How to Write a CV for Germany in 2026

The Lebenslauf

In Germany, your CV is called a Lebenslauf (literally "course of life"). It follows a highly structured, formal format. German employers have very specific expectations — and deviating from them signals a lack of local knowledge. Get the format right before anything else.

Photo requirements

A professional passport-style photo (Bewerbungsfoto) is expected on virtually all German CVs. It should be taken professionally, show you in business attire, and be printed in colour. The photo should appear in the top-right corner of the first page. This is non-negotiable for most German employers — submitting without a photo risks your application being dismissed.

Personal details

German CVs typically include: full name, address, date of birth, place of birth, nationality, phone number, and email address. Marital status is optional. These details are placed directly after the photo, usually in the top section of the document.

Structure and format

• Length: Two pages is standard. One page for very junior roles. Three pages for senior or academic positions.
• Layout: Tabular/structured format. Section headers in the left column, details in the right. Clean, precise, professional.
• Work experience (Berufserfahrung): Reverse chronological. Include exact dates (month and year), company name, city, job title, and responsibilities.
• Education (Ausbildung): Include all formal qualifications. German employers respect academic credentials and apprenticeships (Ausbildung).
• Skills (Kenntnisse): Language skills with CEFR levels, technical skills, and IT proficiencies.
• Hobbies (Hobbies/Interessen): A short hobbies section is acceptable in Germany — it shows personality. Keep it brief and relevant.

The Anschreiben (cover letter)

A formal cover letter is absolutely expected in Germany. The Anschreiben should be exactly one page, formally addressed (Sehr geehrte Frau / Sehr geehrter Herr + surname), and explain specifically why you want this role at this company. German employers place significant weight on the cover letter. A generic one will cost you the interview.

Language

For German companies, submit your CV in German. Even for international companies with German-speaking teams, a German CV demonstrates cultural awareness. For global companies with English-language postings, an English CV is appropriate — always follow the language of the job advert.

Common mistakes

• Omitting the professional photo
• Using a casual or creative CV format
• Writing a generic Anschreiben
• Not including date of birth and address
• Leaving unexplained gaps in employment history
• Translating directly from an English CV without adapting to German format conventions