Match a claim to evidence before you write
The Bundesagentur für Arbeit recommends concrete evidence rather than exaggerated adjectives and notes that some employers do not require a cover letter. For this language exercise, start with the fictional role requirements below. A real application needs the actual advert and your own experience.
| Role task | Truthful fictional evidence | Possible wording |
|---|---|---|
| Coordinate appointments | Samira coordinates customer appointments. | Ich koordiniere Kundentermine. |
| Handle email enquiries | She replies to enquiries by email. | Ich beantworte Anfragen per E-Mail. |
| Maintain simple records | She updates information in a spreadsheet. | Ich pflege Informationen in einer Tabelle. |
Read the original annotated letter
This letter is fictional. It does not state a real vacancy or promise that this wording will secure an interview. Formal Sie-address and the named contact belong to the model; replace them with accurate details for an actual application.
Bewerbung als Serviceassistentin
Sehr geehrte Frau Keller,
Ihre ausgeschriebene Stelle verbindet Terminorganisation mit der Bearbeitung von Kundenanfragen. Genau diese Aufgaben möchte ich in Ihrem Team übernehmen.
Seit März 2024 arbeite ich in Teilzeit in einem Servicebüro. Dort koordiniere ich Kundentermine und beantworte Anfragen per E-Mail. Außerdem pflege ich Informationen in einer Tabelle. Wenn eine Angabe fehlt, frage ich gezielt nach und halte die Antwort fest.
Für die ausgeschriebene Aufgabe bringe ich damit Erfahrung in der Organisation und schriftlichen Kommunikation mit. Meine Deutschkenntnisse schätze ich auf B1 ein. Fachliche Wendungen für neue Aufgaben eigne ich mir sorgfältig an.
Über die Möglichkeit, meine Erfahrungen in einem Gespräch näher vorzustellen, freue ich mich.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Samira Vogel
Original fictional writing model. The language level is labelled as a self-assessment.
Notice what each paragraph does
The opening names the work that interests the candidate. The middle gives concrete relevant actions rather than listing unsupported qualities such as perfect or exceptional. The final sentence invites a conversation. It is polite without adding a qualification the candidate has not claimed.
After the comma in Sehr geehrte Frau Keller, the next continuing line begins here with Ihre because it is a formal possessive; compare a lower-case opening such as ich in another letter. Mit freundlichen Grüßen stands without an added comma in this model. Keep the actual salutation and closing consistent.
Make the letter specific without inventing a story
Choose one sentence that connects the actual advertised task to something you can demonstrate. If you have not done the task, describe relevant learning honestly rather than copying another candidate’s experience. Check the name, role title and any requested reference number before considering the letter finished.
- Exact role requested: ______
- One advertised task: ______
- My genuine evidence: ______
- A German claim supported by that evidence: ______
- A claim I cannot support and must remove: ______
- Employer’s requested next step: ______
Six tasks to practise
Try each task before opening the answer. Open tasks show one model; equivalent appropriate answers are also possible.
What does Anschreiben mean in this application context?
Answer and explanation
Cover letter.
It connects selected evidence to a specific application.
Must every employer require a cover letter?
Answer and explanation
No.
Check the actual advert and application instructions.
Use the model’s evidence to replace “I am extremely organised.”
Answer and explanation
Ich koordiniere Kundentermine.
The sentence names a concrete task rather than only an adjective.
Does the fictional letter claim a B1 certificate?
Answer and explanation
No.
The wording says Meine Deutschkenntnisse schätze ich auf B1 ein.
Which final line fits a formal letter: Mit freundlichen Grüßen or Bis dann?
Answer and explanation
Mit freundlichen Grüßen
It fits the formal register established by the salutation.
Write a claim-to-evidence sentence about a task you have actually performed.
Answer and explanation
Ich beantworte Anfragen per E-Mail und halte fehlende Angaben in einer Liste fest.
Use the model only if the experience is true for you; otherwise supply your own evidence.
Questions learners ask
Can I reuse one cover letter for every job?
Use a common structure if helpful, but connect the content to the actual role and your genuine evidence. Replace names and tasks accurately.
Should a cover letter repeat the entire CV?
Choose the experience that helps explain this particular fit. The CV remains the place for the structured chronology and wider skills overview.