Applying for jobs in Germany? Your resume needs to follow completely different rules.
What works in the US, UK, or most English-speaking countries will likely get your application filtered out in Germany. German employers expect specific formatting, content, and yes—a professional photo.
TL;DR
- Include a professional photo (4.5x6cm, top right)
- Use tabular format with dates in the left column
- Add personal details: date of birth, nationality, marital status (optional)
- Write in German if the job posting is in German
- Sign and date the CV at the bottom
- Use our Resume Builder with German-optimized templates
Why German Resumes Are Different
of German employers expect a photo
Despite anti-discrimination laws, photos remain the cultural norm
Source: StepStone Germany Survey, 2024
German hiring culture prioritizes thoroughness, formality, and tradition. While other countries have moved toward minimalist, photo-free resumes, Germany maintains distinct expectations:
| German Standard | International Standard |
|---|---|
| Photo included | No photo |
| Date of birth, nationality listed | Rarely included |
| Tabular format (dates left, content right) | Varied formats acceptable |
| Handwritten/digital signature at bottom | No signature |
| In-depth personal details | Minimal personal details |
| Called "Lebenslauf" | Called "Resume" or "CV" |
When I receive a CV without a photo or missing the expected structure, I wonder if the candidate understands German business culture. It's not about discrimination—it's about showing you've done your research.
The Anatomy of a German Lebenslauf
- 1
Header with Photo
Name, contact details, professional photo (4.5x6cm) in top right corner
- 2
Personal Data (Persönliche Daten)
Date of birth, place of birth, nationality, marital status (optional)
- 3
Work Experience (Berufserfahrung)
Reverse-chronological, tabular format with dates on left
- 4
Education (Ausbildung/Studium)
Degrees, universities, graduation dates, final grades
- 5
Certifications & Training (Weiterbildungen)
Professional development, courses, certifications
- 6
Skills (Kenntnisse)
Languages with proficiency levels, technical skills, software
- 7
Hobbies (Optional)
Only if relevant or adding value
- 8
Date & Signature
Current date and your signature at the bottom
The Photo: German CV Requirements
Despite the AGG (Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz / General Equal Treatment Act) making photos legally optional, the cultural expectation remains strong.
Photo Reality Check
A CV without a photo may be viewed as:
- Incomplete or unprofessional
- Lacking cultural awareness
- An attempt to hide something
For senior roles and traditional industries (law, finance, manufacturing), this expectation is especially strong.
Photo Specifications
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Size | 4.5 x 6 cm (traditional) or 5 x 7 cm |
| Position | Top right corner of first page |
| Background | Neutral (light gray, white, light blue) |
| Dress code | Business appropriate for your industry |
| Expression | Professional but approachable, slight smile |
| Quality | Professional photographer recommended |
Photo Tips
- No passport photos (too stiff)
- No selfies or casual shots
- No graduation photos (unless recent graduate)
- Update every 2-3 years
- Match the formality of your target industry
Personal Data Section
German CVs include details that would be illegal to request in the US:
Persönliche Daten Format
Max Müller Berliner Straße 45 10115 Berlin
Telefon: +49 (0) 30 1234567 E-Mail: max.mueller@email.de
Geburtsdatum: 15. März 1990 Geburtsort: München Staatsangehörigkeit: Deutsch Familienstand: Ledig (optional)
What to include:
- ✅ Full name
- ✅ Complete postal address (in Germany)
- ✅ Phone number (German format with country code)
- ✅ Professional email address
- ✅ Date of birth
- ✅ Place of birth
- ✅ Nationality
- Optional: Marital status (increasingly left out)
Tabular Format: The German Standard
German CVs traditionally use a two-column tabular layout:
Tabular Format Example
BERUFSERFAHRUNG
| Zeitraum | Position |
|---|---|
| 01/2022 – heute | Senior Projektmanager |
| ABC GmbH, Berlin | |
| • Leitung eines 12-köpfigen Teams | |
| • Budgetverantwortung: €2,5 Mio. | |
| • Einführung agiler Methoden, 30% Effizienzsteigerung | |
| 03/2018 – 12/2021 | Projektmanager |
| XYZ AG, Hamburg | |
| • Steuerung von 15+ Projekten parallel | |
| • Kundenzufriedenheit: 4,8/5 |
Format rules:
- Dates in the left column (format: MM/YYYY – MM/YYYY)
- "heute" or "aktuell" for current positions
- Company name, location, and job title clearly structured
- Bullet points for key responsibilities and achievements
- No gaps unexplained
Education Section (Ausbildung / Studium)
German employers value education details and often expect:
Education Format
AUSBILDUNG
| Zeitraum | Ausbildung |
|---|---|
| 10/2015 – 09/2018 | Master of Science, Wirtschaftsinformatik |
| Technische Universität München | |
| Abschlussnote: 1,3 | |
| Schwerpunkt: Data Analytics | |
| 10/2012 – 09/2015 | Bachelor of Science, Informatik |
| Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München | |
| Abschlussnote: 1,7 |
Include:
- Degree type (Bachelor, Master, Diplom, Staatsexamen)
- Field of study
- University name and location
- Final grade (Abschlussnote) — German grading: 1.0 is best, 4.0 is passing
- Thesis title (for academic roles)
- Relevant coursework or specializations
Skills Section (Kenntnisse)
Language Proficiency
German employers expect specific proficiency levels:
| Level | Description | German Term |
|---|---|---|
| C2 | Native/Near-native | Muttersprache / Muttersprachliches Niveau |
| C1 | Fluent / Business proficient | Verhandlungssicher / Fließend |
| B2 | Good working knowledge | Gute Kenntnisse |
| B1 | Intermediate | Grundkenntnisse |
| A2/A1 | Basic | Basiskenntnisse |
Skills Format
KENNTNISSE
Sprachen:
- Deutsch: Muttersprache
- Englisch: Verhandlungssicher (C1)
- Französisch: Gute Kenntnisse (B2)
IT-Kenntnisse:
- MS Office: Sehr gute Kenntnisse
- SAP: Gute Kenntnisse
- Python, SQL: Grundkenntnisse
Führerschein: Klasse B
The Signature: A German Tradition
German CVs traditionally end with the date and your signature:
Berlin, den 24. Dezember 2026 _________________________ Max Müller
For digital applications:
- A scanned handwritten signature
- A digital signature (font-based)
- Or simply typed name with the date
This signals authenticity and shows you understand German application conventions.
German Cover Letter (Anschreiben)
A German application package (Bewerbung) typically includes:
Bewerbung Package
- Anschreiben (Cover letter) — 1 page
- Lebenslauf (CV) — 1-2 pages
- Zeugnisse (References/testimonials) — employer letters
- Arbeitszeugnisse (Work certificates) — from previous employers
- Diplome/Abschlusszeugnisse (Degree certificates)
Arbeitszeugnisse Are Expected
German employers expect official reference letters from previous employers ("Arbeitszeugnisse"). Not having these can raise questions. If you're coming from abroad, explain this in your cover letter.
Language: German or English?
Write in German When...
- The job posting is in German
- It's a traditional German company
- The role requires fluent German
- You're applying to public sector / government
Write in English When...
- The job posting is in English
- It's an international company
- The company language is English
- You're in a startup / tech environment
When in doubt, prepare both versions. You may need to switch during the process.
Common Mistakes with German CVs
Avoid These Errors
- No photo — Seen as incomplete in traditional contexts
- No dates for positions — Germans expect clear timelines
- Unexplained gaps — Always account for time
- Missing personal details — Date of birth, nationality expected
- No signature — Signals lack of awareness of German norms
- Wrong date format — Use DD.MM.YYYY or MM/YYYY
- Informal email — Use professional email address
- No mention of grades — Academic grades matter in Germany
Pre-Submit Checklist
Lebenslauf Audit
- Professional photo (4.5x6cm) in top right
- Personal data complete (DOB, nationality)
- Tabular format with dates on left
- Work experience in reverse-chronological order
- Education with grades (if strong)
- Languages with CEFR levels
- Date and signature at bottom
- Saved as PDF
- File name: Lebenslauf_FirstName_LastName.pdf
Your Move
Germany offers incredible career opportunities—but only if you play by their rules.
Don't let formatting mistakes or cultural missteps filter you out before a hiring manager sees your qualifications.
Build Your German CV
Our templates include German-optimized formats with proper structure for the Lebenslauf.
Create My LebenslaufRelated Resources
- International Resume Formats — Country-by-country CV requirements
- European CV Format — Europass and EU standards
- Browse Templates — Including German-style layouts
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a photo on my German CV?
Legally, no. Practically, yes. Despite anti-discrimination laws, most German employers expect a professional photo. A CV without one may be viewed as incomplete.
What is the difference between a Lebenslauf and a resume?
A Lebenslauf is the German version of a CV. It typically includes a professional photo, personal details (date of birth, nationality), and follows a tabular format with dates in the left column.
Should I write my German CV in German or English?
If the job posting is in German, write your CV in German. If it's in English or explicitly international, English is fine—but have a German version ready.
How long should a German CV be?
1-2 pages for most candidates. It can extend to 2-3 pages for senior professionals with extensive relevant experience.
Do I need to sign my German CV?
Traditionally, yes. Many German CVs end with the date and either a handwritten or digital signature, signaling authenticity and attention to German conventions.
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