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The Perfect Lebenslauf
Germany · Deutschland · Lebenslauf
The Perfect Lebenslauf
for Working in Germany
The German CV (Lebenslauf) has its own rules. European format, photo, handwritten signature… Discover everything you need to know to succeed in Germany.
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Create my CV in 2 minutes →Key features of a German CV
- Professional photo requiredUnlike the rest of Europe, Germany expects a "Bewerbungsfoto" — a high-quality professional photo, bust-length, plain background. It is a strong cultural standard.
- Europass or tabular formatThe Lebenslauf often follows a tabular format with dates on the left and positions on the right. The Europass format is also widely accepted.
- 2 pages standardUnlike Anglo-Saxon CVs, 2 pages is perfectly normal in Germany, even at the start of a career. Completeness is valued.
- German or English?Large companies (Siemens, BMW, SAP): often in English. Local SMEs: German required. International cities (Berlin, Munich): both accepted depending on the sector.
- Manual signatureA living tradition: some companies expect a handwritten (or scanned) signature at the bottom of the CV. Add "Ort, Datum" + your first and last name.
- BewerbungsmappeThe German application dossier includes CV + cover letter (Anschreiben) + copies of diplomas + references (Arbeitszeugnisse). Be prepared.
Top sectors in Germany in 2026
| Sector | Key cities | Opportunities |
|---|---|---|
| Tech / IA / Software | Berlin, Munich, Hamburg | 🔥 Excellent |
| Automotive / Engineering | Stuttgart, Munich, Wolfsburg | ↑ Strong |
| Healthcare / Pharma | Frankfurt, Berlin | ↑ Strong |
| Finance / FinTech | Frankfurt | Stable |
| Logistics / Transport | Hamburg, Cologne | Stable |
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