German CV vs Home Country CV Comparison

Yes, a professional photo (Bewerbungsfoto) is expected on German CVs, though not legally required. It should be a high-quality, passport-style photo (4.5 x 6 cm) placed in the top-right corner or header. The photo should show you in professional attire with a neutral background. This differs significantly from countries like the USA where photos are prohibited due to anti-discrimination laws. German employers expect to see your photo as part of making a personal connection before the interview.

German CVs should be 2-3 pages maximum, following the DIN 5008 standard. This is different from American resumes (typically 1 page) or some Asian countries where 4+ pages are acceptable. Quality over quantity is key - include only relevant information presented clearly. Fresh graduates can use 2 pages, while experienced professionals may use up to 3 pages. Never exceed 3 pages as German recruiters value conciseness and efficiency.

German CVs require: Full name, complete address, phone number (mobile preferred with +49 country code), professional email, date of birth, and nationality. Optional but common: marital status and driving license. NEVER include: religion, political affiliation, parents' names, national ID numbers, passport numbers, or physical characteristics (height/weight). While birthdate is prohibited in USA/UK CVs, it is expected in Germany. Always include your nationality, especially as an international applicant.

Use the German date format: DD.MM.YYYY (e.g., 15.11.2025) or MM/YYYY for date ranges (e.g., 03/2020 – 08/2023). Never use the American format MM/DD/YYYY. For ongoing positions, use "MM/YYYY – Present" or "MM/YYYY – heute" (German for present). All work experience and education should be listed in reverse chronological order (most recent first). Consistency in date formatting throughout your CV is critical - German recruiters notice formatting inconsistencies immediately.

German CVs follow a conservative, professional design following DIN 5008 standards. Use standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman) in 11-12pt for body text and 14-16pt for headings. Stick to black text with minimal accent colors (one accent color maximum). Avoid creative designs, graphics, infographics, colorful backgrounds, or decorative elements. While some modern templates exist, traditional formats are safest for Ausbildung applications. German recruiters prioritize clear structure and readability over creative design. Save creativity for portfolios, not CVs.

While optional, a hobbies section (Hobbys und Interessen) is valued in German CVs and recommended. It shows personality and cultural fit beyond professional qualifications. Choose 3-5 hobbies that demonstrate positive traits: team sports show Teamfähigkeit (teamwork), volunteering shows social responsibility, creative pursuits show innovation. Be specific: "Marathon running (completed 5 marathons)" is better than "Fitness". Avoid controversial activities, political/religious affiliations, or passive hobbies like "watching TV". Germans appreciate well-rounded candidates who can integrate into workplace culture.

Employment gaps MUST be explained in German CVs - unexplained gaps raise serious red flags. Include gap periods with honest explanations: "Job Search & Professional Development (03/2023 – 08/2023)", "Parental Leave", "Language Studies - German B2 Course", "Health Recovery", or "Family Caregiving". Germans value honesty (Ehrlichkeit) and transparency. If you used gap time productively (learning German, freelancing, volunteering, courses), highlight these activities. Brief gaps (1-3 months) between jobs are acceptable without explanation. Longer gaps need clear, honest justification.

Key differences: 1) Length: German Lebenslauf is 2-3 pages vs American Resume 1-2 pages. 2) Photo: Required in Germany, prohibited in USA. 3) Personal info: Germans include birthdate and nationality; Americans exclude both. 4) Structure: German CVs are detailed and chronological; American resumes are achievement-focused with summary sections. 5) Design: German CVs follow conservative DIN 5008 format; American resumes can be more creative/ATS-optimized. 6) Gaps: Must be explained in Germany; less scrutinized in USA. 7) References: Provided separately in Germany; often included in USA. The German Lebenslauf emphasizes thorough documentation while American resumes prioritize concise achievements.

No, do not list references directly on your German CV. The phrase "References available upon request" is also unnecessary and outdated. Instead, prepare a separate reference sheet with 2-3 professional references (name, title, company, relationship to you, contact information) to provide when specifically requested. Some German application processes ask for references later in the hiring process. Focus your CV space on your qualifications, experience, and skills rather than references. If an Ausbildung posting specifically requests references, provide them in a separate document, not on the CV itself.

Top 10 mistakes: 1) Omitting professional photo or using casual selfies. 2) Not including birthdate (required in Germany). 3) Using creative/colorful designs instead of conservative DIN 5008 format. 4) Leaving employment gaps unexplained. 5) Using wrong date format (MM/DD/YYYY instead of DD.MM.YYYY). 6) Including prohibited information (religion, parents' names, ID numbers). 7) Not specifying German language level with CEFR certification. 8) Writing a 1-page "resume" instead of proper 2-3 page Lebenslauf. 9) Including salary expectations on CV (belongs in cover letter only). 10) Forgetting signature and date at the bottom. Avoid these mistakes to significantly improve your chances with German employers.