German CV Format: Structure, Formatting, and a Step by Step Guide

What Makes a German CV Different from Others?

At first glance, a German CV (Lebenslauf) looks very similar to resumes from other countries. It covers the basics you’d expect: personal and contact information, work history, education, languages, and skills.

However, what sets the German CV apart is its structure, formatting expectations, and cultural conventions.

If you want to work in Germany, you should be aware that employers tend to prefer a very clear, factual, and standardized style, which may differ from the more creative or flexible formats seen in other countries.

German CV Structure and Layout Requirements

One of the biggest differences is that German CVs are highly structured. Recruiters expect to see sections presented in a logical order:

1. Personal details (Persönliche Daten) at the very top, including name, address, contact details, nationality, and date of birth.
2. Work experience (Berufserfahrung) in reverse chronological order.
3. Education (Ausbildung), including secondary school and university degrees.
4. Skills, achievements, and additional qualifications (Weitere Fähigkeiten) such as language proficiency, IT knowledge, or professional certifications.

Everything should be explicitly labeled with clear headings. Unlike some countries where short, one-page resumes are common, German CVs are typically one to two pages long, depending on your level of experience.

Professional Photo Requirements in German CVs

While many countries no longer encourage including a photo, in Germany it is still very common to add one, especially in traditional industries. If you choose to include a photo, it should be:

• A professional headshot, ideally taken by a photographer.
• Recent and high-quality (passport-style, but friendlier).
• Placed at the top right or left corner of the CV.

Although not legally required, omitting a photo may sometimes be viewed as unusual by German recruiters. For international applications, it’s usually acceptable to leave it out if the job description specifies “photo optional.”

Length and Formatting Standards

German CVs tend to be more conservative in style. Here are the key formatting rules:

• Usually 1 page for students and graduates, and 2 pages for professionals.
• Use simple, professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
• Font size should be about 10 to 12 for body text and 14 to 16 for section headings.
• Maintain clear margins (2 to 2.5 cm) and consistent spacing to make the document easy to read.
• Instead of flowery descriptions, list achievements and responsibilities in bullet points. Quantifiable results (such as "increased sales by 20%") are valued.
• In Germany, it is still common to sign your CV at the bottom, either with a scanned digital signature or handwritten before scanning.

How to Create Your German CV Step by Step

Crafting a German CV doesn’t have to be overwhelming and once you understand the structure, it’s mostly about following a clear set of steps. Here’s how you can put yours together.

Download a German CV Template

The easiest starting point is to use a German CV template. This saves time formatting and ensures your layout meets local expectations.

Templates are available on platforms like CVMaker, Careerbee, or even in Word/Google Docs. Look for a design that is:

• Clean and professional (no flashy colors or graphics).
• Clearly divided into sections with headings.

Always save your CV as a PDF before sending it out. German employers expect this format as it keeps the layout intact.

Include Your Personal Information (Persönliche Daten)

At the top of your CV, include your personal details:

• Full name
• Date of birth and nationality (still common in Germany)
• Address and contact information (phone number, email)
• Optional: marital status (sometimes included, but increasingly not required)

Some applicants also add a short personal profile or summary, which consists of 2 to 3 sentences describing your professional background and goals.

Provide Your Work Experience (Berufserfahrung)

Work experience is usually the most important section of a German CV. List your jobs in reverse chronological order(most recent first). For each position, include:

• Job title and employer name
• Location (city, country)
• Dates of employment (month + year)
• Key responsibilities and notable achievements (use bullet points)

Add Your Education (Ausbildung)

Education is also listed in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent degree or qualification. Include:

• University or school name
• Location (city, country)
• Dates attended
• Degree or qualification obtained
• Relevant coursework or specialization (if applicable to the job)

Include Relevant Skills and Achievements (Weitere Fähigkeiten)

The final section highlights everything else that makes you a strong candidate. This could include:

• Language skills (write it as German – B2, English – C1, so level is included).
• IT or technical skills (software, programming languages, tools).
• Certificates or training courses.
• Awards, scholarships, or achievements.
• Optional: hobbies and interests (only if they add value, such as "volunteer team leader" instead of "watching Netflix").

This section helps your CV stand out by showing skills and experiences that aren’t obvious from your work or education history.

German CV Formatting Requirements

In Germany, recruiters value CVs that are structured, easy to read, and professional-looking. A well-formatted CV shows attention to detail and makes a strong first impression. These are the main formatting rules you should follow.

CV Margins and Spacing Guidelines

• Use standard margins of around 2 to 2.5 cm on all sides of the page.
• Keep line spacing at 1.15 to 1.5, ensuring text is easy to scan.
• Leave enough white space between sections so the layout doesn’t feel crowded.
• Avoid excessive indentation, colored backgrounds, or decorative borders.

Font Selection and Text Formatting

• Stick to simple, professional fonts such as Arial or Times New Roman.
• Font size: 10 to 12 pt for body text, 14 to 16 pt for headings.
• Use bold text for section titles and job titles, but avoid italics or underlining (they can look cluttered).

German vs English CV Language Choice

One common question applicants have is whether they should prepare their CV in German or if an English version is acceptable.

The answer depends mainly on the type of job you are applying for and the language of the workplace.

When to Write Your CV in German

If the job description of the role you're applying to is written in German, it’s a clear sign that the employer expects applications in German. In fields like law, medicine, government, or education, German-language CVs are required. Moreover, local firms with little international focus typically expect German applications.

When English CVs Are Acceptable

On the other hand, many large corporations, start-ups, and tech firms operate in English, so they often accept English CVs. If the vacancy you are applying to is advertised entirely in English, sending your CV in English is generally fine.

German CV for Specific Situations

Not all CVs in Germany serve the same purpose. While the general structure is similar, the emphasis and details can change depending on whether you are applying for a visa, a university program, or a job. Here’s how to adapt your CV for different situations.

CV for German Student Visa Applications

When applying for a German student visa, the CV (Lebenslauf) is often part of the required documents. In this case, the CV doesn’t need to be as detailed as a job application CV, but it should clearly show:

• Your personal information (name, date of birth, nationality, contact details).
• Your educational history in chronological order, including schools attended, certificates, and degrees.
• Any work experience, internships, or volunteer activities relevant to your studies.
• Language skills, especially German or English proficiency, if available.

CV Format for German University Applications

When applying to a German university (especially through Uni-Assist or directly), the CV may be slightly more detailed than for the visa application. In addition to personal information and education, you should include:

• Relevant academic achievements (high grades, honors, awards).
• Any courses, projects, or extracurricular activities related to your chosen field of study.
• Language certificates (TestDaF, IELTS, TOEFL) if required by the university.

Unlike job CVs, university application CVs can include hobbies and personal interests, especially if they highlight qualities like teamwork, creativity, or leadership.

Professional CV vs Student CV Differences

The main differences between a professional CV (for jobs) and a student CV (for visas or university applications) are:

• Student CVs are usually one page, while professional CVs can extend to two pages.
• Student CVs emphasize education and academic achievements, while professional CVs prioritize work experience and skills.
• Professional CVs include measurable accomplishments, whereas student CVs focus more on studies, projects, and potential.
• Professional CVs may include references, portfolios, or certifications. Student CVs often add hobbies or extracurricular activities to give a fuller picture of personality and interests.