🇩🇪 CV guide · Germany · General guide: CV for Germany
Doctor CV for Germany (Ärztin / Arzt)
German hospitals hire many doctors from abroad. A clear, tabular CV with your specialty training, rotations and the status of your Approbation makes the difference.
Recognition and permits
- To work as a doctor you need the licence to practise (Approbation) from the state examination office, or a temporary permit (Berufserlaubnis).
- You must pass a medical language exam (Fachsprachprüfung, usually C1 medical German) in addition to general German, usually B2.
- If your degree is not equivalent, you take a knowledge test (Kenntnisprüfung).
- Write the status on your CV: “Approbation beantragt”, “Fachsprachprüfung bestanden (Ärztekammer, 05/2026)”.
German terms employers look for
Example CV lines
In German as they appear on your CV, with the meaning below.
Common mistakes
- Listing every course instead of rotations and procedures
- Not mentioning the Fachsprachprüfung date or plan
- A CV longer than 3 pages
Write your German CV for this job — in your own language
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Start free →Questions
Is a Hospitation useful?
Yes. A short observership in a German hospital shows motivation and gives you a German reference. Put it on your CV with dates.
Should I add a photo?
It is common in Germany but not required. If you add one, use a professional portrait.
Other professions
Rules can change and differ between federal states. Check with the official recognition portal anerkennung-in-deutschland.de before applying.