How to Write a CV for Jobs in Germany (Lebenslauf): Format, Photo and Tips

Germany needs skilled workers in many fields — IT, engineering, healthcare, skilled trades — and hires many international applicants. But German recruiters have clear expectations about how a CV (Lebenslauf) looks. A CV that would be perfect in the UK or the Gulf can feel incomplete or confusing in Germany. Here is what to adapt.

The German CV format

• Tabular, reverse-chronological layout with dates on the left (e.g. "03/2022 – today").
• Usually 1–2 pages; clear and factual rather than promotional.
• Gaps longer than a few months should be explained briefly (job search, parental leave, language course).
• In German companies, apply in German if the advert is in German; English CVs are common in international companies, IT and research.
• A cover letter (Anschreiben) is still expected by many employers, though some now accept applications without one.

Photo and personal details

A professional photo is common in Germany but not required — anti-discrimination law means employers may not demand it. If you add one, it should be a professional headshot, not a casual picture. Many applicants also include nationality and, if relevant, their work permit status. Marital status and religion are not needed.

Present foreign qualifications clearly

• Give the original degree name plus a short explanation or the German equivalent if known.
• For regulated professions (e.g. nursing, medicine, teaching), mention the status of your recognition (Anerkennung).
• Add the anabin rating or ZAB statement of comparability if you have it.
• State your visa or residence status if it matters for the role (e.g. "eligible for EU Blue Card").

Language skills: use CEFR levels

German employers expect levels such as A2, B1, B2 or C1, not "good German". Write, for example: "German – B2 (Goethe certificate, 2025); English – C1; Arabic – native". Many roles in healthcare and customer contact require at least B1–B2.

Typical mistakes international applicants make

• Long paragraphs instead of a clear tabular structure.
• Missing months in dates ("2021–2022" instead of "03/2021 – 08/2022").
• Unclear foreign job titles — add a one-line description of the company and your responsibilities.
• Sending a generic CV: German recruiters expect your CV and letter to match the specific advert.

Should you sign and date the CV?

Traditionally German CVs ended with place, date and signature. It is now optional and increasingly rare in online applications; it does no harm, but it is not expected.

In Germany, clarity and completeness build trust — a tidy, factual CV says more than a flashy design.