How to Write a German CV | Full Guide with Examples for 2025

German CV Example

Phew! That’s one professional German CV. Here’s what it does right:

• Minimalistic layout. This CV uses a clean, well-structured design that aligns perfectly with what German employers expect. No flashy colors or unnecessary elements – just clear headings, consistent formatting, and easy-to-read sections.
• Professional headshot. The candidate included a front-facing photo against a plain background, just as would be expected in a German job application.
• Reverse-chronological format. This CV format means that the work experience section highlights the most recent position first, so it’s easy for hiring managers to immediately see the candidate's current level of experience and clear career progression.
• Detailed education section. German employers often expect to see both higher education and secondary education details, along with any notable honors, achievements, or relevant coursework.
• Digitally signed. German CVs often include a signature and date at the bottom. The candidate complied, showing they’re familiar with German CV standards and hiring practices.
• One page only. This candidate’s detailed CV manages to include all the essential information without going over the German preference for single-page CVs. Everything is concise, well-organized, and factual.

Do You Need a CV or Resume in Germany?

When you’re looking for work in Germany, you might see job ads asking for either a CV or a resume. Don't worry about the terminology, though  – both words refer to the same document.

That being said, the word CV is by far more common, so that’s what you'll see in most German job advertisements.

So, throughout this article, we're going to use the term "CV" to keep things consistent, but try to remember that whether you see "resume," "CV," or "Lebenslauf" in a job ad, they're all referring to the same document.

Some other things you should know about German CVs include:

• Don’t go over two pages. German CVs shouldn’t exceed two pages, regardless of how experienced you are. A one-page CV works best for most people, but if you’re a very experienced professional, you can go for two if the content adds genuine value.
• Provide detailed contact information. Compared to other European countries like the UK, German CVs include a lot more personal information. Expect to add your full postal address, date of birth, and potentially your nationality, among other details.
• Match the language in the job ad. If the job posting is in German, make sure you submit your CV in German, too. If you’re applying for an international company where the job ad is in English, you can just submit your CV in English, but, depending on the role, you might be expected to provide a version in German later on, so be prepared.
• Focus on the facts. German employers prefer facts over storytelling. Give them concrete, quantifiable achievements with metrics and specific results instead of personal narratives and success stories with emotional language.

German CV vs. US CV

If you’re from the US, the term CV means a completely different thing from what it is in Germany, which can make your job hunt a little confusing.

In the US, a CV is strictly an academic document used by researchers, professors, and medical professionals. These academic CVs can get lengthy and span over dozens of pages that include every publication, conference, and academic achievement you have.

And that one-to-two-page summary of your career you need for non-academic job applications is called a resume. Essentially, German CVs are similar to American resumes.

Now, let’s look at some of the key differences:

• Personal information. German CVs include a lot of details that wouldn’t fit on a US resume or CV, such as your date of birth or nationality. US documents limit the candidate’s personal information due to different discrimination regulations.
• Length and structure. Much like US resumes, German CVs are limited to two pages, tops. US CVs, on the other hand, can be as long as necessary, even up to 18 pages.
• Tone and presentation. In the US, it’s recommended to use dynamic, marketing-oriented language to really “sell” yourself as a candidate. But in Germany, that would be excessive.

German CV vs. European CV

Germany is a key player in Europe, so it’s normal to assume that German CVs aren’t all that different from other European CVs.

However, every country on the continent is different and has its own distinct business culture.

Let’s look at some of the biggest differences between German and other European CVs:

• Formality. While some countries, such as Denmark or Sweden, may be more lax in the language they can use on a CV, German CVs remain a very formal, fact-based presentation of who you are and what you can do. German employers expect strict professionalism and a more conservative presentation throughout your application.
• Mandatory photos. Professional headshots are still largely expected on German CVs, even while other European countries have made photos optional or even discouraged them entirely due to anti-discrimination practices.
• Required signature. One of the unique quirks of German CVs is that they are pretty much always signed and dated, even the digital versions. In most other European countries, you wouldn't be expected to do this.
• Expected references. German employers often appreciate having references listed on your CV or at least mentioned as "available upon request," while most European countries only want you to provide references when specifically asked.
• Chronological structure. Without exception, German CVs follow a rigid reverse-chronological order. While countries like France or Italy may be more flexible depending on your circumstances, German hiring managers expect the reverse-chronological format.

10 Steps to Write Your German CV

We’ve covered the basics about what a German CV is; now all that’s left is to write your own. Read our guide while creating your CV, and you’ll be done in no time!

#1. Choose the Best Format

Your German CV needs a structure before you can fill in the contents, and this is where the CV format comes in.

Generally, there are different CV formats you can choose from. But for a German CV, the only one you should consider is the reverse-chronological CV format.

The reverse-chronological format is simply the most popular in Germany, and it’s what hiring managers expect to see. It also starts by highlighting your most recent experiences and achievements, so it’s more likely to hold their attention for the right reasons.

Now let’s look at what this CV format looks like in practice:

#2. Adjust the Layout

You’ve figured out the CV format, so now it’s time for the layout.

Your CV’s layout is the first thing the hiring manager is going to see, long before they read its contents.

If your CV looks messy or cluttered, they might skip reading it altogether. But if your CV’s design is on point, they’re going to give your application a chance.

Keep in mind your CV doesn’t need to be a groundbreaking work of art. It simply needs to look neat and be reader-friendly.

Here's how to do this:

• Formatting the date correctly. In Germany, the standard date format used in CVs starts with the date, not the month. The dd/mm/yyyy or simply mm/yyyy format is the way to go.
• Picking a professional font. Choose an easy-to-read font that’s not overused. So, nothing quirky like Papyrus or mainstream like Times New Roman. Use something modern like Lora or Ubuntu.
• Adjusting the margins. The page margins should be set to one inch on all sides so your CV looks neat instead of cramped or stretched out on the page.
• Setting the line spacing. The standard line spacing we recommend is 1.0 between text and 1.15 between sections and after headings.
• Adding bullet points. German hiring managers don’t like big blocks of text. Use bullet points to make your section entries easy to skim through.
• Avoiding flashy colors. You don’t want your German CV to be too extravagant, so keep things simple. Use one or two subtle accent colors and focus on your content more than design.
• Sticking to a standard A4 size. Printing your CV might be necessary. If you’re from the US, you might be used to the standard letter size (8.5 x 11 inches), but in Germany, you’ll have to stick to an A4 size instead.

Or Use a CV Template Instead

Making a German CV can feel like a full-time job.

You’ll have to adjust the layout, set the margins, experiment with different font styles, and somehow include a photo without messing it all up.

What if you could skip all that?

With our free CV templates, you can!

Each of our templates is made by a team of designers and HR professionals from around the world to make sure your CV is ATS-friendly, follows all hiring standards, and looks stylish.

Just see for yourself how one of our CV templates holds up against a standard text editor:

#3. Include the Necessary Contact Information

Once the basics are out of the way, you can start filling in your CV’s contents.

The contact information section is where German CVs differ the most from what you might be used to if you’re from the US.

A German CV’s contact information should always include:

• Full Name. (E.g., Hans Mastmann)
• Professional Title. Match this to the role you’re applying for (e.g., Automobile Engineer).
• Phone Number. Include your country’s dial code if you’re applying from outside of Germany. (E.g., for the US it’s +1, but for Germany it’s +49)
• Email Address. Only use a professional email address, such as a combination of your first and last names. This means no jokes or nicknames - this is a serious document. (e.g. mastmann.hans-erik@novoresume.com, not hotwheelshans777@hotmail.com).
• Relevant Links. Include any relevant profiles, such as your GitHub, LinkedIn profile, or an online portfolio.
• Location. If you want a remote job or you’re willing to relocate, be explicit about this on your CV. If you’re living in Germany right now, you might want to add your exact postal address, though the city and state are often enough.
• Professional Photo. German hiring managers expect your CV to include a photo so they can put a face to the name.
• Nationality. If you’re not a German resident, take note. The employer might want to know if you have permission to work (which EU citizens don't need) or if they need to sponsor your stay in Germany. The job ad might directly ask you to specify your nationality in your application.
• Date of Birth. Use the dd/mm/yyyy format.
• Driver’s license. You might be required to drive a company car for work trips, so it’s standard practice to mention this.

#4. Shorten the CV Summary

At this point, there’s one more thing left to complete your CV header.

Usually, this is where you would include a CV headline – a brief paragraph that’s meant to capture the hiring manager’s attention in three to four sentences, summarizing your experience, achievements, and relevant skills.

However, German CVs are a little different. While some people might opt for including this, it’s common practice not to. This is because German HRs prefer factual bullet points and letting the information speak for itself, rather than using a tactic to apply the ten-second rule.

So, should you skip this section?

Think of it this way. Hiring managers go through hundreds of applications for every vacant position, and you need to make an impression fast. Including a CV summary or objective might be unconventional in Germany, but it could also make all the difference to set you apart from the competition.

As long as you keep this very short and factual, you’re likely to make a good first impression.

You can go for one of two approaches here:

• CV summary. A summary of your years of experience, relevant skills, and up to two of your most impressive achievements. Choose this if you already have some relevant experience for the job you’re applying for.
• CV objective. A brief description of your skills, qualifications, and career aspirations. Great if you’re an entry-level candidate with no previous experience or if you’re changing careers.

Let’s see how they compare:

Both are great because they keep things short and to the point. They focus on the candidate’s most relevant qualifications and skills, so the hiring manager won’t find these paragraphs distracting, even if they don’t like CV headlines.

#5. Focus On Your Work Experience

The most important section of your German CV is the work experience section.

Here’s how to format it:

• Reverse-chronological order. List your most recent role and then go backwards. Just keep the positions relevant – no one needs to know about your summer job as a teenager if it’s not relevant to the role you want now.
• Job title. Your actual job title is going to tell the hiring manager what you did, as long as it’s accurate. So, don’t use a buzzword or quirky inside joke like “Customer Satisfaction Expert” when you mean “Customer Service Representative”.
• Company name and location. If it’s a small company or there isn’t a lot of information about them online, you can also include a very brief description of what they do.
• Dates of employment. The mm/yyyy format is your best friend, so use it consistently throughout your entire CV.
• Responsibilities and achievements. Generally, four to five bullet points for your most recent role and no more than two or three for older ones is the way to go.

How to Make Your Work Experience Pop

German hiring managers appreciate cold, hard facts. That means you should limit overly descriptive or emotive language to talk about your impact. Metrics are the best way to prove your achievements, so try to use timeframes, percentages, or amounts.

Here are some tips to take your work experience section to the next level:

• Tailor it to the role. Use keywords from the job ad to align your work experience with the employer’s requirements.
• Balance responsibilities and achievements. Usually, showing off on your CV isn’t a bad thing, but you need to keep things factual and believable. Try to list your professional accomplishments, but if you don’t have many or your job isn’t achievement-oriented, then list some day-to-day tasks instead.
• Keep the language simple. German hiring managers appreciate a direct approach without overstatements, so keep things clear and simple.
• Adjust it to your career level. If you don’t have any relevant work experience, you can list internships, relevant volunteer experience, or personal projects here. Even if the work is unpaid, it still counts towards your work experience, so use it to your advantage.

Now, here’s an example of a work experience entry from someone working in finance:

#6. Elaborate On Your Education

Up next is your education section, and this can pull a lot of weight for your job application.

In Germany, employers value formal qualifications and academic credentials. These can be indicators of your foundational knowledge in your field or your work ethic, so hiring managers pay attention to what you write here. Your education should be more detailed and include your grades or even relevant coursework that can make you stand out as a good candidate.

You might even need to add your high school education, especially if it’s from an impressive school or you graduated with honors.

Here’s how you should format every education entry you include:

• Degree Name. E.g.: “B.S. in Applied Physics”
• Institution Name. E.g.: “University of Nebraska”
• Location. E.g.: “Lincoln, Nebraska, USA”
• Years Attended. E.g.: “08/2019 - 06/2023”
• Details. E.g,. “Concentration in Materials Science, GPA: 3.7/4.0”

Pretty simple, right? And remember – always start with your most advanced degree and then work backward in the reverse-chronological order, just like in your work experience.

Finally, if you’re translating your CV to German to apply for the job, you might want to list your degree equivalents so the hiring managers understand them. For example:

Alternatively, you could list the European Qualification Framework (EQF) next to each of your degrees. It’s a tool designed specifically to help make national credentials easier to understand across borders.

#7. Showcase Your Relevant Skills

The next section we’re going to cover is dedicated to your skills. This demonstrates you know your field of work and that you can handle its requirements.

You can split your skills into the following two categories:

• Soft skills. Certain personality traits and behaviors you developed show how you work, and they’re pretty important. Examples include problem-solving, teamwork, conflict resolution, and more.
• Hard skills. Sometimes called technical skills, these are abilities you get from experience, including training or education. Various tool proficiencies are also considered hard skills.

Make sure you only list your most relevant skills, though. The hiring manager only needs to know you have what it takes for the role, not that you’re a super-talented, well-rounded person.

Therefore, if you want a job as a game designer, it’s best to keep irrelevant skills, such as your Zumba certification, off your CV.

If you want to know which skills to add, just reference the job description. It usually lists the most important skills the company is looking for, so all you need to do is include the ones you have on your German CV.

To make things even easier, you can use artificial intelligence to find those skills immediately. Just upload the job posting to your preferred AI tool and ask it to give you a list of the skills required for the job. You can also upload a copy of your CV as it is and ask what else you should include to make your application pop.

Let’s look at an example skills section for a marketing executive:

#8. Leverage Optional Sections

So far, we’ve gone through all the most important German CV sections. But if you don’t have a lot of relevant experience, you might have leftover space on the page.

Instead of submitting an empty-looking CV, take advantage of optional sections, such as:

• Languages. We cannot understate how much of an advantage knowing German is going to be for you. Even if the job doesn’t explicitly require you to speak the language, list your German proficiency level using the European standards (A1-C2) and include any German certifications like Goethe or TELC.
• Certifications and awards. Both professional certifications and any distinctions you’ve earned can give you more credibility as an applicant. If they’re recognized within the EU or Germany specifically, even better. Just make sure to include the name of the certification or award, when it was received, and the name of the organization that issued it.
• Volunteer experience. Community involvement and proactivity are both great to add to your German CV. You can tailor this section similarly to your work experience and focus on the specific achievements and transferable skills that show you’re a great candidate for the role you’re applying for.
• References. While references are usually best kept off your CV unless specifically requested, German employers appreciate seeing them. Seeing a credible reference listed on your CV could be the difference that gets you an interview.

Now, contrary to the business culture in a lot of other countries, adding your hobbies and interests in Germany can come off as unprofessional. German hiring practices are more traditional, so keep your free time separate from your CV unless specifically asked about it.

#9. Sign Your CV

One of the most distinctive requirements for a German CV is the signature and date at the bottom of the document. This part isn't optional either – German employers expect to see your handwritten signature, even on a digital application.

It’s a formal detail, but complying with this practice shows that you understand how the hiring process works in Germany. After all, your signature is a formal declaration that all the information you provided is accurate and truthful. It reflects the personal accountability and legal responsibility you are carrying for the content of your application.

Here are some tips on how to do it correctly:

• Use standard A4 white paper when printing your CV.
• Optionally, use paper that’s at least 80 grams per square meter so you make a really strong impression.
• Place your signature at the bottom right of the final page.
• Include the current date in dd/mm/yyyy format.
• Add your full legal name, just as it appears in your contact information.
• Keep your signature neat and professional.
• If submitting multiple copies, sign each one individually.
• Use a blue or black pen.

But what if you’re only submitting your CV digitally? Well, you have one of two options here:

Option 1 - Print your completed CV and follow the tips we listed above. Then, scan it into a PDF and send it to the employer.

Option 2 - Save your CV to a PDF and then open it with DocuSign or similar electronic signature software. Then, directly send it to the employer with the digital signature.

#10. Write a Cover Letter

Yes, you still need a cover letter when you’re submitting your German CV. And with good reason, too.

Your CV is a list of your skills and accomplishments, but if you want the employer to understand your motivation for applying to their company, writing a cover letter is the way.

This is going to significantly increase your chances of landing an interview. It proves you’re not just randomly applying for jobs left and right – you want this specific job, and you are willing to put in the effort for it.

Besides, it’s your first opportunity to address the hiring manager directly before the interview. So, you have to make it count.

Here are some tips to make the most out of your cover letter:

• Divide it into sections. Begin by explaining who you are and what position you’re after. Highlight some relevant qualifications and achievements in your cover letter’s body, along with examples that give you credibility. End with a call to action and add a formal German closing line, followed by your full name, signature, and date of writing.
• Connect it to your CV. Use the cover letter to explain any career changes, employment gaps, or how your international experience applies to the German market. This is where you can provide context that your facts-based CV doesn't allow for.
• Match the job description’s language. If applying to a German company that was hiring in German, then write your cover letter in German, too. This is going to show your language proficiency and commitment to fitting in. If it’s an international company that was hiring in English to begin with, you can stick to that instead.
• Pick a cover letter template. Save valuable time and get straight to writing instead of adjusting the layout and formatting. Our professional cover letter templates let you match your CV and let you submit an eye-catching job application in minutes.

FAQs About German CVs

Are you still confused about German CVs? Just check out the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions below:

Key Takeaways

And with that, you’re all done with our article.

By now, you should be ready to land that dream job in Germany, and we wish you the best of luck on your upcoming interviews.

Before we part ways, let’s just quickly do a recap of what we discussed:

• The words CV, resume, and Lebenslauf are used interchangeably in Germany. While all three refer to a brief, fact-based document you need to apply for a job, the term CV is the most common.
• German CVs always use the reverse-chronological format and don’t go over one or two pages at most. Their design and layout are also quite minimalistic compared to CVs you might find in other countries.
• The contact information section is more detailed in German CVs, since you’re expected to include a professional photo, your date of birth, and sometimes your nationality.
• German hiring managers often want to know your full education history, which includes the high school you went to, what your final grades were, and any academic honors you earned.
• Don’t forget to sign and date your CV before sending it, even if digitally. German CVs should always include this little detail, plus it adds more credibility and professionalism to your application.