🇩🇪 Updated: 2026-10-20
How to write a German CV (Lebenslauf)
German employers expect a short, tabular and complete CV. Every month should be accounted for, the layout should be clean, and the cover letter (Anschreiben) is still part of most applications.
At a glance
| Length | 1–2 pages (up to 3 with long experience) |
|---|---|
| Photo | Common but optional; if you use one, a professional photo |
| Personal details | Name, address, phone, e-mail; date of birth and nationality optional |
| Language | German, unless the job ad is in English |
The rules that matter
Tabular, newest first
Each entry is one row: dates on the left (MM/YYYY – MM/YYYY), job title, employer and city on the right, then 2–4 short bullet points.
Explain gaps
Gaps of more than about three months raise questions. Name them honestly in one line: parental leave, language course, job search, illness, moving to Germany.
Language levels in CEFR
Write languages as A1–C2 or “Muttersprache” (native). Add the certificate if you have one, e.g. “Deutsch – B2 (telc)”.
Recognition of qualifications
For regulated jobs (nursing, medicine, teaching, engineering titles) say whether your foreign degree is recognised (anerkannt) or the recognition is in progress.
Translate job titles, keep names
Translate your job title into German, but keep the employer's original name and add the country, e.g. “Devlet Hastanesi, Hatay (Türkei)”.
Place, date, signature
German CVs traditionally end with place and date (e.g. “Berlin, 20.10.2026”); a signature is optional for e-mail applications.
One PDF
Send the Anschreiben, CV and important certificates (Zeugnisse) as one PDF unless the employer uses an online form.
Section order
- Personal details (and photo)
- Short profile (optional)
- Work experience
- Education
- Further training
- Languages
- Skills (IT, driving licence)
- Interests (optional)
- Place, date
Common mistakes
- Unexplained gaps between jobs
- Only years instead of month/year
- Long paragraphs instead of short bullet points
- Language levels like “good” instead of A1–C2
- Casual photo or selfie
Tell it in your language, get a Germany CV
Describe your experience in your own language, by typing or speaking. CV Fennec writes the CV in the format this country expects and shows you every line in your language. Free preview.
Create my CV →Questions
Do I need a photo on a German CV?
No. Under the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG), employers should not require one. Many applicants still add one; if you do, it should be a professional portrait.
Should I write my date of birth and marital status?
They are optional today. Many applicants leave out marital status and religion. Date of birth and nationality can help if your work permit status is relevant.
Can I apply in English?
Yes, if the job ad is in English or the company works in English. Otherwise a German CV and Anschreiben give you a much better chance.
Other country guides
This guide in other languages
This guide describes common practice, not legal requirements. Always follow the instructions in the job ad if they differ.