How to Write a German CV (Tabellarischer Lebenslauf)

The German CV, known as the Tabellarischer Lebenslauf (tabular CV), is the standard format expected by employers across Germany. Unlike the American resume, a German CV follows strict formatting conventions, often includes a professional photo, and is submitted as a PDF alongside a cover letter (Anschreiben) and certificates (Zeugnisse).

Getting the format right matters. Over 70% of German employers use ATS (applicant tracking systems), so your CV needs to be both human-friendly and machine-readable. This guide covers everything you need to know.

A German CV should be 1-2 pages for most candidates (up to 3 for senior roles). Use A4 paper format, a clean single-column layout, and submit as PDF. The file should be named something clear like Lebenslauf-Vorname-Nachname.pdf.

Use professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Roboto at 11-12pt for body text. Keep margins at roughly 2.5cm on each side following the DIN 5008 standard. Dates should be written as MM.YYYY -- MM.YYYY (e.g., 03.2022 -- 09.2024). Use periods, not slashes. Year-only dates signal hidden employment gaps.

Content is always in reverse-chronological order (most recent first). Avoid graphics, skill bars, or icons -- they break ATS parsers and look unprofessional in conservative German industries.

• Persoenliche Daten (Personal Data): Full name, address, phone, email. Date of birth is common but legally optional.
• Bewerbungsfoto (Photo): Not legally required since AGG 2006, but still expected in the majority of applications, especially in traditional industries. Use a professional studio photo (standard size: 4.5 x 6 cm) placed top-right on page 1. More candidates are omitting photos when applying to international companies or modern hiring processes -- follow the employer's lead.
• Berufserfahrung (Work Experience): Your main section. List positions with company name, dates, job title, and 3-5 bullet points of achievements.
• Ausbildung (Education): University degree, Abitur, or vocational training. Include institution, dates, and degree title.
• Kenntnisse (Skills): IT skills, software proficiency, and methodologies.
• Sprachen (Languages): List with CEFR levels (A1-C2) or German equivalents like Muttersprache, fliessend, verhandlungssicher.
• Hobbys & Interessen (Hobbies & Interests): Optional but genuinely common on German CVs. Include interests that demonstrate soft skills like teamwork, leadership, or discipline (e.g., team sports, volunteering, music ensembles). Avoid generic filler.
• Ort, Datum, Unterschrift (Place, Date, Signature): A traditional convention still widely practised in German applications. The signature is typically scanned handwritten or a digital equivalent, placed at the bottom with city and date.

Germany values precision and completeness. Unexplained gaps in your CV will be questioned - address them proactively. If you took time off for travel or family, mention it briefly.

Academic titles (Dr., Prof.) are used on the CV and in correspondence. If you have one, include it. The CV language should be German unless the job posting is in English or for an international company.

Arbeitszeugnisse (employer references) are a cornerstone of German hiring. These formal letters from previous employers are expected and typically attached to your application as part of the Bewerbungsmappe. Don't leave them out.