German CV format: what skilled workers from abroad need to know

What a German CV looks like

The German Lebenslauf is a tabular, reverse-chronological document. The most recent position or highest qualification sits at the top, not the bottom. The usual length is one to two pages.

• Full name, address, phone number and email are required.
• Date and place of birth, nationality and a photo are voluntary.
• Information about marital status, religion, parents or siblings is outdated and not expected.
• Sign only the last page, right-aligned, with place and current date.

Photos, nationality and anti-discrimination rules

Under the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG), employers may not disadvantage candidates because of race or ethnic origin, sex, religion or belief, disability, age, or sexual identity — all things a photo can reveal. A photo is not required, but it remains common in more traditional, mid-sized businesses; in tech and startup environments it is less expected. If you include one, use a professional, current photo and place it in a top corner.

Marital status, parents and siblings are not on the AGG's protected list, but naming them is simply outdated practice, not a legal requirement — leave them out. The honest answer on whether to include a photo: skip it if you're applying to IT, tech or international companies, where it can look out of place. Include one if you're targeting traditional Mittelstand employers, or nursing and skilled-trades roles, where reviewers still expect to see the applicant.

• State your nationality if you will need a visa or residence title; this signals the situation clearly to the employer.
• Do not add information about family status, religion or parents — it is considered outdated, not something the law requires.

Work reference letters (Arbeitszeugnisse)

Unlike Anglo-Saxon applications, German CVs do not end with 'References available upon request'. Instead, you attach reference letters from former employers directly. Under § 109 GewO, employees have a legal claim to a written reference when a job ends. The minimum version states the type and duration of employment (simple reference); on request, it must also cover performance and conduct (qualified reference). The reference must be clear and understandable and must not contain hidden codes or wording that implies something different from its plain text.

• Attach certificates and evidence as the final part of your application.
• If you are still waiting for a reference, mention that it will follow.

Language and submission

If the job posting is in German, send your application in German unless it explicitly invites English. English applications are usual in IT, tech and many international or startup companies; nursing, the skilled trades and the public sector usually expect German — getting this reading right is one of the things SettleWell helps candidates with for free, since employers cover our fee. Most employers want a PDF upload or email attachment. Keep the overall package in the standard order: cover letter, optional cover sheet, CV, then certificates and references.