🇩🇪 CV guide · Germany · General guide: CV for Germany
Care assistant CV for Germany (Pflegehilfskraft / Altenpflege)
Care homes and home-care services in Germany hire many assistants. Experience caring for older people – even in family – counts if you describe it honestly.
Recognition and permits
- Assistant roles (Pflegehelferin / Pflegehelfer) are open with less formal training; a 1-year assistant training is common and some states require it.
- To become a fully qualified nurse (Pflegefachfrau/-mann) you need the 3-year training or recognition of your nursing degree.
- Most employers expect German at B1 for daily care work.
- On your CV, write any care course with hours, e.g. “Basiskurs Pflegehilfe (200 Std.)”.
German terms employers look for
PflegehilfskraftAltenpflegeGrundpflegeMobilisationBetreuung von Menschen mit DemenzEssensausgabeDokumentationAmbulante PflegeStationäre Pflege
Example CV lines
In German as they appear on your CV, with the meaning below.
Unterstützung bei Grundpflege und Mobilisation von BewohnernHelping residents with basic care and mobility
Betreuung eines demenzkranken Familienangehörigen (2019–2023)Caring for a family member with dementia (2019–2023)
Begleitung bei Arztbesuchen und AlltagsaktivitätenAccompanying people to doctor visits and daily activities
Common mistakes
- Leaving out family care experience – it counts if you describe it honestly
- No language level
- Writing only “cleaning” instead of the care tasks you did
Write your German CV for this job — in your own language
Answer a few questions by typing or speaking. CV Fennec writes the Lebenslauf and Anschreiben in German and shows every line in your language. Free preview.
Start free →Questions
Can I apply without a care certificate?
Yes, for many assistant jobs. Employers often train you. A short care course helps your chances.
Is family care real experience?
Yes. Put it as its own entry with dates and tasks, without inventing anything.
Other professions
Rules can change and differ between federal states. Check with the official recognition portal anerkennung-in-deutschland.de before applying.