CV and cover letter in German

The German CV (Lebenslauf) is short (1–2 pages), tabular, strictly chronological (usually reverse-chronological: most recent first) and plain. For medical staff (nurses, doctors, physiotherapists) the key is that the employer sees within 20 seconds: your qualification, the status of your recognition (Anerkennung), your German language level (B1/B2) and your experience. A professional photo (portrait) is customary and welcome in Germany, unlike the US/UK. Place, date and a handwritten signature go at the bottom. Format: PDF, file name e.g. 'Lebenslauf_FirstName_LastName.pdf'.

Sections of a German CV

1. 11. Personal Data (Persönliche Daten): full name, address, phone, e-mail, date and place of birth, nationality. Photo top right. Marital status/religion optional only.
2. 22. Work Experience (Berufserfahrung): reverse-chronological. Per role: dates (month/year), position, institution and city, then 2–4 bullets on tasks (patient care, medication administration, intensive care, documentation). Highlight the ward/department (ICU, Surgery, Geriatrics).
3. 33. Education (Ausbildung/Studium): reverse-chronological. Institution, city, period, qualification obtained (e.g. 'Registered Nurse / Bachelor of Nursing').
4. 44. Recognition / Licensure (Anerkennung) — CRUCIAL for regulated professions: state the status, e.g. 'Recognition as Registered Nurse – application submitted / in progress' or 'Deficit notice received, adaptation course planned'.
5. 55. Language Skills (Sprachkenntnisse): German with CEFR level (B1/B2 – at least B2 is required for nursing recognition), English, mother tongue. Name any telc/Goethe/ÖSD certificate.
6. 66. Further Training / Certificates (Weiterbildungen): courses, BLS/ALS, specializations, relevant seminars.
7. 77. IT Skills (EDV-Kenntnisse): hospital information systems, MS Office, electronic documentation.
8. 88. Other / Interests (optional): volunteering, driving licence (class B – useful in outpatient care).
9. 99. Place, Date and Signature at the bottom — a handwritten signature adds seriousness.

What German employers want to see

• Language level is decisive: at least German B2 is required for nursing recognition. Highlight level and certificate up front.
• Always state your Anerkennung status. Regulated professions (nurse, doctor, physiotherapist, pharmacist) CANNOT enter via the Western Balkans Regulation — recognition plus the Skilled Immigration Act (FEG)/recognition partnership is required.
• Be concrete with department and numbers: 'caring for 12 patients per shift in surgery', '3 years in intensive care' says more than generic phrases.
• No gaps: every month should be covered. Briefly explain any break (parental leave, language course, preparing recognition).
• Professional photo (portrait, business attire) — expected in Germany; omitting it looks unusual.
• Keep to 1–2 pages, tabular layout, one font (Arial/Calibri), no emojis/graphics. PDF, not Word.
• Submit as a complete application package: cover letter + CV + diplomas + language certificate + proof of recognition/application.
• Translate job titles into the German equivalent in brackets so the employer understands immediately (e.g. 'Registered Nurse (examinierte Gesundheits- und Krankenpflegerin)').

Sample cover letter (Anschreiben)