How do you write a German CV? Language, headings and an annotated example

Choose headings that help the reader find information

Berufserfahrung groups work experience; Ausbildung or Bildungsweg groups education and training; Kenntnisse introduces relevant skills. The labels are useful conventions, not a rule that every employer expects an identical document. Follow the actual application instructions and requested file format.

An original fictional German CV

All names, organisations, dates and experience in this model are fictional. The example.com address is a placeholder. It is not a profile to submit as your own. The selected layout starts with the most recent work role and keeps dates consistent.

Read the bullets as evidence of an action

Kundentermine koordiniert tells the reader what Samira did. It is more concrete than the unsupported adjective perfekt. CV bullets can be concise fragments under a role heading; they do not all need to be complete ich sentences. If you choose full sentences, keep the style consistent.

Use actual qualification names. When a qualification comes from another system, do not silently rename it as a German qualification you do not hold. You can add a short explanatory description where appropriate. Distinguish a course, a certificate and your own estimate of ability.

Rewrite truthful notes into a short CV section

Start with notes about one role: what task, who for and which tool or result you can genuinely describe. Select two relevant points. Do not invent a number or achievement simply to make the bullet look impressive.

• Actual role and dates: ______
• Task I performed: ______
• Tool or process I used: ______
• Two truthful German bullets: ______
• Qualification wording to verify: ______
• Application instruction I must follow: ______

Six tasks to practise

Try each task before opening the answer. Open tasks show one model; equivalent appropriate answers are also possible.

1. Which heading usually groups work roles?

   Answer and explanation

   Berufserfahrung

   It helps the reader find relevant professional experience.

2. Turn the truthful note “I answered enquiries by email” into a concise German CV bullet.

   Answer and explanation

   Anfragen per E-Mail beantwortet

   A fragment is appropriate under the role heading in this chosen style.

3. Does Deutsch: B1, Selbsteinschätzung claim an exam certificate?

   Answer and explanation

   No.

   It explicitly labels the level as a self-assessment.

4. Why should you not copy the model’s employer and dates into your application?

   Answer and explanation

   They are fictional and do not describe your own experience.

   The model teaches language; a real CV must use your truthful details.

5. Replace the unsupported claim “Ich bin perfekt mit Computern” with the actual skill from the model.

   Answer and explanation

   Tabellenkalkulation: einfache Listen und Terminübersichten

   The new wording states a concrete, limited skill rather than an absolute claim.

6. Write two bullet points for a real task you have done.

   Answer and explanation

   Termine koordiniert; Informationen in einer Tabelle gepflegt

   These are models. Use them only if they describe your actual work, or replace them with truthful tasks.

Questions learners ask