Germany CV Format Guide (Lebenslauf)
Germany's CV — the Lebenslauf — is the most formal of the major markets. A professional photo is traditionally expected, the layout is strictly tabular, and the document accounts for your time continuously: unexplained gaps are a red flag. A date of birth is still commonly included.
Germany format at a glance
- Photo
- Expected ✓
- Date of birth
- Expected ✓
- Objective statement
- Not used ✗
- Max length
- 2 pages
- Date format
- DD.MM.YYYY
- Section order
- contact → experience → education → skills → languages
Photo and DOB traditionally expected (Lebenslauf). Tabular format common. Signature + date at bottom historically, now optional.
Do
- ✓ Include a professional photo — still conventional for German applications
- ✓ Use a tabular, clearly structured layout (tabellarischer Lebenslauf)
- ✓ Cover your timeline continuously — label gaps ("Weltreise", "Elternzeit")
- ✓ Use German date format DD.MM.YYYY throughout
Don't
- ✗ Don't leave unexplained gaps — German recruiters look for them
- ✗ Don't skip the signature and date line if applying to traditional employers
- ✗ Don't apply without the full document set (Anschreiben + Lebenslauf + Zeugnisse)
- ✗ Avoid informal tone — German application culture is formal
Germany CV format — FAQ
Does a German CV need a photo?
Traditionally yes — the Bewerbungsfoto remains standard practice, though it is slowly becoming optional at startups. For mainstream German employers, include one.
What is a Lebenslauf?
The German word for CV. It follows a tabular format, covers your history without gaps, and traditionally includes date of birth and photo.
Is a date of birth required on a German CV?
It is still customary, and Legent AI includes it for Germany by default. Newer anti-discrimination practice is making it optional at some employers.
Format your resume for Germany automatically
Legent AI applies every rule on this page — including the photo convention, DD.MM.YYYY dates, and the exact section order — then tailors your resume to the job you're applying for.
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