Objectives: People face stressful situations in different ways and exhibit different work-related behaviors and experiences that can be assigned to a pattern (Arbeitsbezogenes Verhaltens- und Erlebensmuster – AVEM). The aim of the study was to determine the mental health and work ability of female kindergarten teachers and their relationship to their individual AVEM patterns. Material and Methods: In the cross-sectional study, 185 German teachers (D) and 107 Ukrainian teachers (UA) filled out AVEM-questionnaire. Mental health and work ability were recorded using questionnaires. Group comparisons were carried out between the kindergarten teachers in both countries. Results: A total of 126 German and 83 Ukrainian kindergarten teachers could be clearly assigned to 1 of the 4 AVEM patterns: A – effort (18.3% G vs. 38.6% UA), B – burnout (24.6% D vs. 24.1% UA), G – health (17.5% D vs. 25.3% UA) and S – protection (39.7% D vs. 12.0% UA, p < 0.001). German kindergarten teachers rated their work ability (mean [M] ± standard deviation [SD] 7.3±1.7 pts) lower than Ukrainian kindergarten teachers (M±SD 8.0±1.4 pts, p < 0.001). Both groups cope equally well with physical demands, but Ukrainian teachers cope better with mental demands (M±SD 3.7±0.7 pts vs. 3.4±0.8 pts, p = 0.005). Mental health was subjectively impaired in 16.7% of German and 9.6% of Ukrainian kindergarten teachers (p = 0.160). Overall, German teachers rated their mental health worse with M±SD 11.8±5.3 pts (General Health Questionnaire total score) than their Ukrainian colleagues with M±SD 8.9±4.6 pts (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The analysis of individual AVEM patterns can be a helpful basis for identifying health-endangering patterns as well as resources and thus establishing measures to maintain the health of teachers. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2025;38(5)