The CV maker opens with the German Lebenslauf template and these rules already set. No sign-up, nothing uploaded, real PDF.
Open the CV makerThe rules at a glance
Each rule links to its source. "Common practice" means no official source says it.
| Format | Tabular: dates in a left column, details on the right Make it in Germany |
|---|---|
| Order | Reverse chronological: the most recent job or study first EURES |
| Length | At most two pages EURES |
| Photo | Still expected: a friendly, professional photo on a neutral background, top right of the CV (not obligatory) EURES |
| Signature | Sign the CV and add today's date EURES |
| With it | A cover letter of one A4 page at most, and copies of certificates for each job, training and internship EURES |
| Sending by email | All documents in one PDF of no more than 2 MB EURES |
Sections, in order
- Contact details. Name, address, phone and email at the top, with the photo on the right.
- Work experience. Newest first. Each row: dates on the left (e.g. 09/2022 – today), job title, employer and city on the right, then two or three lines on what you did.
- Education and training. School, vocational training and university, newest first, in the same date-column layout.
- Language skills. Each language with a level. The CEFR scale (A1–C2) is what German employers recognise, e.g. "German B2".
- Other skills. IT and other skills, e.g. software you know well.
- Hobbies or voluntary work. Optional; EURES lists it as a usual section.
- Place, date and signature. At the very bottom: city, the current date and your signature.
Tips
- Write the CV in German if the job advert is in German, unless the advert says English is fine. (Our advice.)
- For non-EU degrees, show that your degree is recognised. Mention the recognition decision (Anerkennung) under education if you have one. (Our advice.)
- Smaller employers may ask for German translations of your training and work certificates (EURES).
- EURES also recommends the Europass CV format as an option.
FAQ
Do I need a photo on a German CV?
It is not required, but EURES says a friendly, professional photo is still expected, and Make it in Germany calls it common practice. It goes at the top right of the CV or on a cover sheet.
How long should a German CV be?
At most two pages (EURES). The cover letter should be one A4 page at most.
Do I have to sign my Lebenslauf?
Yes. EURES says to sign your CV and date it with the current date. Our German Lebenslauf template adds the place-and-date line for you.
Is a Lebenslauf the same as a Europass CV?
No, but both are accepted. EURES recommends the Europass format; most German employers still expect the tabular Lebenslauf.
Sources
Checked 26 October 2026. Hiring conventions change and employers differ. Where rules vary, check the job advert and the official source.