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German CV (Lebenslauf): how to write a CV for Germany
In Germany, the standard job-application document is the Lebenslauf (often a tabellarischer Lebenslauf, i.e., tabular CV). You’ll also see the word Bewerbung, which usually means the full application (often: cover letter + Lebenslauf + certificates). This guide focuses on the Germany-specific conventions recruiters expect.
German CV at a glance
- Length: 1–2 pages (A4).
- Format: tabular (tabellarisch) is the norm; simple, structured, easy to scan.
- Order: usually reverse chronological within each section (most recent first).
- Photo: optional (still common in some contexts, but not required).
- Personal details: some details are traditional (DOB/place), but several are voluntary today.
- Signature: adding place + date + signature at the end can be used to signal a current, verified version (not mandatory).
- Proof documents: Germany often expects certificates (Zeugnisse) and relevant attachments.
What makes a German Lebenslauf “German”
- “Bewerbung” mindset: employers may want a complete set of documents, not just the CV.
- Tabular and factual: clear timelines, consistent date formatting, and concise role/education entries.
- Certificates matter: school, degree, and work certificates are frequently used as proof.
- Optional but traditional elements: photo and certain personal details may appear, but you decide based on the role/company and your comfort level.
Recommended German CV structure
Use a clean, tabular layout. Keep section titles familiar to Germany (or bilingual if you’re applying from abroad).
Option A (most common)
- Persönliche Daten (contact + key personal details)
- Kurzprofil (optional, 2–4 lines)
- Berufserfahrung (work experience)
- Ausbildung / Studium (education)
- Kenntnisse (skills: IT, tools, methods)
- Sprachen (language levels)
- Zertifikate / Weiterbildungen (if relevant)
- Ehrenamt / Interessen (optional, only if meaningful)
- Ort, Datum, Unterschrift (optional but common)
Option B (students / graduate / internship)
- Persönliche Daten
- Kurzprofil (optional)
- Ausbildung / Studium (higher on the page)
- Praktika (internships)
- Projekte (coursework, thesis, personal projects)
- Kenntnisse + Sprachen
- Ort, Datum, Unterschrift (optional)
German CV header: what to include (and what to skip)
Include (Germany-friendly essentials)
- First name + last name
- Phone (with country code if applying from abroad)
- Email (professional)
- City (and optionally full address if you want to follow traditional norms)
- LinkedIn / portfolio / GitHub (role-dependent)
Optional (traditional, but increasingly “your choice”) or skip
- Date of birth and place of birth (include only if you’re comfortable)
- Nationality (only if useful for work authorization clarity)
- Marital status (usually unnecessary)
- Photo (optional; see decision guide below)
You have to skip :
- Any ID numbers (passport, national ID, etc.)
- Religion (unless specifically relevant/asked)
- Anything that invites bias and doesn’t help your application
German CV sections: what to write (the Germany-specific way)
German applications reward clarity and proof. The goal is a tabular, easy-to-verify timeline, plus evidence (skills and certificates) that match the role. Use the section guidance below to follow German expectations without overloading your Lebenslauf.
Photo on a German CV: a practical decision guide
A photo is not required in Germany. In some industries and more traditional companies it may still be common, but you can choose to apply without it.
- Add a photo if: it’s clearly expected in your sector/company culture and you can include a truly professional headshot.
- Skip the photo if: you prefer to reduce bias, you’re applying to international/modern environments, or the application portal doesn’t request one.
Kurzprofil (optional): how it’s used in Germany
A Kurzprofil is a compact snapshot (2–4 lines). It works best when it states your role, specialization, and one proof point—without buzzwords.
- Good formula: “Role + specialization + years/level + 1 proof point + target.”
- Skip if your experience section already tells the story clearly.
Berufserfahrung: the German way
Keep entries factual and structured: title, employer, city, dates, then short bullets focused on responsibilities and outcomes.
- Use consistent dates (MM/YYYY – MM/YYYY).
- Bullets: 3–6 per role, start with action verbs, include tools and measurable scope when possible.
- Germany-friendly proof: process improvements, quality, efficiency, delivery, compliance, customer impact.
Ausbildung / Studium: diplomas, clarity, and relevance
For Germany, education is usually listed clearly with institution, degree, location, and dates. Add thesis and key modules only when they strengthen your fit.
- Degree name (German or bilingual if needed), university/school, city
- Dates (and “expected” graduation if ongoing)
- Optional: thesis topic, relevant modules, notable projects
Kenntnisse: skills that read “real”
German CVs often separate skills into clear categories. Keep it precise and job-aligned.
- IT / Tools: software, platforms, stack
- Methods: processes, frameworks, compliance/quality methods
- Domain skills: role-specific know-how (e.g., procurement, reporting, SEO, accounting tasks)
Sprachen: keep levels clear
- German: C1 (professional)
- English: B2/C1 (choose the level you can defend)
Zertifikate, Zeugnisse, and attachments (often expected)
Many German applications include certificates (Zeugnisse) and relevant proof documents. Keep only what supports the role, and sort documents with the most recent first.
- Work certificates: Arbeitszeugnisse (most recent first)
- Degree/school certificates: highest and most relevant
- Certifications: role-relevant training and certificates
Ort, Datum, Unterschrift (optional but common)
Adding place, date, and a signature at the end can signal that the document is current and that you stand by the information. It’s not mandatory, but still widely used.
Copy-and-adapt German CV (Lebenslauf) examples
Header example (Persönliche Daten)
Lea Schneider
Berlin • +49 151 23456789 • lea.schneider@email.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/leaschneider • Portfolio: leaschneider.de
Kurzprofil example
Marketing Specialist (SEO and Analytics) with 3+ years’ experience improving organic growth and conversion for content-driven websites. Strong in structured content planning, performance reporting, and cross-team execution. Target role: Growth Marketing (Berlin / hybrid).
Work experience example (Berufserfahrung)
Marketing Specialist (SEO) — Company X, Berlin
04/2022 – Present
- Planned and delivered SEO roadmaps across 50+ pages (briefs, internal linking, on-page optimisation) aligned with business priorities.
- Improved organic performance through structured reporting (GA4 + Search Console) and monthly prioritised recommendations.
- Increased landing-page conversion by iterating content and layout based on test learnings and funnel analysis.
Education example (Ausbildung / Studium)
M.Sc. Business Administration — Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin
10/2020 – 03/2022
- Thesis: Measurement frameworks for growth experiments and conversion optimisation.
- Relevant modules: Marketing Analytics, Digital Strategy, Statistics.
B.A. Communication Studies — University of Cologne, Cologne
10/2017 – 09/2020
- Project: Built a content strategy plan (keyword research, content calendar, reporting dashboard).
Skills example (Kenntnisse)
- Tools: GA4, Google Search Console, Looker Studio, WordPress
- Methods: content planning, on-page SEO, reporting, experimentation
- Languages: German (C1), English (B2)
Signature line example (Ort, Datum, Unterschrift)
Berlin, 01/2026
[Signature]
German cover letter (“Anschreiben”): when it’s expected
In Germany, employers often request an Anschreiben as part of a complete application—especially for traditional companies, structured hiring, internships, and apprenticeships. Some portals may ask for CV-only, so follow the posting.
- Structure: why this company → why this role → your proof (2–3 points) → close + availability
- Length: 1 page
FAQ: German CV (Lebenslauf)
Is a “German CV” the same as a Lebenslauf?
Is a photo required on a German CV?
Do I need to add place, date, and a signature?
Should I include date of birth or nationality?
Do German applications require certificates (Zeugnisse)?
Ready to build a German CV (Lebenslauf)?
Use a tabular A4 layout, keep your timeline consistent, decide on optional elements (photo and personal details), and prepare a clean set of proof documents (Zeugnisse) when the employer requests a complete application.
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