A German CV — the Lebenslauf — is usually a structured, tabular document with dates on the left and details on the right. German employers value precision, completeness and a clear timeline, and the CV is typically part of a larger application package.
German CV at a glance
| Element | Common practice in Germany |
|---|---|
| Format | Tabular (tabellarischer Lebenslauf), reverse-chronological |
| Length | 1–2 pages |
| Photo | Traditionally common, but optional — not legally required |
| Personal details | Name, address, phone, email; date of birth optional |
| Dates | Month and year (MM/YYYY); gaps explained |
| Languages | Use CEFR levels (A1–C2) |
| Signature | Traditionally signed with place and date; less common online |
Germany's General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) means employers cannot require a photo or personal details like age. Many candidates still include a professional photo because it remains common, but it is your choice.
The German application package (Bewerbungsunterlagen)
- 1Anschreiben — a one-page cover letter (increasingly optional with online applications).
- 2Lebenslauf — your CV.
- 3Anlagen — attachments such as degree certificates and Arbeitszeugnisse (employer references).
Combine attachments into a single PDF when applying by email, and keep the file size reasonable.
Example Lebenslauf layout
LEBENSLAUF — Anna Schmidt
Musterstraße 12, 10115 Berlin · +49 151 0000000 · anna.schmidt@email.de
BERUFSERFAHRUNG (Work experience)
04/2022 – heute Data Analyst, Muster GmbH, Berlin
• Aufbau von Power-BI-Dashboards für 5 Abteilungen
09/2019 – 03/2022 Junior Analyst, Beispiel AG, Hamburg
AUSBILDUNG (Education)
10/2015 – 08/2019 B.Sc. Wirtschaftsinformatik, Universität Hamburg
SPRACHEN (Languages)
Deutsch (C1), Englisch (C2), Türkisch (Muttersprache)
Berlin, 21.10.2026
Put this into practice
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Understanding Arbeitszeugnisse (employer references)
In Germany, employees are generally entitled to a written reference from their employer when they leave a job. These Arbeitszeugnisse use a coded, positive style of language that German recruiters read carefully. If you have worked in Germany, include your references as attachments. If you have only worked abroad, recommendation letters or experience certificates from previous employers can help fill the same role.
Visas and routes for skilled workers
Germany has several routes for non-EU skilled workers, including the EU Blue Card for qualified professionals meeting a salary threshold, skilled-worker visas for recognised qualifications, and the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte), introduced in 2024, which allows eligible people to come to Germany to look for work. Requirements and salary thresholds change, so check the official "Make it in Germany" portal and the German mission in your country for current rules.
Tips for international applicants
- State your German language level honestly with CEFR (e.g. "German B2"). Many roles require at least B1–B2; some tech and research roles work in English.
- Check whether your foreign degree is recognised — the anabin database and "Anerkennung in Deutschland" portal explain the process.
- Mention your visa or residence status, for example the EU Blue Card or Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte).
- Explain gaps briefly — German employers expect a complete timeline. See our employment gaps guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is a photo mandatory on a German CV?+
No. It is still common, but employers cannot legally require it.
Should my German CV be in German?+
Write it in the language of the job advert. If the advert is in German, apply in German unless told otherwise.
Do I need to sign my Lebenslauf?+
It is traditional on printed applications, but optional for online and email applications.
BuildCVFast Editorial Team
This guide is written and reviewed by the BuildCVFast editorial team using current hiring practices, published employer guidance and official government sources where relevant. We update our guides regularly. Read our editorial policy or send us a correction.