Writing a German-Style CV (Lebenslauf) and Cover Letter (Anschreiben) (2026)
By Nguyen Duc Minh
Writing a German-Style CV (Lebenslauf) and Cover Letter (Anschreiben) (2026)
German job applications follow a clear formula — and recruiters expect you to follow it. So what goes into a "typically German" application? A complete Bewerbung (job application) consists of the Anschreiben (cover letter), the Lebenslauf (tabular CV), and the Anlagen (certificates and references).
This guide shows you how to write a Lebenslauf and Anschreiben to German standards — with structure tables and the mistakes that often filter international students out at the first step.
📋 The Application Package at a Glance
| Component | What | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Anschreiben | formal cover letter | 1 page |
| Lebenslauf | tabular, reverse-chronological | 1–2 pages |
| Anlagen | Zeugnisse, certificates, proofs | as needed |
| Bewerbungsfoto | portrait photo (traditional, now optional) | on the Lebenslauf |
| Submission format | usually one merged PDF | — |
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🎯 How Does the Lebenslauf Differ from an Anglo-American CV?
The Lebenslauf is not a long narrative. It is a concise table, ordered reverse-chronologically (most recent first), usually 1–2 pages. German recruiters scan it fast: they want clear dates, no unexplained gaps, and a tidy layout.
Unlike the Anglo-American style, German applications drop the "references available on request" line. Instead, you attach your Zeugnisse (diplomas and employer references) directly in the Anlagen.
🪪 The Required Sections in a Lebenslauf
The Lebenslauf is split into clearly labelled blocks. A common structure:
| Section (German) | Content |
|---|---|
| Persönliche Daten | name, address, email, phone |
| Berufserfahrung | work experience (reverse-chronological) |
| (Aus)Bildung | education & training |
| Kenntnisse | languages (with CEFR levels), IT |
| Interessen | hobbies (optional) |
| Ort, Datum, Unterschrift | place, date & signature at the end |
The Bewerbungsfoto (application photo) is traditional but now optional — omitting it is fine, and anti-discrimination guidance discourages requiring one. Your date of birth is commonly included but not legally required.
📝 The Structure of a Good Anschreiben
The Anschreiben fits on one page and is formal. This is where you persuade, while the Lebenslauf only lists facts.
| Part | Content |
|---|---|
| Sender & recipient address | you on top, company below |
| Betreff | subject line (the advertised role) |
| Anrede | formal salutation: "Sehr geehrte Frau …" |
| Paragraph 1–2 | motivation & why this company |
| Paragraph 3 | matching skills & the value you add |
| Closing & signature | "Mit freundlichen Grüßen" + signature |
Open strongly — avoid clichés like "Hiermit bewerbe ich mich…". Name the responsible person in the Anrede if you can find them; use "Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren" only when no name is truly available.
⚠️ Common Mistakes That Lead to Rejection
- A Lebenslauf that's too long or rambling: keep it to 1–2 pages, in table form.
- Unexplained gaps in your timeline: every period should make sense.
- A generic Anschreiben: with no concrete reference to the company and role.
- Forgetting Ort, Datum, Unterschrift: the German Lebenslauf traditionally ends with place, date, and signature.
- Machine translation with the wrong Sie form: the wrong formality leaves a poor impression.
> 💡 Tip: When hunting for a student job such as Werkstudent, a clean Lebenslauf sometimes matters more than experience — the format is your calling card.
🗓️ When Do You Need This Package?
You'll need a Lebenslauf + Anschreiben at almost every milestone in Germany: applying for a Werkstudent role, a mandatory internship (Pflichtpraktikum), the job search after graduation, and even scholarship applications. If your German isn't solid yet, read up on getting a job without fluent German — but even then, a careful German Anschreiben scores major points.
Keep two versions ready: one German and one English, so you can respond flexibly to each job posting.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Does my Lebenslauf have to include a photo? No. The application photo (Bewerbungsfoto) is traditional but now optional; leaving it out is perfectly fine and isn't seen as unprofessional.
Do I need to state my date of birth? Usually yes, but it's not a legal requirement. You may leave it out.
How long should the Anschreiben be? Exactly one page, around 3–4 paragraphs. Short and focused on motivation and matching skills.
Should I submit Word or PDF? Always PDF, usually with the Anschreiben, Lebenslauf, and Anlagen merged into one file so the layout is preserved.
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A well-formatted application opens doors in the German job market. StudienA supports you from your Lebenslauf and Anschreiben to career direction after graduation.
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