The German CV (Lebenslauf) explained: format, photo, personal data and signature
What a German Lebenslauf looks like and why it's tabular, whether to include a photo and date of birth, how to show language levels and foreign degrees, and when to use German or English headings.
If you're applying for jobs in Germany, the CV you've used elsewhere probably needs work. German recruiters are used to a very particular document, the Lebenslauf, and a CV that looks too different can feel incomplete to them, even when the experience is strong.
It's a table, not a story
The defining feature of a Lebenslauf is its tabular layout: dates in a narrow left column, and the role, employer and details on the right. Recruiters scan the left column to check that your career adds up and that any gaps are explained.
- Use MM/YYYY dates (for example 03/2021 – heute).
- List everything in reverse chronological order, most recent first.
- Explain gaps longer than a few months: parental leave, travel, a course, job search.
All five German templates in the JobPLT CV Builder use this structure; the date column is built in.
The usual sections
| German heading | English | What goes in it |
|---|---|---|
| Persönliche Daten | Personal data | Date and place of birth, nationality, sometimes driving licence |
| Berufserfahrung | Professional experience | Roles with dates, employer, location and achievements |
| Ausbildung | Education | Degree, university, final grade (Abschlussnote) |
| Kenntnisse & Fähigkeiten | Skills | Software, methods, tools |
| Sprachkenntnisse | Languages | Each language with a CEFR level |
| Weiterbildungen & Zertifikate | Further training | Courses and certificates |
| Ort, Datum, Unterschrift | Place, date, signature | At the very end |
In the builder you can switch all headings between Deutsch and English with one click. Use German headings for German-speaking employers and English for international companies and startups.
The photo question
A professional photo (Bewerbungsfoto) is still common on German CVs, although it's legally optional: the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) means employers shouldn't select on appearance, and some international companies prefer no photo at all.
If you include one:
- use a professionally taken, recent photo with a neutral background
- dress as you would for the interview
- place it top right, or beside your name
The Klassisch and Modern Lebenslauf templates have a photo slot. International English (ATS) deliberately has none.
Personal data: what's expected and what's optional
Date of birth, place of birth, nationality and marital status were traditionally standard. Today they're optional for the same anti-discrimination reasons, but many recruiters still expect at least nationality. It tells them whether you need a work permit. Your full address is expected, because many employers still correspond by post.
In the builder, Germany's contact details ask for a full address, and the Persönliche Daten section offers the usual fields. Leave any of them blank to hide them.
Language levels: use the CEFR scale
Your German level is often the deciding factor, so state it precisely using the CEFR scale (A1 to C2), with Muttersprache for your native language:
- Deutsch: B2
- Englisch: C1
- Hindi: Muttersprache
Be honest: interviews often switch to German without warning. The builder offers exactly these levels for German CVs.
Foreign degrees
If your degree is from outside the EU, say whether it's recognised. Many recruiters check the anabin database, which lists foreign universities and degrees. A line such as "Bachelor of Technology, IIT Delhi (anabin: H+)" or a note that recognition is in progress saves them a step.
Sign and date it
A German CV traditionally ends with the place, the date and your signature, for example "München, 06.10.2026". The builder adds a signature line automatically. Sign the printed copy, or add a scanned signature to the PDF.
Length and tone
- One to two pages. Kompakt is designed to fit an experienced career onto two.
- Factual and precise. German recruiters value completeness over marketing language.
- Achievement bullets are increasingly welcome, especially in tech.
Which template should you use?
- Klassisch: the traditional serif Lebenslauf with a photo, for most German employers.
- Modern Lebenslauf: the same structure with a coloured accent and the photo beside your name.
- Kompakt: a denser layout for long careers.
- EU-Format (Europass style): labelled left column, good for public sector and research.
- International English (ATS): no photo and English headings, for international companies and startups.
Create your Lebenslauf, or read our guide to finding jobs in Germany, the UAE and Australia.