EducationGermany

Childcare: Krippe and Kita

Kinderbetreuung: Krippe und Kita

From the first birthday there is a legal right to a childcare place. Registering early pays off.

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Overview

In Germany every child from the age of one until entering school has a right to a place in a crèche, kindergarten or with an approved childminder, but places are limited in many cities and early registration is necessary. The state subsidises care so that fees differ by state and income, and may be free in some states.

Care helps with language learning and integration, and lets mothers and fathers work or study. This guide explains the types of care, how to search and register, the fees and support, the documents required, what to expect from the kindergarten, and how to handle the settling-in period.

1

Types of care

The crèche (Krippe) is for children from a few months to three years, the kindergarten (Kindergarten or Kita) from three years until school, and the word Kita often covers both.

  • There is also the home childminder (Tagesmutter or Tagesvater) who cares for a small group in their home with a licence from the municipality, and family centres and play groups for mothers and children.
  • They are run by public, church or private bodies or community associations, each with its own philosophy, so you can choose by proximity, values, opening hours and the number of children per group.
  • Some provide all-day care and some only half a day.
2

How to search and register

Search through the municipal website or the online childcare portal in your city (such as Kita-Navigator) that shows places and registration.

  • Register your child in more than one place to increase chances, and apply early, possibly during pregnancy or shortly after birth because waiting may be long.
  • Visiting the kindergarten and meeting the educators helps.
  • If you do not find a place despite the legal right, ask the youth welfare office (Jugendamt) for help, and in some cases compensation can be claimed.
  • Tell the kindergarten about any special needs, allergies or religious dietary restrictions.
3

Fees and financial support

Fees differ by state, municipality, family income, the child's age and care hours, and range from free to a few hundred euros a month.

  • Some states have abolished fees for the final years before school.
  • Meal fees are often paid separately.
  • Low-income families or recipients of benefits (Bürgergeld) may be exempt fully or partly upon request to the youth welfare office.
  • You can also benefit from child benefit (Kindergeld), the child supplement (Kinderzuschlag) and tax deductions for care costs.
  • Ask the kindergarten for the complete fee list before registering.
4

Documents and settling in

You usually need the child's birth certificate, the address registration certificate, the vaccination record and especially the measles vaccine, which is compulsory for entry, sometimes proof of work or study of the parents, and bank account details for payment.

  • The first weeks in the kindergarten are called the settling-in period (Eingewöhnung), in which one parent stays with the child for a few days and then the separation time increases gradually, and it is important for the child's comfort.
  • Be patient and do not rush, communicate with the educators and let your child carry a favourite toy.
  • It is natural for them to cry at first, and it improves with time.
5

Daily life in kindergarten and parents' expectations

Children learn through play, so there is no focus on writing and reading but on language, music, movement, group life and independence.

  • Children go out to the yard in most weather, so dress them in suitable clothes, comfortable shoes and spare clothes, and bring a healthy snack if needed.
  • You are expected to keep drop-off and pick-up times, tell the kindergarten when the child is ill, and keep them at home if they have a contagious illness.
  • Parties, festivals and trips are held, and families are invited to parents' councils.
  • Take part as much as you can, since this strengthens the child's sense of belonging.

Step by step

  1. 1

    Search kindergartens in your city through the municipal online portal.

  2. 2

    Register your child in several places early and visit your preferred ones.

  3. 3

    Prepare the birth certificate, vaccination record and address proof.

  4. 4

    Ask about fees and exemption at the youth welfare office.

  5. 5

    Plan the settling-in period around your work schedule.

  6. 6

    Communicate with the educators and take part in parents' meetings.

Documents checklist

  • The child's birth certificate.
  • Address registration certificate.
  • Vaccination record and proof of the measles vaccine.
  • Proof of work or study on request.
  • Bank details and proof of income for exemption.

Key vocabulary

  • derKindergarten
  • dieKrippe
    crèche
  • dieTagesmutter
    childminder
  • derBetreuungsplatz
    childcare place
  • dieErzieherin
    educator
  • dieEingewöhnung
    settling-in period
  • dasKindergeld
    child benefit
  • dasJugendamt
    youth welfare office
  • dieImpfung
    vaccination
  • derElternbeitrag
    parents' fee
  • dieWarteliste
    waiting list

Useful phrases

  • Ich suche einen Kitaplatz für mein Kind.I am looking for a nursery place for my child.
  • Wie hoch ist der Beitrag?How high is the fee?
  • Wann fängt die Eingewöhnung an?When does the settling-in begin?
  • Mein Kind hat eine Allergie.My child has an allergy.
  • Mein Kind isst kein Schweinefleisch.My child does not eat pork.
  • Um wie viel Uhr kann ich mein Kind abholen?At what time can I pick up my child?

Getting to know the Kita

  • Leiterin

    Herzlich willkommen. Wie alt ist Ihr Kind?Welcome. How old is your child?

  • Sie

    Meine Tochter ist zwei Jahre alt. Wir suchen einen Platz ab September.My daughter is two years old. We are looking for a place from September.

  • Leiterin

    Wir haben eine Warteliste, aber wir melden uns bald bei Ihnen.We have a waiting list, but we will contact you soon.

  • Sie

    Danke. Sie isst kein Schweinefleisch. Ist das ein Problem?Thank you. She does not eat pork. Is that a problem?

  • Leiterin

    Nein, wir bieten jeden Tag eine Alternative an.No, we offer an alternative every day.

  • Sie

    Sehr gut. Wie hoch ist der monatliche Beitrag?Very good. How high is the monthly fee?

Common mistakes

  • Registering late months after birth so that the waiting list grows.
  • Not updating the vaccination record so that the child's entry is refused.
  • Not benefiting from fee exemption because you did not ask.
  • Rushing to leave the child all day from the first week without settling in.

Cultural tips

  • Register the child at the nearest kindergarten first, since a short distance eases family life every day.
  • Put the child's name on clothes, shoes and bag to avoid losses.
  • Speak Arabic with the child at home, which supports the mother tongue and does not hinder German.
  • Ask whether an educator who speaks your language is available to ease communication at the start.

Official links

Check yourself

Question 1 of 5

From what age is there a legal right to a childcare place?