Germany CV (Lebenslauf): Rules, Photo & Certificates
A Germany CV (Lebenslauf) follows specific cultural and formatting norms distinct from other international resume styles. In 2025, understanding length, mandatory sections, photo etiquette, and inclusion of certificates ensures your Lebenslauf complies with German expectations and stands out in applications.
| Germany CV/Lebenslauf Norms at a Glance |
|---|
| Length: 1–2 pages, concise and factual |
| Photo: Professional and mandatory in most cases |
| Sections: Personal, Education, Work Experience, Skills, Certificates |
| Paper Size: A4 |
| Date Format: DD.MM.YYYY |
What’s Different vs. US Resumes
| Feature | Germany CV/Lebenslauf | US Resume |
|---|---|---|
| Photo | Usually included at top right | Generally excluded |
| Personal Details | Full address, date of birth, marital status (optional) | Minimal, usually city/state only |
| Length | Typically 1–2 pages | Often 1 page |
| Date Format | DD.MM.YYYY | MM/DD/YYYY |
| Certificates | Multiple work and education certificates often included | Certifications often summarized |
Germany emphasizes formality and completeness, with clear chronological order.
Formatting & File Setup (A4, Date Formats)
- Paper Size: Use A4 format (21 x 29.7 cm)
- Fonts: Use classic, legible fonts—Arial, Times New Roman size 11-12pt
- Margins: Standard 2.5 cm margins recommended
- Date Formats: Use German convention DD.MM.YYYY (e.g., 23.08.2025)
- File Format: PDF preferred for preservation of layout, DOCX accepted if requested
- ATS Compatibility: Use simple layouts avoiding tables, graphics, or excessive formatting
Essential Sections of a Germany CV/Lebenslauf
1. Personal Information (Persönliche Daten)
- Full name
- Current address with postal code
- Phone number and email
- Date of birth and place of birth
- Marital status (optional)
- Include a professional passport-style photo usually top right
2. Professional Summary (Optional, Profil)
Brief statement of career goals and core competencies tailored to the position.
3. Work Experience (Berufserfahrung)
- List jobs in reverse-chronological order
- Include job title, employer, location, and employment dates (month/year format)
- Describe key responsibilities and achievements concisely
4. Education (Ausbildung)
- Include school, degree, and dates
- Mention completed certificates and training programs
5. Skills (Fähigkeiten)
- Foreign languages with proficiency level
- Computer skills and technical competencies
6. Certificates & Additional Qualifications (Bescheinigungen/Zusatzqualifikationen)
- Include relevant professional certificates, licenses, or awards
7. Interests and Hobbies (Interessen) (Optional)
- Include if relevant to company culture or personal branding
Examples/Templates
Personal Information Example
Max Mustermann
Musterstraße 12, 12345 Berlin
Telefon: +49 30 1234567
E-Mail: max.mustermann@email.de
Geburtsdatum: 23.08.1990, Berlin
Familienstand: Ledig(Professional passport-style photo at top right)
Work Experience Example
Projektmanager
Musterfirma GmbH, Berlin | 01.06.2020 – 31.07.2025
- Leitung von cross-funktionalen Teams zur termingerechten Umsetzung von IT-Projekten.
- Optimierung der Prozesse, was zu Einsparungen von 15% im Jahresbudget führte.
Compliance and Anti-Bias Notes
- Germany’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) governs privacy; include only requested personal info.
- While photos are common, some employers may prefer color-blind anonymized applications—check company norms.
- Avoid information that can lead to bias (religion, political affiliation) unless voluntarily disclosed.
FAQ
Q: Is including a photo mandatory on German CVs?
A: It is standard and often expected unless the employer states otherwise. The photo should be professional.
Q: How many pages should a Germany CV be?
A: Usually 1–2 pages, concise and structured.
Q: Should certificates be attached or mentioned?
A: Mention certificates in the CV and attach copies if requested.
Q: What is the proper date format in Germany?
A: Use DD.MM.YYYY format (e.g., 23.08.2025).
