15th or end of the month. Always discuss termination in person and confirm it in writing.

Household Help Job: How to Find the Perfect Everyday Support

Q: Can I deduct a household helper from my taxes?

Yes! With a registered household helper, you can deduct 20% of total costs directly from your income tax — up to €510 per year. This often makes legal registration even cheaper than paying off the books.

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.

What Does a Household Helper Actually Do?

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.

Checklist with cleaning supplies on a clean kitchen counter

5 Steps to Finding the Right Household Helper

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.

Introductory meeting between household helper and client at dining table

How Much Does a Household Helper Cost? A Price Comparison

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.

Registering Your Household Helper Legally: Minijobs and Tax Benefits

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:

Register with the Minijob-Zentrale using the Haushaltsscheck (online, by phone, or by mail)
Provide personal details and the tax ID of your household helper
Set up a SEPA direct debit — contributions are collected semi-annually
Done! The Minijob-Zentrale handles social insurance and taxes

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.

Laptop on desk with documents for minijob registration

What to Look for When Choosing a Household Helper

Beyond professional skills, soft skills play a major role. Your household helper has access to your private living space — trust is therefore essential.

Reliability: Punctuality and regular attendance are the foundation. Don't hesitate to ask for references.
Communication: A good household helper asks questions when something is unclear and gives honest feedback about time estimates.
Thoroughness: During the trial, pay attention to how carefully and attentively the work is done.
Flexibility: Sometimes priorities change. A good helper can adapt.
Discretion: Goes without saying, but important: what happens in your household stays there.

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.

Conclusion

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.