A bold name, clean rules and a narrow right column for skills and education.
Two columns, narrow right column · Plus Jakarta SansGerman CV format in English
In Germany the CV is called a Lebenslauf. International companies and many tech employers accept one in English. The format is structured and precise: clear sections, exact dates and reverse order. Start from a template below and the editor uses Germany, Austria and Switzerland settings: A4 with the photo turned on, which you can switch off.
At a glance
- Usually called
- Lebenslauf (CV)
- Length
- One to two pages
- Paper
- A4
- Photo
- Still common, not required
- Personal details
- Date of birth and nationality are optional
- Dates
- Month and year for every role, for example 03/2021
Common practice, not fixed rules. Employers differ, so follow the job ad when it asks for something specific.
Sections to include, in order
- Personal details. Name, address or city, phone and email. Date of birth and nationality only if you want to add them.
- Profile. A short summary is increasingly common, especially in English CVs.
- Work experience. Most recent first, with exact months, employer, city and your main achievements.
- Education. Degree, university and dates. Thesis topics can help for early-career roles.
- Languages. German and English levels using CEFR, for example German B2, English C1.
- Skills and certificates. Tools, methods and certificates that match the role.
Tips
- Leave no unexplained gaps: a line for study, travel or a career break is normal.
- State your German level honestly; many roles list a minimum.
- Some applicants still add place, date and signature at the end. It is optional.
- A cover letter (Anschreiben) is often expected, and employers may ask for reference letters (Arbeitszeugnisse) later.
Example language section
German: B2 (Goethe-Zertifikat, 2024)
English: C1
Turkish: native
Templates that suit this format
Use template starts with Germany, Austria & Switzerland settings: A4 paper and the photo turned on. You can change them in the editor at any time.
A conservative single column in serif type. One reading order with standard section headings.
One column · Source Serif 4Contemporary sans-serif type, a restrained accent color and headings in a slim left column.
One column, headings in a left column · IBM Plex SansThe plainest possible structure: bold name, one contact line, ruled section headings.
One column · IBM Plex SansA large serif name and section labels in a quiet left margin, like a magazine page.
One column, labels in a left margin · Fraunces + InterA compact layout with a sidebar for contact details, skills and languages.
Two columns with sidebar · Nunito SansQuestions
Can I apply in Germany with an English CV?
Often, yes, especially at international companies, start-ups and research institutes. If the job ad is in German, a German CV is usually the safer choice.
Do I need a photo on a German CV?
No. A professional photo is still common, but it is not required and leaving it out is accepted.
What is the difference between a Lebenslauf and a resume?
A Lebenslauf is usually more complete and precise: exact dates for every step, no unexplained gaps and often personal details that a US resume leaves out.
Already have a CV?
Upload it to the free ATS checker to see how it reads, then open it in the editor to change the format.