German for household work: the words you actually need
Working in a Swiss household and still speak little German? You don't need a holiday language course - you need the 150 words and phrases for work. Here's which ones, and how to learn them for free.
You don't need perfect German: about 150 words and set phrases cover your working day - and you can learn them free in the Clino German course, explained in your language, with a certificate.
- Four areas are enough: cleaning products, instructions, emergencies, pay and paperwork.
- If you understand and communicate, you make fewer mistakes and often earn more.
- Level 1 starts from zero, Level 2 makes you a pro - both end with a certificate.
Why work German pays off for you
You don't need perfect German to work well. But knowing the right words avoids misunderstandings, damage and stress, and makes you look more professional.
It pays off. Families recommend you and often pay more when communication simply works.
More safety
Understand warnings on cleaning products and call for help in an emergency.
Fewer mistakes
Understand instructions and notes correctly instead of guessing.
More pay & trust
Communicate clearly, set expectations and talk about money.
The words you really need
Forget long grammar. These four areas cover almost your whole working day:
Tools & products
Every cleaning product and tool by name, plus the warning about Javel (bleach).
Understanding instructions
Read the note in the kitchen and messages on WhatsApp.
Problems & emergencies
Call in sick, say when something breaks, and the emergency number 144.
Pay & paperwork
The words on your payslip and how to ask about money.
A short message in German (to copy)
Müller
online
Guten Morgen Frau Müller, ich komme heute etwa 15 Minuten später, der Bus hatte Verspätung. Entschuldigung! Ich hole die Zeit gerne hinten dran.
07:35Guten Morgen, kein Problem, danke fürs Bescheidgeben!
07:38Danke für Ihr Verständnis. Bis gleich!
07:39From day one to pro
You start from zero: greetings, the rooms of the home, when to say «du» or «Sie», and the key tools.
Later come complex instructions, materials like parquet and natural stone, laundry care, small talk and negotiating pay. Step by step, at your pace.
German for Household Work, Level 1
The 150 words and phrases you actually need at work, explained in your language.
- ~40 min
- in your language
- PDF certificate with QR code
How to learn work German for free
The Clino German course explains every word in your language, with pronunciation help, on your phone. Level 1 starts from zero, Level 2 makes you a pro. Both end with a certificate to show.
Do you work in a Swiss household?
Register for free and share your details with your employer. Registration becomes easy and you're properly insured.
- Free registration
- Share details with your employer
- Also in Portuguese, Albanian and Turkish
Frequently asked questions
Do I need any German already?
No. Level 1 starts from zero, every word is explained in your language, with pronunciation help.
Will I learn Swiss German?
You learn standard German for writing and understanding, plus the most common Swiss expressions you hear at work.
Is the course really free?
Yes, completely. No subscription, no credit card. Clino offers it free because good German skills promote fair employment.
Do I get a certificate?
Yes. After the course you get a PDF with your name, seal and QR code, to share and show to families.
Related guides
Learn the German that counts - free
150 words, real phrases, explained in your language. Your first certificate in about 40 minutes.
Get employed legally, without the awkward conversation
We prepare your personal employment pack and send it to your employer in their language. Free.
+ CHF 50 for you when they register you
Create your pack (2 min)