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Germany
How to write a German CV in 2026
The essentials of a modern Lebenslauf: structure, tone, and the details German recruiters expect to see.
March 2026·5 min read
What German employers expect
A German CV, or Lebenslauf, is usually direct, chronological, and highly structured. Recruiters want to see clear dates, accurate job titles, and a profile that matches the role without unnecessary decoration.
Strong formatting matters because the document is often scanned quickly before a cover letter or portfolio is read.
Recommended structure
- Contact details at the top of the page.
- A short professional profile tailored to the role.
- Work experience in reverse chronological order.
- Education, certifications, languages, and software skills.
- A clean PDF export with consistent month and year formatting.
Common mistakes
- Using vague summaries instead of role-specific achievements.
- Mixing date formats across sections.
- Submitting a generic English CV when the role expects German.
- Letting the document run too long for a mid-level profile.
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