🇩🇪 CV guide · Germany · General guide: CV for Germany
Nurse CV for Germany (Pflegefachfrau / Pflegefachmann)
Germany needs nurses and many hospitals and care homes hire from abroad. Your CV must show your training, your clinical experience and where you stand in the recognition process.
Recognition and permits
- Nursing is a regulated profession: you need recognition (Anerkennung) from the responsible authority of the federal state before you can work as a fully qualified nurse.
- If your training is not fully equivalent, you can close the gap with a knowledge test (Kenntnisprüfung) or an adaptation course (Anpassungslehrgang).
- Most authorities require German at B2 level for the professional permit. Many employers support you with the recognition and language course.
- On your CV, write the status clearly: “Anerkennung beantragt am 03/2026” or “Anerkennung als Pflegefachfrau erteilt”.
German terms employers look for
Example CV lines
In German as they appear on your CV, with the meaning below.
Common mistakes
- Translating your title as “Krankenschwester” without mentioning the recognition status
- No months in the dates – German employers expect MM/YYYY
- Not naming the ward (ICU, surgery, emergency) – it shows your speciality
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Start free →Questions
Can I apply before my recognition is finished?
Yes. Many employers hire nurses during the recognition process, often first as a nursing assistant until the permit is granted. Write the current status on your CV.
Which language level do I need?
For the professional permit usually B2. Write your exact level and certificate, e.g. “Deutsch B1 (Goethe), B2-Kurs läuft”.
Other professions
Rules can change and differ between federal states. Check with the official recognition portal anerkennung-in-deutschland.de before applying.