Are you planning to work in Germany? The first step to success in the German job market is a professionally prepared German CV and cover letter. In this article, we explain how to create them to stand out from other candidates.
Current job offers in Germany available on europa.jobs
German CV – Structure and Format
A CV for work in Germany, called a Lebenslauf, should be clear, logical, and aligned with German standards. The document is usually one to two A4 pages long. An exception applies to people with extensive professional experience – in such cases, a longer CV is acceptable.
The structure of a German CV should include sections such as:
- Personal details (Persönliche Angaben)
- Work experience (Berufserfahrung)
- Education (Ausbildung)
- Foreign language skills (Sprachkenntnisse)
- Skills and qualifications (Kenntnisse & Fähigkeiten)
- (Optional) Interests (Interessen)
Personal Details in a German CV
In Germany, it is still common to include a photo in the CV. It should be recent, professional, and taken against a neutral background. Required details include:
- Full name
- Address
- Email address (preferably professional, e.g. firstname.lastname@…)
- Phone number with international dialing code
Additionally, you may include your date of birth, citizenship, or marital status. Although not required, including them may indicate your familiarity with German standards.
Work Experience – A Very Important Section in the CV
In a German CV, work experience should be listed in reverse chronological order – starting with the most recent positions. Describe each position in a few bullet points, focusing on duties and achievements relevant to the job offer.
Best practice includes providing:
- Company name and location
- Period of employment (MM/YYYY – MM/YYYY)
- Job title
- Key responsibilities and accomplishments
Education in the German Lebenslauf
The education section should include the full name of the school or university (preferably in German), dates of attendance, field of study, and the degree obtained. It’s also worth mentioning any courses, training, or international exchange programs.
Foreign Languages – How to Describe Them?
Language proficiency in a CV for Germany is usually described using the CEFR scale (A1–C2) or German terms such as:
- Grundkenntnisse – basic
- Gute Kenntnisse – good
- Sehr gute Kenntnisse – very good
- Fließend in Wort und Schrift – fluent in spoken and written language
- Verhandlungssicher – fluent at negotiation level
- Muttersprache – native language
It’s also good to mention language certificates, e.g. TestDaF, Goethe-Zertifikat.
Qualifications
In this section, include only those skills relevant to the position. These might include:
- Proficiency in MS Office
- Knowledge of ERP systems (e.g. SAP)
- CNC machine operation skills
- Certifications such as SEP, UDT, forklift license
Is It Worth Adding Interests?
Although this is not a mandatory section, you can include it – especially if you’re at the beginning of your career. Be specific – instead of writing “sports,” write, for example: “long-distance running, member of a local running club.”
German Cover Letter – How to Write It?
A German cover letter (Anschreiben) is a document that plays an equally important role as the CV. It should be personalized, concise (maximum one A4 page), and contain:
- Your contact details and the employer’s
- Date and place
- Subject line, e.g. Bewerbung um die Stelle als…
- Content divided into three parts:
Introduction: where you found the job offer, why you are applying
Main part: your competencies and fit for the position
Conclusion: willingness to attend an interview, suggestion to get in touch
Sign the letter by hand (if it’s a printed version) or add a digital signature.
Additional Documents
You should attach the following to your German CV:
- Copies of diplomas and certificates
- Work references (Arbeitszeugnisse)
- Letters of recommendation (Empfehlungsschreiben)
- Cover letter
Do not include a data protection clause – in Germany, it is neither required nor expected.
When creating your German CV and cover letter, remember that clarity, professionalism, and tailoring the content to the specific job offer are key. A good CV for work in Germany clearly presents your qualifications and shows that you understand the specifics of the German job market.
Pay attention to every detail – it’s those that determine whether you’ll be invited for an interview.
Related posts:
What is Worth Seeing in Germany?
