A German Bewerbung is more formal and structured than applications in most countries. Sending an English-style CV with a generic cover letter will likely put you at the bottom of the pile — even if your experience is strong.
What a Bewerbung Includes
A complete application package contains: Anschreiben (cover letter, 1 page), Lebenslauf (CV, 1–2 pages), certificates and diplomas, and work references (Arbeitszeugnisse). Missing any of these signals that you don’t understand the German standard.
The Lebenslauf
German CVs include a professional photo in the top right corner — this is standard and expected, unlike in many countries where photos are prohibited. The CV runs in reverse chronological order and includes: personal details (name, address, date of birth), education, work experience, skills, and languages. Keep it to 2 pages maximum. Leave no unexplained gaps — Germans notice and will ask.
The Anschreiben
The cover letter must be highly specific to the role. Start with why you want this specific job at this specific company — not generic enthusiasm. Reference a concrete achievement from your work history that directly maps to the role requirements. Close by naming a date when you’re available to start.
One page, formal tone (Sie form), dated and signed. Address the letter to a named person — call the company to find the recruiter’s name if necessary. “Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren” is a last resort.
Arbeitszeugnisse (Work References)
German employers write formal reference letters (Arbeitszeugnisse) using a coded language that HR professionals read fluently. “Sie arbeitete stets zu unserer vollen Zufriedenheit” (She always worked to our complete satisfaction) is excellent. “Zufriedenheit” alone (without “voll” or “stets”) is average. Anything negative is typically omitted or buried in faint praise. Bring references from your home country formatted as letters — a phone reference is not the German standard.
Application Timing
Apply within 2–3 days of seeing a job post. German companies close applications quickly and some call suitable candidates within a week. A one-month lag between posting and application rarely succeeds. Follow up by email after 2–3 weeks if you’ve heard nothing.
