cover letter meaning in germany

German Cover Letter Guide [With English Sample]

Researched & written

by Yvonne Koppen

April 24, 2024

A cover letter ( Anschreiben ) might be the least important thing of the application in some countries; however, not so in Germany. Depending on the company and recruiter receiving your application, a German cover letter might be the most essential part after your CV.

A  survey  of HR Recruiters in Germany states that 42% ignore an application without an individual cover letter. The same survey also shows that for 71% of HR, a cover letter is an essential document in a job application. A job application letter conveys your level of professionalism, research capabilities, and ability to sell yourself without much fluff. 

🖌️ Table of Contents

Simple German cover letter sample in English

A cover letter in Germany ( Anschreiben ) needs to complement  your CV , but not repeat it. You can regard a cover letter as a letter of motivation filled with examples and facts. A cover letter in Germany is a very formal document that should follow a particular layout.

Read Our Related Guide

German CV Template in English

Our German-Style CV Template In English helps you to craft a killer CV. We have also created a German cover letter sample in English for you to understand what your finished document should look like.

To save you loads of time, you can download our German cover letter template . Simply go to ‘file’ and select ‘ make a copy ‘. You can then edit it to your needs.

How to write a cover letter in Germany?

We will walk you step-by-step through the areas you should include in a German cover letter. You will also learn about what the content of the cover letter should convey. 

German cover letter formal format

As mentioned before, the German cover letter is a very formal letter that should follow the following format for it to look familiar to the German eye:

• Maximum one page and don’t fill it up completely. Leave enough white space when glancing over it.
• Put your full address, including email (ideally including your name) and phone number, in the top right corner.
• Put the company’s full address on the left with one paragraph below your address. Include the name of the contact person in the second line.
• Place the date of your application right-aligned underneath the addresses.

As you might know already, Germany has tons of rules, regulations, and guidelines. Naturally, there is also a guideline for professional letter writing and correspondence, the so-called  DIN 5008 norm . It states the following margins on a DIN A4 (standard German letter paper format):

Left margin: 2,5 cm Right margin: 2,0 cm Top margin: 4,5 cm Bottom margin: 2,5 cm

Please take this information with a grain of salt. Not following this layout does not mean that any German manager or recruiter will ignore your cover letter; however, the German eye is trained and used to reading this format. Anything appearing too much out of the ordinary might get noticed negatively. Again, you can shine with your cover letter’s content, but don’t try to stand out with the format unintentionally.

1. Subject Line

The subject line in a German cover letter needs to stand out. It needs to convey with one look what position you are applying for, and you should bold it. 

2. Salutation

The salutation is extremely important – the more personalized, the better. Reflect your understanding of the company’s culture by using the first name or last name; however it is appropriate. If you can’t find enough information or are unsure, always refer to the last name. If you can’t find the relevant person’s name, don’t be shy and pick up the phone to find out more. This shows initiative and determination.

When it comes to the cover letter’s main body, you should try to stick to four paragraphs. Remember to point out what value you will bring to the company, not what you can get from the company. Your cover letter’s content needs to reflect the expectations and requirements mentioned in the job ad. So make sure to connect the dots and position yourself ahead of other candidates.

Introduction (3 – 4 lines)

The introduction should answer why you are applying for the position and how you became aware of it (through a friend, an employee at the company, a job portal, etc.). Be confident in your word choice. Don’t use insecure words such as ‘I think I would be a good fit’ but rather ‘I am confident that I will contribute to …’.

Second paragraph (5 – 6 lines)

Now it is time to shine with your skills, experience, and qualifications. Never just list things, but choose the relevant achievements and prove them with results. Don’t only refer to achievements in your work life, but if relevant, also mention efforts with private projects. This will show your personality, drive, and willingness to learn and grow beyond what you get paid for. It is absolutely ok to also write in bullet list style in this part, as long as you don’t just list things.

Third paragraph (5 – 6 lines)

After you have showcased yourself, it is time to translate how these experiences and skills will contribute to the role and company. Convey that you have taken the time to research the company by referring to the company culture, possible awards the company has won, or projects that inspire and motivate you. Be authentic and confident.

Closure (3 – 4 lines)

To close your cover letter:

• Reemphasize your eagerness to join the company in the relevant position.
• Describe your future goals and the value you can bring to the company.
• State when you will be available to start work.
• Emphasize that you’d be happy to answer any questions via phone or in a personal interview . 
• Only mention salary expectations if they are asked for in the job ad.
• Be sure to sign the cover letter with your name. 

4. Attachments

Add the word ‘Enclosure’ ( Anlage ) underneath your signature. List all the additional documents you will hand in with your application, like your CV, certificates and diplomas, reference letter, etc.

Further cover letter and job applications tips

Don’t use the same CV and cover letter for different applications. As mentioned above, you must individualize your application to each company’s needs and requirements.

If you send your application directly by email, you have two options. You can either make the email body your cover letter. In this case, remove the address and date part from the email and place the subject line in the email’s actual subject. The body of the email remains a formal letter, though.

Or you can attach the cover letter to the email and briefly point out your application to the specific position in the body of the email, referring to the attachments. 

Ensure that any attachment always has the pdf format, regardless of whether you send it by email or upload it to an online application system. Also, pay attention to the naming of the attachments and keep it clear and professional.

Your job application, namely your resume and cover letter, should answer the recruiter’s main three questions:

• Can you do the job? (Skills)
• Will you do the job? (Motivation)
• Will you fit in with the company culture? (Personality)

Be sure to evaluate your documents based on these questions before you hand them in. The goal of your CV and cover letter is to get an invitation for a job interview .

Job Interview In Germany [How-To + Tips In English]

We hope that you now have a better understanding of how a German cover letter looks and feels like. But never forget to adapt your cover letter and application to the style of the company you are applying for. There is a big difference in culture between a young international StartUp and a big traditional German enterprise. 

Download the Cover Letter Template

Support Simple Germany

You can support our work by buying us a virtual coffee. Your donation helps us research and create ad-free content like this one.

Join us in our goal to empower internationals like you to settle into life in Germany more smoothly.

About the Author

Yvonne Koppen is a researcher and writer at Simple Germany, focusing on demystifying German bureaucracy for international skilled workers.

She has lived and worked abroad, which helps her understand how difficult a move to a new country can be. Beyond her professional pursuits, Yvonne loves to plan and go on road trips, puzzle, and do a triathlon here and there.

She is committed to creating accessible, empowering content through her writing and YouTube videos. Yvonne's passion for continuous learning and her ability to simplify complex topics make her an invaluable resource for expats seeking to navigate their new life in Germany.

You Might Also Enjoy These Guides

Can i work in germany without speaking german, german cv template in english [ultimate english guide], german payslip explained: how to read your payslip in germany, unemployment benefits for foreigners in germany, how does sick leave in germany work, job interview in germany [how-to + tips in english].

Empowering internationals to settle into life in Germany more smoothly.

• Germany Explained
• Service Providers
• Scoring System
• Support Us 💜
• Podcast Interviews
• Brand Assets

Cookie Policy

Privacy Policy

Refund Policy

in Düsseldorf

© All Rights Reserved. Simple Germany is a trademark registered in the European Union.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

My Life in Germany

All you need to know about studying, working, and living in Germany

How To Write Your Cover Letter in Germany (+ English Example!)

This post contains affiliate links. It means that if you click on the links and make a purchase, we will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This allows our blog to continue providing you with free information. We only include links and products that we truly believe in. You can read the full disclosure here .

Moving to Germany or new in Germany? Check out our Resources Page for all the help you need!

Looking for a job in Germany and wondering how to write your cover letter? You are at the right place. In this article, you will learn how to write your cover letter in Germany, including the format, style, and structure. We also include some tips here on writing your cover letter in Germany. You can also download a free German cover letter example (in English).

Table of Contents

Introduction

7 seconds . This is how long it takes to form a  first impression . So, giving an excellent first impression in the interview is essential. But do you know that your first impression is not formed in the interview? It is formed in the first contact you make. You are right. The first contact is your job application.

That is why sending a good CV and cover letter in your job application is very important. This determines whether you have a chance to come to an interview, where you can make your first impression (physically).

What is a cover letter (Anschreiben)?

Your cover letter is the very first impression you give your potential employer. It is one of the deciding factors whether you get a job interview or not. If it catches the recruiter’s attention, he will want to learn more about you by inviting you to an interview.

So, your cover letter should highlight your skills and experience that fit a job’s specific requirements. You should use many examples and facts to convince the recruiter why you are uniquely qualified for the role. Tell the recruiter why you want to work for that company. 

The cover letter should be professional. The goal is to supplement your CV but not duplicate it. While your CV focuses on your skills and experiences, your cover letter should focus on your motivation and how you can apply those skills to the job.

Do you really need to write a cover letter in Germany?

You may not need a cover letter for your job application in many countries. How about in Germany? How important is it to have a cover letter?

In Germany, a cover letter was one of the most essential elements in a job application. However, its importance seems to reduce in recent years.

According to a survey,  59% of the recruiters in Germany accept job applications without cover letters. Many think that having a CV is already sufficient.

However, if you want to increase your chance of landing your dream job, it is still better to write a cover letter. Imagine if 59% of the recruiters in Germany do not require a cover letter. It means that the other 41% will.

Not having a cover letter reduces your chance of getting an interview invitation. You may even get an immediate rejection because of not submitting a cover letter.

Should you write your cover letter in English or German?

This is a tricky question. Unless specified in the job advertisement, it is better to submit your cover letter in German. However, if you do not speak any German, it may be better to submit your cover letter in English. 

Why? It is because you won’t want to give false hope to the recruiter that you speak German while you cannot.

I once went to an interview in Germany after submitting my CV and cover letter in English. Back then, I did not speak any German. When the interviewer saw me, he was shocked that I couldn’t speak German. The interview ended immediately after that, and I didn’t get the job.

So now, imagine you send all your application documents to the recruiter in perfect German. It is logical for the recruiter to assume that you speak some German. You will probably not get the job when you are not meeting his expectation, especially if he is looking for someone who can speak German.

If you do speak some German (even not perfect), you may want to submit your cover letter in German. In that case, make sure your cover letter has no spelling or grammatical mistakes. To be perfect, you can also use a   translation service  or a  cover letter writing service . 

On the other hand, if the job advertisement is written in English and you do not speak any German, try sending your cover letter in English. 

Even though insufficient German skills limit your opportunities, many international companies in Germany do have their hiring process in English. Here is how I  got my permanent full-time job in Germany without speaking German.

Sending your cover letter in Germany

Many big companies require you to submit your cover letter and other application documents via their online portal. In that case, send your application documents such as cover letter and CV in PDF format. 

Give a relevant name to each document. For example, use names such as “Your Full Name_CV” or “Your Full Name_Cover Letter”. This will make your documents look more professional. It will also be easier for the recruiters to identify your documents.

Some companies may require you to send your application via email. In that case, attach in the email all your application documents such as your CV, cover letter, and other certificates in PDF format. In the email content, write a short introduction about your application to the particular role and mention the attached documents.

Alternatively, you can copy and paste your cover letter into your email. Remove the address and the date in that case. Use your subject line in the cover letter as the subject of your email. The content of your email basically becomes your cover letter.

The format of a cover letter in Germany

A cover letter in Germany is a very formal letter. It follows the basic format of a typical business letter. Recruiters in Germany are used to this specific format. So, you should try to follow this format. Your cover letter may be viewed negatively if you use a format that is too different than the norm.

Keep it short and straightforward. Your cover letter should not be longer than one page. Also, leave plenty of space and don’t fill the page completely.  

The standard font size is 12. Your font should be readable. Do not use an unusual font that is too big or too small. Use a professional font such as Times New Roman. 

Besides, use the same fonts and font size throughout your cover letter. Your cover letter should be easy to read. 

You should also use the same formatting in all your other application documents. For example, you should use the same style for both your CV and cover letter.

Your cover letter needs to be readable. Don’t write a large block of text in your cover letter. Separate your text with clear paragraph breaks. There should be enough spacing between the different paragraphs as well.

Your cover letter should follow the layout rule called the  DIN 5008 Norm . It means that on an A4 size letter, the margin should follow the below standard:

• Left margin: 2.5 cm
• Right margin: 2 cm
• Upper margin: 4.5 cm
• Lower margin: 1.5 – 2.5 cm

The structure of a cover letter in Germany

Your personal info.

You should include your personal info in the top right-hand corner. This includes your full name, address, phone number, and email. Your email address should look professional, ideally with your name on it.

The company’s info

You should write this on the left-hand side below your personal info. Put the company name, contact person, and company address there. You should put the contact person’s name on the second line, under the company name.

Usually, you can find the contact person’s name in the job advertisement. If not, don’t be afraid to call the company to find out who handles the job applications.

Write the date in European format and place it below the company’s info on the right-hand side.

The subject line should state what position you are applying for. You should bold it so that the recruiter can easily spot which position this cover letter is for.

Use the name of the contact person you stated in the company’s info. Research the company culture to see if using the first or last name is more appropriate. If you are not sure, always go for the last name.

This should include:

• The first paragraph (introduction)
• The second paragraph
• The third paragraph
• The last paragraph (short closure)

Sign here and write your name below your signature.

Enclosure (Anlage)

Under your signature, you should name which attachments you are sending in the job application, e.g., CV, reference letters, etc.

The content of a cover letter in Germany

The content of a cover letter in Germany should consist of four paragraphs. Do not repeat what you have stated in your CV. Your cover letter should sound unique. The goal is not to tell your whole story. Instead, give a preview and make it interesting enough so that the recruiter wants to know more.

Position yourself ahead of other candidates by focusing on the value you can bring to the company, but not what you can get from the company.

The first paragraph (introduction) – 3 to 4 lines

This is an important paragraph. The recruiter reads this to determine if he wants to continue reading your cover letter. So, the goal of this paragraph is to arouse interest and make the recruiter continue to read.

Why are you applying for the position?

For example, you want to have a career change, or you have just relocated to the city. And explain why. You should promote yourself even if you are unemployed by mentioning something positive.

Also, mention something company-specific. For example, you can convince the company that you want to work there because of their company mission. Maybe the company operates in a way that minimizes damage to the environment? Or perhaps the company sponsors social projects?

Where did you learn about this position?

State where exactly you learn about the position, e.g., from a job portal. If you talk with someone from the company at a job fair, mention the person’s name. 

Similarly, if you learn about the position via a friend or an employee from the company, mention this person’s name as soon as possible. This can arouse interest and encourage the recruiter to keep reading your cover letter. 

What is your current position?

If you want, you may also describe your current position here. If you have not graduated yet, you can mention your course of studies.

The second paragraph – 5 to 6 lines

This paragraph should show your skills, abilities, qualifications, and experience. Mention any achievement that makes you unique and show your strength. Make sure to mention only those that are related to the position. 

Tell the recruiter where you learn these skills, for example, from your past job experiences. Don’t be afraid to mention your private projects if they are relevant. It can show your personality and your initiative beyond your profession.

Remember, you should not be just telling. You should prove your skills with evidence. For example, instead of just saying that you have good leadership skills, mention that you have successfully led a specific project as an example. Do not write too many details, though. The recruiter can read the related information in the CV.

The third paragraph (5 to 6 Lines)

Here is where you link your skills to the position you are applying for. Show how your unique skills and experiences listed in the last paragraph are relevant to the job and the company. Tell the company exactly what you have to offer and how you can help the company to be successful.

Use some personal examples to show how you can use your experience to help to achieve the company’s goals. Tell them what you can do for the company that no one else can do.

Pay attention to which skills are listed in the job description. Make sure you demonstrate how you own these skills by providing examples.

Besides, explain why you want to work in this particular company and this role. Look at the company’s missions and vision. Check the company’s website or social media channels to state any exciting facts. 

Maybe you are interested in the company because it supports social projects? Or perhaps because it has an informal corporate culture? Be genuine and tell the company why working there aligns with your values. Make sure to mention the company’s name.

The last paragraph (short closure) – 3 to 4 lines

This is where you highlight your interest again. Describe what you wish for the future and explain how you can contribute to the company. Tell the company when you can start working, and only mention your salary expectation if required. 

Close politely by saying that the company can contact you in case of any questions and you look forward to talking with them in a  job interview .

Free Cover letter example to use in Germany

Do you want to feel what a cover letter looks like in Germany? Here you go.

You can also download this German cover letter example for your own use here .

10 Tips to write your cover letter in Germany

1. do not use the same cover letter for different job applications.

Different jobs have different requirements and descriptions. Every company is different. You should tailor-make your cover letter for each job application. This is important because recruiters want to see that you have made an effort when applying for the job. 

You should research the company and tell them why you want to work for them specifically. Mention what attracts you to work there based on your research. Check the company’s website, review, and social media channels to get some ideas. Pay attention to the job requirements and relate to them when writing your cover letter. You should also write with the same wording and tone used by the company.

Recruiters can feel it if you just use a general cover letter without mentioning some facts about the specific company. So, show your research capability and customize your cover letter.

2. Include keywords in your cover letter

Many recruiters use software that scans application documents and searches for specific keywords. This software helps to filter out irrelevant applicants and thus saves time for the recruiters.

What does it mean for you? Well, suppose your application documents do not include the keywords the recruiters want to see. In that case, your documents will be filtered out and never be seen by the recruiters. So, including keywords helps you to pass the first stage and get your application documents in front of the recruiters.

Want to understand if your application documents include the right keywords? Use this  free tool to get your CV analyzed! You can see how the software presents you in front of the recruiters regarding top keywords and skills.

3.      Proofread your cover letter

Your cover letter in Germany should not have any grammatical or spelling mistakes. Make sure you contain the correct details, the right company name, and the proper job position. Otherwise, it will show that you are careless and not professional.

The best would be to have someone else proofread your cover letter. You can ask your friend or hire a professional to do it. This is especially important if you decide to submit your cover letter in German and you are still learning German. In that case, you may want to use the proofreading (and/or translation) service from Lingoking .

Writing your cover letter in German may have the advantage that your letter includes the right keywords scanned by the software.

As mentioned before, only write your cover letter in German if you have sufficient German language skills. You won’t want to give false hope to the recruiters that you speak perfect German while you cannot. You can also indicate your German language level in your cover letter and CV. This is so that the recruiters have a realistic expectation of your language skills.

Suppose you want your whole application to be taken care of. In that case, TopCV offers packages including both the CV and cover letter. The service ensures that your application documents are professionally written, well-formatted, and keyword optimized. 

4. Be honest and confident

Your cover letter should reflect the truth. For example, do not write that you can communicate in German while you cannot. Instead, indicate that you are working hard on improving your German. The recruiters will appreciate your effort if you are sincere and can prove it with examples.

Besides, you need to be confident and state clearly why the company should hire you instead of other candidates.  Show confidence by writing “I am sure I will…” instead of “I think I would…”. Mention the interview like it is going to happen. For example, you can write, “I am looking forward to discussing more with you in a personal interview.”

5. Keep it short and relevant

You should keep your cover letter on one page. Use a simple layout so that your letter is easily readable. Only write relevant information on why the company should hire you. Avoid flowery language and long wordy sentences.

Your cover letter shows your ability to sell yourself without much fluff. It should be concise and full of sound arguments why the company should hire you specifically.  

6. Make sure your social media is clean

Nobody wants to see drunk pictures of you at a party. Before applying for jobs, search the internet with your name and see what comes up. You should remove any unprofessional content on your social media, such as Facebook or Instagram.

Besides, create a professional LinkedIn page. Nowadays, many recruiters rely on LinkedIn when searching for talents. Make sure your LinkedIn page looks professional and up to date.

7. Avoid passive voice

Your cover letter should sound positive. You should use only active verbs because they make your writing more exciting and dynamic. You can show the “who” and “how” in a sentence.

On the other hand, passive voice is generally weak. It describes simply a state of existence without action. In your cover letter, you should sound active and be responsible for your achievements.

8. Think from the perspective of the recruiters

My friend once asked me to proofread her cover letter. I was shocked to see that everything was written from her perspective and why she wanted to work for the company in her cover letter.

When writing your cover letter in Germany, make sure it is not all about you. It is about what value you can bring to the company. Think from the perspective of the recruiters. What are they looking for? What do they want to see from a candidate? Rephrase your skills and experiences and make them relevant to the requirements stated in the job advertisement.

It is not just about what you can get from the company but also what the company receives from you.

9. Use examples

Do not just mention you have good communication skills or leadership skills. Instead, you should prove your skills by giving examples. Use numbers and data whenever possible. For example, leading a team of 10 people or leading a project that resulted in a 10% increase in revenue. Focus on the result and not simply your participation in the project.

10. Formatting and style are important

Your cover letter should be formal. Use complete sentences instead of bullet points. You should also use the same formatting and style in your CV so that your application d ocuments look consistent. Avoid unusual font and size. The best is to follow  the German format  de scribed in this article.

The cover letter is an essential part of your job application in Germany. Its goal is to get an invitation to the job interview. Your cover letter allows you to show your personality based on your tone and how you write.

Take it seriously. Be concise, professional, and also friendly. Remember to adapt your cover letter to the style of different companies. Good luck and happy job hunting in Germany!

Pin it for later:

How is your job hunting progress in Germany? Did the recruiters in Germany ask you questions based on your cover letter? Leave a comment below and share your experience!

If you found this article helpful, consider supporting this website by buying me a coffee. Every small donation helps to keep this blog alive . You can also ask me any questions here.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Buy me a coffee

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment.

I consent to My Life in Germany collecting and storing the data I submit in this form. (Privacy Policy) *

 Yes, subscribe me and send me my MONEY SAVING GUIDE IN GERMANY for free!

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.

Cookie Settings

How To Write A German Cover Letter – A Step By Step Guide

by Cheryl Howard | Apr 7, 2024 | Berlin Guides , Job Applications , Working In Berlin | 0 comments

HOW TO WRITE A GERMAN COVER LETTER – A STEP BY STEP GUIDE

Have you been l ooking for a job in Germany, applying for several positions, and finding that you’re not getting any responses? It happens to the best of us, even to those who work in   highly demanded professions   like software developers, marketing professionals, economists, and more.

Searching for a job , especially one right for you, is a daunting task that takes   a lot   of work, patience, and perseverance. When you add looking for a job in a foreign country like Germany into the mix, it’s even more challenging. You’re probably unfamiliar with the country’s norms when creating job applications and could unknowingly be making mistakes. What’s more, a lot of the information about how to write a German cover letter is often outdated and/or created by people with zero experience in recruiting.

The most significant part of getting noticed by German employers is your ability to put together a solid job application, which usually includes a well-written and designed cover letter and CV that tells a story about you and why you’re uniquely qualified for that position.

Join Our Community

Stay ahead with the latest news on immigration developments, employment opportunities, and other updates about life in Germany. Get valuable insights, early access to Berlin Life guides, invites to community events, and more. Don’t miss out – subscribe to one of the most popular newsletters in Berlin.

 WRITE A GERMAN COVER LETTER LIKE A SEASONED PRO

📖 📖 📖 Bookmark THIS extensive guide on how to write a German cover letter and use it as a frame of reference when applying for jobs in Germany.

1) Are Cover Letters Really Needed?

As you’re searching for a job in Berlin, or anywhere in Germany for that matter, have you asked yourself these questions:

1) Do I need to write a German cover letter when I’m applying for jobs?

2) Are cover letters relevant when my CV already tells my story?

3) Does anyone even bother to read cover letters?

Let me tell you a story:

I worked for one company when a member of senior management asked, “Why do people write cover letters? I   never   read them. I only want to see their CV, and I’ll get in touch if it’s interesting. I’m way too busy to read both cover letters and CVs.”

A very fair point and I agree with him 100%. His pain was also my pain, as I was reviewing several job applications each day and looking at people we could potentially add to our team. It was time-consuming and tedious, especially when we wanted to ensure whoever applied was given a fair shot.

It’s true that not every recruiter or hiring manager will read it (like that manager), and some companies (like where I currently work) even ask candidates   not   to submit cover letters. However, many companies still expect to see one.

So do you need a German cover letter? Yes, most definitely. Even though they feel like a waste of time (and sometimes really are), cover letters are essential when applying for jobs in Berlin or elsewhere in Deutschland.

2) Why Should I Write A German Cover Letter?

There are a number of good arguments about why you should take the time to write up a cover letter for your job applications:

1) There’s a slight chance that not submitting a cover letter will result in immediate rejection. A recruiter or hiring manager may think that if you didn’t put in the effort to make a cover letter, why should they even consider you for the job? While this is silly, don’t take a chance and make it a habit always to include a cover letter.

​2) Some (not all) HR software scans submitted documents looking for specific keywords. A cover letter that mentions certain keywords from the job description could help you bubble to the top of the candidate pool, where you’re more likely to get noticed before other candidates.

3) Called a motivation letter in Germany ( Motivationsschreiben ), a cover letter is your chance to shine. It’s when you can tell the company why you want to work for them, explain how uniquely qualified you are for that role, and really make your personality come through.

​Think of it like this – when you go to the theatre to watch a movie, you’ll see trailers for upcoming flicks. They only last one or two minutes, but if the trailer is really good, they’ve hooked you, and eventually, you’re going to go out and watch that movie.

Your cover letter is exactly like that movie trailer. It’s a preview of your CV and you as a person. A cover letter’s main call to action is to make the person reading it want to know more. They’ll spend time reviewing your CV and, hopefully, contact you for that first interview.

4) A cover letter shows diligence and interest from your side. Employers are keen to know why you want to work for them, learn why you’re the person they should hire, and if you’re passionate about your chosen field.

If a cover letter is done well, in the sense that it’s framed as a well-written and compelling narrative, it’ll motivate the employer to contact you for an interview. Most people do really read them, so it’s worth spending time writing one that makes you stand out from other applicants.

3) How Do I Structure A German Cover Letter?

Following a fixed structure and method that you can repeat for each new job application makes writing a cover letter way easier.

Always include these vital elements in a cover letter:

1)   Salutation   – Address your cover letter to that person using formal German greetings such as “Dear Herr Müller” or “Dear Frau Schmidt.” If no contact is listed or you’re unsure about which greeting to use (you don’t ever want to address someone as Herr when they’re a Frau, for example), use a generic greeting such as “Dear hiring manager” or “To whom it may concern.” If you read other online texts saying that you  always  have to specify a specific contact name, this is very untrue. More and more German companies are refraining from adding contact names to job descriptions to avoid being spammed by applicants. So don’t stress out on this point at all, as using a generic greeting is not only expected but completely acceptable.

2) Intro   – This section should be one paragraph maximum. Personalize your cover letter by telling the company  why you want to work there.  Be specific and use supporting examples gleaned from company research. Doing so will impress the company and show you did your homework before applying. Remember that this section is not about you but about them as an organization. Avoid self-serving statements when telling them why you want to work there. For example, don’t say you want to work there because the office is down the street from your flat or you heard they pay exceptionally high salaries. Instead, say you’re impressed with the company culture, that you identify with their sustainability mission, and that you want to be part of building out the next stage of their growth.

​ 3) About You   – This section can be one or two paragraphs long and is the “meat” of the cover letter and where you need to sell yourself. Pull points from the job description to tell your potential employer   why you’re uniquely qualified for the position . Build on those points by using personal examples that draw from your experience, education, and more. Ensure your examples are specific, build on one another in a complementing fashion, and tell an exciting story. Say that the role calls for someone with leadership experience. You can tell them that you have 10 years of experience managing distributed teams of varying sizes. You can further say that you excel at creating and maintaining high-performing teams with a track record of meeting deadlines. And finish by telling them how you launched a project that helped the company make millions of euros. Whatever you do, don’t just list a bunch of keywords, repeat the job description itself, or write a novel.

4) Closin g   – Reiterate your excitement about the company and the open position. Let them know you want to learn more and would welcome a chance for an interview. Be sure to tell them about your availability and how to best get in touch.

A few more tips about how to structure a German cover letter:

1) If you’re sending the cover letter by email or uploading it to an applicant tracking system, you don’t need to include the address information of yourself or the company. For that matter, a signature isn’t required either. These things are entirely unnecessary and irrelevant as we no longer live in the Stone Age.

2) If anyone prints or references your cover letter for an interview, you can leave the date on it so they know when you applied for the role.

Strive to ensure the narrative in the letter flows well and tells a unique story about you and why they should hire you over anyone else out there.

4) Should I Customize My Cover Letter For Job Applications ?

Yes, we know. It’s   a lot   of work to create a new cover letter every time you apply for a job, but sending the same cover letter out won’t do anymore. You need to show employers you took time to research their company, tell them why you want to work there, and why they should hire you.

This is why personalizing the cover letter is really important. They need to see the real you and that you were thoughtful in your job application. Anything less makes it look like you’re not really interested in the role and could see your job application land in the recruiter’s NO pile.

Suppose a cover letter is simply a regurgitation of the job description or a generic copy-and-paste text you’ve used for every job application. The recruiter or hiring manager will easily be able to spot this and may make the company less likely to contact you. Again, don’t take a chance.

Read about how to customize cover letters when you’re submitting unsolicited job applications . 

5) How Do I Use Company Research In My Cover Letter?

Before writing a cover letter, we recommend that you complete in-depth research on the company to which you’re applying. The research will help you a lot, especially as it’ll give you the information you can embed in your cover letter and use later to ask questions during an interview.

You need to tell the employer why you like their company and show you did your research, by looking at   Glassdoor reviews , browsing through their website, reading their press releases, etc.

Read our detailed guide about how to   research a German company .

6) How Long Should A German Cover Letter Be?

Keep the cover letter to a single page and not more than 3 – 4 paragraphs. Be succinct (i.e., avoid long wordy sentences or overuse of adjectives) and   summarize, summarize, summarize .

Pick key points from your CV and/or job description but don’t repeat things verbatim.

7) Should I Use An Automatic Text Generator or AI?

I’ve played around with ChatGPT and boy, is it good. Like really really good!

Call me old school, but in general, I’d still suggest writing your own cover letter without the help of predictive text generators or AI.

I say this for two reasons:

1) Many of these generators like Speedwrite yield text that doesn’t make much sense at all. It often reads as if it were written by a robot and spits out alternative text that says exactly the same thing but in a slightly different way.

2) Even worse, it won’t sound like you. A cover letter should be an honest and accurate reflection of who you are and how you communicate. I cannot stress that enough, especially if you’re being hired into a role where communication skills are key.

What you could do is use AI to write that very first draft cover letter. Then you could use that text as a baseline and improve it using your own words. Try out this beta AI from Imagine to get started! 

Alternatively, you can write a draft first and then use a tool like Grammarly to better what you’ve written.

We know this can be tough if you’re not writing in your native language. In these cases, make sure you get other people to proofread your cover letter or even hire a professional to help you out.

8) Should I Write My Cover Letter In German ?

Writing your cover letter in German may help you get noticed by HR software or LinkedIn search engine algorithms.

Be careful and use your best judgment here, though. It could backfire when they discover that your level of German doesn’t match the level of what’s in your cover letter.

Let me tell you another story:

A recruiter I used to work with told me that she’d found a dream candidate for a position that had been open for a long time. This person was applying from abroad and had submitted   both   their CV and cover letter in German.

The first interview was scheduled, and during the call, the recruiter was surprised to find that the candidate didn’t know any German at all. Turns out they’d paid someone to translate their documents.

Sadly, the candidate was rejected for their false claims of being fluent in German and wasting the recruiter’s time. And contrary to what many say, German fluency is absolutely essential for most available positions in the country. 

Of course, it could go the other way and the company may still hire you anyway because you’re such a good fit. But please, be honest upfront and if you decide to write your cover letter in German, indicate your language level (like B1 or C1) very prominently on your CV and in your cover letter. Then the decision will be left to the employer to contact you.

9) Can I Stretch The Truth Because Everyone Fibs A Bit?

Above all, be humble and honest about things, like your education, work experience, level of German, etc.

It’s easy to lie or exaggerate when you want a job, and we’ve all been told to “fake it until we make it,” and in many cases, it can work in your favor. But let’s be real here, this behavior is unprofessional, not to mention unethical.

Not long ago, I was shocked to read the LinkedIn profile of a former colleague who claimed to have led a high-profile project for our company. That project wasn’t even started until after that person left. This person was blatantly lying and taking credit for other people’s work that she didn’t do.

Don’t be that person. 

False claims could come back to haunt you. For example, the Berlin community is small and people know each other. A potential employer may know someone at one of your former companies and informally reach out to them for information about you.

If they uncover any lies, it will likely cost you the job, even your reputation.

Of course, be confident in your accomplishments, and don’t undersell yourself. Just make sure you’re telling the truth.

10) How Do I Create A Well Designed Cover Letter? 

You could just type of bunch of text into a Google document and send it off. But how about making your cover letter look nice using websites like   Canva   or   Edit.org , where you can find beautiful and professional templates for free?

Other things to keep in mind:

1) Use a large and readable font that considers general accessibility guidelines. Sometimes people try to jam as much information as possible onto a cover letter and to make it fit a single page using ridiculously small font sizes. Trust me – no one wants to use a magnifying glass to read your cover letter.

Use this   guide from Indeed   which speaks to the right font and font size to use on CVs, which also applies to cover letters.

2) Don’t make your paragraphs too long and use sensible spacing to make your cover letter easier to read.

3) Your   German CV   should have a similar look and feel. This way, the cover letter, and CV will appear as one fluid job application package.

11) Do I   Really   Have To Follow These Rules?

No, of course not! Our guidelines are simply here to help you write a good cover letter that’s more likely to get you noticed by German employers.

There’s no reason not to get creative and have fun with your cover letter. This may also mean breaking some of the “rules” outlined here.

Be bold and dare to take unique approaches that challenge the status quo. Perhaps give them a link to a video you made telling them why you want to work there. Share a sample of what you can do for them by sharing some insight on how you’d approach your job. Invite them to check out your blog or social media.

The sky’s the limit. A unique cover letter will help you stand apart from other candidates.

12) How Can I Ensure My German Cover Letter Is Of High Quality?

Make sure there are no spelling or grammatical errors, get the company name and other details right, and if you can, have a second or third pair of eyes review your cover letter. This can be a friend, partner, or even, a paid professional. Proofreading is essential, as if you’ve been staring at the same documents for hours, it can be super easy to miss out on small mistakes you might’ve made.

This advice might sound really obvious and basic, but trust me, I’ve seen tons of job applications with errors on them. I must also confess that I once put the wrong company name in a cover letter and somehow still got several interviews with them. Miracles happen, folks! 🤣

Anyway, avoid sloppy mistakes if you can, and make sure your German cover letter is top-notch.

What do I recommend?   Join my   Facebook community   of more than 8,000 people and ask someone there for a   cover letter exchange . Another person can review your cover letter and give you feedback and you can do the same for them.

That’s a wrap! Follow these tips to write a really good German cover letter that’s going to land you a job in Germany.

RELATED CONTENT

Avoiding Embarrassing German Interview Mistakes: Dos and Don’ts

by Cheryl Howard | Apr 25, 2024 | Berlin Guides , Job Interviews , Working In Berlin | 0 Comments

Discover the most common German interview mistakes and learn the dos and don’ts to help you avoid embarrassing slip-ups.

How To Write A German CV That Will Get You Interviews

by Cheryl Howard | Apr 25, 2024 | Berlin Guides , Job Applications , Working In Berlin | 4 Comments

Get the lowdown on how to write a German CV. Know what to include and to leave out, as well as other success tips.

A Roundup Of Professional Career Coaches In Germany

by Cheryl Howard | Apr 23, 2024 | Berlin Guides , Job Search , Working In Berlin | 0 Comments

Unsure how to navigate the German job market? Seeking to change careers or ask for a promotion? These career coaches in Germany can help.

Cheryl Howard, Founder @ The Berlin Life

Hi, I’m Cheryl. My mission is to help you move to Berlin and find work.

A Canadian in Berlin for 10+ years, I have the unique experience of moving to Berlin – not once, but twice. During my time in Berlin, I’ve had five different visas and worked as both a freelancer and a permanent employee for   numerous   Berlin companies. I even managed to find a new job during the pandemic  and again in 2023, during Germany’s  recession and massive layoffs in tech. 

My day job has involved work as a hiring manager, overseeing the recruitment of countless people, as well as a team coach helping teams and individuals work better and find happiness in their careers. Through my side projects, I’ve also shared my personal experiences by publishing a series of helpful blog posts, creating a thriving community of job seekers, and hosting events to help people find work in Berlin. In 2021, I decided to put my coaching and recruiting talents to use by creating The Berlin Life, bringing my existing content and community together in one spot.

The combination of my personal and professional experience means I know  exactly  what it takes to move to Berlin and find work.

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Email me when someone replies to my comment

• Value Package
• Blocked Account
• Health Insurance
• Bank Account
• Study Finder
• Study Eligibility Checker
• Accommodation
• Learn German

What We Offer

• Living in Germany
• Studying in Germany
• Working in Germany

About Germany

• German Cities
• Tourism in Germany
• German Culture
• Visa for Germany
• Costs of Living in Germany
• Finance in Germany
• Health Insurance in Germany
• Driving in Germany
• Renting in Germany
• German Universities
• Free Studies in Germany
• German Education System
• Germany vs. other Study Destination
• German Degrees
• Application Process to Study in Germany
• Financing your Studies in Germany
• Best Universities in Germany
• German Business Culture
• Best Cities in Germany for Expats
• After your Bachelor's in Germany
• After your Master's in Germany
• About Expatrio
• Partner log in
• Partner Log-in

How to Draft a Perfect German Cover Letter [Format, Guide]

In Germany, the employment market is highly competitive. Many qualified and skilled individuals are looking for jobs in Germany, so it's critical to make an excellent first impression with your cover letter.

A well-written cover letter can differentiate between securing job interviews and being overlooked when submitting a job or visa application. A great cover letter demonstrates that you are serious about the position and have what it takes. 

Read on for a guide on   how to write the ideal German cover letter and an example format , plus some pointers and shortcuts to ensure that your cover letter is flawless.

What is a German Cover Letter?

You may submit a one-page cover letter ( Anschreiben ) from Germany when   applying for a job   or an internship. The cover letter introduces you to the potential employer and explains why you are the ideal applicant.

The German cover letter should be formal and polite. The tone should be positive and professional.

Tip:   You may submit your resume ( Lebenslauf ) and cover letter in English or German when applying for a   position . If the employment opening is in German, it is advisable to write your cover letter in German.

German Cover Letter Format

It is critical to use the correct format for your cover letter when applying in Germany. This implies that you should include your   contact information   (name, address, phone number, email) and the date at the top of the page. The letter should be addressed to the person in charge of hiring at the firm (if you do not have a name, you can use something more general, such as " Dear Hiring Manager ").

It is essential to   keep it professional and easy to read   regarding font style and size for your German cover letter. Times New Roman or Arial font in size 12 should be sufficient.

Begin your letter with a   brief introduction   and explain why you are interested in the position. Then, go into detail about your qualifications and accomplishments that make you the perfect candidate for the job. Be sure to   emphasize any skills or experience   relevant to the position.

In the second section,   underline the skills and accomplishments   that make you the perfect candidate. Be sure to emphasize any skills or work experience relevant to the position. Finally, in the third part,   thank the company for their time and consideration . You may also include a statement of availability for an interview or mention that you will be in touch soon.

Close the letter with a professional sign-off (" Sincerely," "Best regards ," etc.), followed by your full name and signature.

Tip:   If you've   studied German , say so in your cover letter. This will demonstrate to the employer that you're serious about the position and have taken the time to learn more about their culture and country.

What not to include in a German Cover Letter

When writing your German cover letter, there are a few things that you should avoid doing.

• Do not repeat information   from your resume or CV verbatim.
• Personal information   such as your age, marital status, or the number of children should not be included. This data is irrelevant to the employer and may lead to your being discriminated against.
• Do not use   informal language or contractions . The phrases "I'd want to," or "I'll be" are examples of informal language.
• Avoid a generic cover letter . Make sure that your cover letter is tailored to the position you're applying for. This will demonstrate to the employer that you are genuinely interested in working for them.
• Do not include a   photograph   of yourself.
• Do not use humor   or try to be witty in your cover letter. This is a formal business correspondence; therefore, keep it serious unless stated otherwise.
• Do not make any   negative comments   about your current or previous employers.
• Do not reveal your salary expectations or demands   during the interview. This may be discussed at length during the hiring process.

Keep the following in mind while drafting a German Cover Letter

A German cover letter should be concise and direct, as stated in the job description.

There's no need to include details about your interests or hobbies. The emphasis should be on your abilities and qualifications rather than your personality.

Employers may not be familiar with overly formal or technical language, so avoid it. Stick to simple, straightforward speech that anyone can comprehend.

Finally, double-check it for spelling and grammatical errors before submitting your cover letter.

German Cover Letter Template Ideas

Finding the ideal German cover letter template may be a challenging task.

The internet is your best friend for locating the perfect German cover letter template. Several excellent, free websites provide templates for various letters, including German cover letters.

Some of our favorites include:

Novoresume   is a website that provides free templates for various letters, including German Cover Letters. The website offers several templates for different types of letters and varying levels of experience.

Resume.io  is another website that has compiled the best German cover letter examples and templates to help you land your dream job.

Zety  is a website that provides cover letter templates for various professions. The website offers both free and paid templates.

Cover letters can be tricky, but following a specific format can make the time to research much more accessible and help you get your dream job. Remember to personalize your letter for each job application and highlight relevant qualifications and experience.

Need help with your German CV?

Don't worry! Check out our German CV guide below to know everything you need to create an outstanding German CV

The Best Cities in Germany for Expats: Over vs. Underrated

German Political System

Working as a student in Germany

This might also be of interest to you

How To Draft a Perfect German CV [Format and Template Guide]

Did you know that Germany is one of Europe's most economically stable and job-friendly nations? The German job market is so strong that many people...

In Germany, the employment market is highly competitive. Many qualified and skilled individuals are looking for jobs in Germany, so it's critical to...

Letter of Motivation [Complete Guide]

When you apply to study at a good university, it's only reasonable to expect the institution to ask for evidence that you are keen to learn. In...

German Cover Letter + Must Know Best Practices [2024]

by Live in Germany Team | Work in Germany

Last Update: Feb 23, 2024 @ 9:07 pm

🚀 Meet LiGa, our cutting-edge chat bot for all things about living in Germany! 🇩🇪 Personalized and interactive, LiGa outshines traditional searches. It’s in beta phase, and your feedback will shape LiGa into the ultimate companion for your inquiries! 🤖✨ #LiveinGermany

So, it is quite clear that cover letters are taken seriously in the German job market since it is an applicant’s initial impression on the company. If someone hasn’t attached a cover letter to their application, the recruiter might think that if the applicant hasn’t put effort in making a cover letter, why even consider him/her for a position at our company?

🔶   Related Topic :   How to Find English-Speaking Jobs in Germany

Structuring German Cover Letter

Salutation:.

Try to keep the cover letter at a personal touch rather than just making a cut paste document. Make sure we are specifying the reason for joining the xyz company/organization. Present the company research in this phase as well. We can say things like we have been impressed with the company culture or we have recognized the mission and vision for which the company is moving forward and we want to play a pivotal role in this journey.

By now, we have told the company/organization why we want to work for them. What shall we do next? We are going to use the mentioned job description in telling a story regarding how and why we are enough qualified for the position. There is no need to exaggerate the story and write down a whole passage. Here we will provide a short trailer-kind of summary. This is because we want to gain their interest so that the company reaches us out and contact for further interview.

In the end, we should be thanking the company and let them know that they are welcome to schedule things further. Availability has to be mentioned along with contact details where the company can get in touch.

Attachments:

The word Anlage (Enclosure) has to added once the cover letter is signed. All the certificates and documents which are part of the application should be listed down there. This includes CV , educational documents, reference letter etc.

Cover Letter Framework

The cover letter has to written in accordance with DIN 5008 . This is a dedicated framework when it comes to formal writing in Germany. Following are the standards:

• Left margin: 24.1 mm
• Right margin: at least 8.1 mm
• Bottom margin: 16.9 mm
• Top margin: 16.9 mm

Please ensure this format is taken seriously. If an applicant hasn’t followed this framework, it doesn’t necessarily mean rejection but on the same time, recruiters in Germany have a habit of reading cover letters in this format. Hence, if a cover letter appears to be different from the mentioned format, it might get noticed in negative manner.

Top 8 Best Practices To Consider Before Writing Your Cover Letter

Customizing cover letter for each job, keeping cover letter short and concise, be honest on cover letter.

We have to be honest and humble about things. This includes the work experience, education and language proficiency. It is quite usual to exaggerate or lie when trying to get a job. There is a common saying “fake it until we make it” and people at times follow that too and it turns out favorable in getting a job. But such behavior is extremely unethical and unprofessional.

A recent example is a LinkedIn profile of a former work colleague who stated on the profile that he managed quite a high-end project all on his own at his company. Later it was brought to notice that project didn’t even start until after the colleague left company. He was falsely taking full credit for someone else’s efforts and work.

These kinds of claims can haunt back an applicant. There could be a chance that new employer knows someone from the applicant’s former organization. Moreover, it is common for employers to informally reach out previous companies of candidate to extract some information. This can cost a job and even reputation.

Writing Cover Letter in German

There are better chances that HR software will notice a cover letter written in German. This also works with algorithms set on LinkedIn. With that being said, we have to be vigilant and use our judgment properly. As it can backfire as well. Make sure that actual German language proficiency is reflected in the cover letter.

There was an instance where the hiring company received an application from a person abroad where the candidate sent CV and documents in German. During the first interview, the company was surprised to know that candidate didn’t know any German. In fact, the documents were actually translated by paying someone else. This resulted in the rejection of a candidate.

Showing Personality

The cover letter should portray all the candidate’s creativity. Coming up with a unique approach is going to make you stand apart in the competition. We can provide a video link in the cover letter where we have explained the reason why we wish to work for that particular company. Also, a sample can be shared explaining insight about how the candidate will approach his/her job. Moreover, the company can be invited to see the candidate’s social media.

🔶   Related Topic : Job Interview Questions in Germany

Making Cover Letter Visually Pleasing

We can type some paragraphs in a document and send it to the company. but its much better to create a cover letter that is visually pleasing. Canva is one of the platforms that can help choose from variety of cool and professional templates.

Fonts should be large enough to increase readability. Other tips include avoiding lengthy paragraphs. Accurately set the spacing between lines.

Quality Check

Grammatical mistakes and spelling errors convey a negative impression of the company. Before sending the application, make sure to avoid such mistakes and take care of these negligible errors. Also briefly check employer information and other related details. A good way of reviewing the cover letter is to have a second pair of eyes proofread it. This is an important task that most people overlook but quite frequently there are job applications having multiple errors on them.

Avoid Using Automatic Text Generators

It is suggested that the candidate write down the cover letter themselves. A professional writer can be hired to provide this service. There are numerous text generators available but they are almost useless. Automatic text generators can produce text that doesn’t make any sense. When reading, it is obvious that a robot has written it down. A cover letter has to be a reflection of a candidate. It should portray how the candidate approaches the job and how they communicate.

We have put enough emphasis on the importance of a cover letter in Germany. One of the most pivotal instruments in a job application is a good cover letter. If it doesn’t shine enough or fails to reflect the candidate’s potential, employers are likely to ignore it and move forward with other applications.

📢 Important Note: As much as we love sharing insights, it’s crucial to clarify that we’re not experts – just enthusiasts eager to help! 🤓💼 Our recommendations, including any affiliate links, stem from personal experiences, not professional endorsements.

Before taking any steps based on our suggestions, we highly recommend conducting your own thorough research. 🕵️‍♂️📚 Your unique needs and circumstances deserve tailored attention, and we’re here to support you in making informed decisions. Thanks for entrusting us as part of your journey! 🌟🙏

If you’ve found our content super helpful, we’d be over the moon if you could show some love and support our website! 🚀💙 Just a little click right here 👉 and you’ll be magically whisked away to our support page. 🪄 Your support means the world to us and helps keep the expat community thriving with valuable info about life in Germany. 🌍🇩🇪

Join Our AI-Enhanced Expat Community in Germany!

Embark on your German expat journey with an edge! Our exclusive Facebook group offers a unique blend of human connection and AI-driven insights.

Why Join Us?

• AI-Powered Support : Get quick, accurate answers to your life-in-Germany queries through our advanced AI chatbot.
• Global Expat Network : Share experiences, seek advice, and make friends with expats from all around the world.
• Spam-Free, Friendly Space : Enjoy a respectful, safe environment. Unsubscribe anytime you wish.

Be part of a community where AI complements human experiences.

If you don't find the Email, then kindly check your SPAM mail. Thank you

Discover Life in Germany with AI Smarts & Expat Hearts!

Join our exclusive Facebook group for expats, enhanced with AI chatbot support. It's where insights meet intelligence!

AI Chatbot Expertise : Fast, reliable answers on living in Germany.

Vibrant Expat Community : Connect, share, and learn with global expats.

Zero Spam, All Support : A safe, welcoming space, opt-out anytime.

Ready for a smarter expat experience? Sign up for our newsletter and join the community!

If you don't find the Email, then kindly check your SPAM mail. Thank you

How to Write the Perfect German Cover Letter: Best Practices

• share  

When a company searches for a new employee, several hundreds applicants could send their CVs. The HR department of the company I work for told me that sometimes a cover letter could be a crucial element in why they might decide to invite someone for an interview or not. If you plan to apply for a job in Germany, you have to learn how to write a German cover letter.

Let’s start and let me provide you with the essential information about cover letters in Germany in this article.

Key takeaways

• This article sheds more light on what the German cover letter is all about.
• A cover letter is a helpful extension of your CV .
• It gives you a great chance to introduce and position yourself as the person your new employer should choose.
• I am also providing you with some tips about the length , essential formulas , writing styles , and the required contents of the cover letter in Germany.
• At the end of this article, you will find a personal recommendation for finding professional cover letter writers online who can help you write it.

What is the German cover letter?

Alongside the German CV , you should also make sure that you are sending a cover letter. Even if the cover letter does not prioritize the preselection of candidates for further interviews, it might make a significant difference in the end.

The German SPIEGEL Magazine published an article about the importance of cover letters for an application in Germany. The interviewed recruiting professional states in this article:

“However, a job application is about working together in the future. Therefore, you’d better use the cover letter to tell a potential employer what is important to you in your job and how you would like to work together in the future.”

Based on my experience, you should never miss that chance to impress your future employer. It may make a difference if your CV is similar to others or might not fit 100% to the job offered.

Definition of the cover letter in Germany

Think about a motivation letter as an extended introduction to:

• who you are
• the reason you are sending the application
• why you are a good fit
• and why you could be of benefit to the company you are applying to.

It allows you to paint a more detailed picture about yourself instead of relying only on your CV. This strings together all the stages of your professional and educational life.

As you can see, a German job seeker’s letter can include quite some information about yourself.

This leads me to the next point, why an email instead of a cover letter is not enough.

In Germany, the cover letter is not an email

Most applications are now submitted online and no longer by mail. Whether you send your email or submit your CV and cover letter via a recruiting platform, they should not confuse a cover letter with an email.

If you send your CV via email, you should not mistake the email with your written cover letter. Your email can be short and sweet. There you can provide some basic information, such as your name and the name of your contact person, if available.

In the email you’ll be stating that you are sending your CV and your cover letter and asking for a reply.

The cover letter should be a separate PDF file or Microsoft Word Document.

Tipps regarding the German cover letter

Here are a few tips that I collected from my German friends.

Length of German employment cover letter

A cover letter for German employers should be roughly one to two DIN A 4 pages long.

I recommend you not write a cover letter that’s longer than this because hardly anyone will be willing to read it.

In general, using a larger spacing between lines and a comfortable to read font size will support the recipient’s efforts to read it.

Opening and closing formulas

It would help if you always used polite and formal addressing and closing formulas.

As you might be aware, there is a standard version for “you” in German: “Sie.” This is how Germans address everyone they are not closely acquainted with.

Even if you know your first point of contact in the company you apply to, I’d still not recommend the informal version for “you” used as “Du” in German.

But why is that?

Most likely, more people will be reading your cover letter throughout the application process. And it’s considered impolite in Germany to use “Du” instead of “Sie.”

Standard addressing formulas are, for example:

“ Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren ,” meaning “dear sir or madam,” is the most general variation.

If you know your first point of contact by name, you can also address them by using, for example, “ Sehr geehrter Herr Weidel ,” which means “Dear mister Weidel” in English.

Always address them with their family name, not with their first name.

It’s best to close a cover letter using the standard formula “ Mit freundlichen Grüßen ,” similar to “Best regards” in English.

Make sure you add your name with some white space in between so that you can sign the letter manually before sending it out.

Sentence length

You should make sure not to write any lengthy sentences. Better keep your sentences as short as possible. This helps the reader quickly grasp the content and understand what you are writing about without having to overthink it.

Individual cover letters

Even if you are applying for more than just one position at once, make sure you rewrite your cover letter every time.

You should tailor he cover letter should to the company you apply to.

You can’t use the central part of a cover letter for more than one job application.

Give examples

Reading through the job offering or job ad is crucial. It is better if something stands out that you can refer to in your cover letter. If specific personal strengths are required, give a short and easy-to-understand how you meet up.

Answers to questions

Are there any questions included in the job advertisement? If so, answer them and make sure that you answer all of these in your letter.

Refer to the company you apply to

Since nobody likes to receive a mass-produced application, make sure that you mention something that stood out for you while informing yourself about the company you apply to. Allow them to understand why you chose to apply for that specific job in their company.

Grammar and spelling

Of course, taking care of any grammar or spelling mistakes is always a good idea. If possible, let a professional read through your cover letter. If you have no professional at hand, you might have to find someone capable of reading and writing German fluently enough to support you here. I have always used Fiverr * for that kind of service in the past.

The structure of the application letter in Germany

From a structural point of view, a formal job inquiry letter can be a bit longer than you might have experienced that so far in your home country.

Basic information

At the very top of the page, please include:

• your full name
• phone number
• and other contact information

Also Include the full name and address of the company. And the name of the contact person you address the cover letter to, in case you know the name.

As a last formality, include the date and subject matter.

You can then address the person the cover letter is written for by name or use the standard formula of “Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren” as mentioned above.

Now it’s time to divide the cover letter into four different paragraphs.

First paragraph – Introduction

Make sure that you introduce yourself and give the reader why you are applying for the specific job. Some ideas might be that you recently relocated to Germany and are now searching for a job. Another option might be that you want to make a career change. It should be clear to the reader what your intention is.

Second paragraph – Your professional experience

The second paragraph is about your professional experience, skillset, and abilities. If there is anything worth mentioning that you believe would help you stand out from other applicants, please consider mentioning it.

Suppose you are still working outside of Germany. In that case, you might also consider providing some details about your current position, the company you are working for, and the daily tasks you are regularly doing.

If you achieved anything remarkable in the past that might benefit your future employer, let them know about it. It’s another chance for you to shine.

Third paragraph – About the company and the reason why

Before writing this paragraph, think about why the company should hire you instead of someone else.

How can you be of benefit to your future employer?

Try to describe why you are a good fit for the position, the job offered, and how you might fit into the team.

You should consider finding out more about the company you apply for and get some background information.

Since it’s not unlikely that people will search for you on LinkedIn, do the same and search for the company there.

You will most likely get a good idea about their corporate structure and maybe even about the team you would be working with.

Fourth paragraph – Closing

In the last paragraph, you should state that you are interested in the company and the position. Thank the person or the people who would read your cover letter for considering you for the offered job.

Also, please mention that you’d be looking forward to meeting them in person or virtually for the interview soon. And that you are looking forward to a reply.

Let professionals write the German introduction letter for you

Germans who changed their position quite often are all used to writing those cover letters as they have a long history in the German application process.

Writing a cover letter as a foreigner based on German standards can be challenging.

Why use a professional cover letter writer?

You should use a professional cover letter writer for your application if you are not 100% familiar with the German language and application process.

Cover letter writers whose native language is German can help you create a perfect cover letter for you.

Your chances of success with your application, assuming your CV already looks interesting, will be significantly higher when you send over a well-written letter for German employers.

Where to find a professional cover letter writer?

From my own experience, finding an excellent motivation letter writer is not difficult.

I have a great experience with the freelancer platform called Fiverr *. You can search for “ German cover letter ” there and find good results.

I want to give you one piece of advice to choose someone located in Germany and whose native language is German.

They are most likely very familiar with the specifications and can write fluently in German.

USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT GERMANY JOBS IN GERMANY > How To Get A Job In Germany ___ INSURANCE IN GERMANY > 15 types of insurance in Germany any expat should have ___ FINANCES IN GERMANY > Find Best Rates for Loan in Germany ___ WAGES AND TAXES IN GERMANY > Tax return Germany – Everything you need to know > Average Salary in Germany Latest Data ___ WORKING IN GERMANY > CV in German with Europass: How to fill in step by step ___ LEARNING GERMAN LANGUAGE > How to learn German fast: Top 10 strategies

* The links that are marked in this way are affiliate links and indicate that we receive a small commission if you decide to buy the products or services offered by our partner sites. But for you, it won’t cost you anything extra.

How to Write a German CV | Essential Tips

Documents for job application in Germany: Your Checklist

© 2024 GermanSuperfast

How to Write a Cover Letter in Germany

If you want to have the best chances to land your dream job in Germany, a good recommendation is to write a Cover Letter and hand it in together with your CV. 

Especially because not everyone is willing to write a Cover Letter in this age anymore, we believe that writing a good Cover Letter is your chance to stand out positively from all the other applicants and get a step ahead in landing your dream job!

But how can you create a great cover letter? How should the document be formatted, and what should you write?

In the following article, we’ve put together a guide for how to write a Cover Letter that will help you find your dream job in Germany.

The typical Cover Letter in Germany follows a certain predefined approach that you should try to replicate. It follows the Norm of a typical German business letter that you should follow as well.

Cover Letter Formatting

Your Cover Letter should have the following information right on the top:

• Senders name and address on the top right
• Recipient’s name and address on the left
• Location and Date on the right
• Subject line in bold on the left
• Salutation to the person your addressing (if unknown e.g. “Dear Hiring Team”)

In the example below you can see what it should look like.

Example for how to format your German Cover Letter

You should also make sure to keep enough space to each side, at least 2,5 cm.

Cover Letter Content

Before we take a closer look at what to write, it’s important to consider the following: In the digital age, most recruiters inspect your CV first, and then turn to the Cover Letter.  

That means, when reading your cover letter, they have already seen the CV. Hence, you should avoid repeating information that is already clear in the CV (e.g. telling them from when to when you worked at your latest job).

Instead, you should provide more personal information that gives context to your application and leaves the recruiter a chance to get to know you better and see the human behind the CV.

First Paragraph: Introduction

Contrary to what other people might tell you, you don’t need to have the “perfect” introduction sentence. Just can just get started with a simple introduction like this:

“ My name is … and with great interest I’m applying to your job opening as … ”.

Second Paragraph: Why you are the perfect fit

In the second paragraph, you want to explain why you are the perfect fit for their open role . Talk about what experience you have, what you’re passionate about, and what skills you bring to the table that are relevant for this role. This paragraph should not be too long. Consider that they already read your CV, so 3-4 sentences should be enough . 

Focus especially on the part about why you’re passionate about what you’re doing, because this is new information that helps the reader to get to know you on a deeper and more personal level.

Third Paragraph: Why you are interested in this role at this company

If you have already read our article about how to write a CV in Germany , you know that we believe that you should personalize all your documents and not just send the exact same document to all companies . And the same goes for the Cover Letter. 

That’s why in this paragraph, you should add something unique about the company. Ask yourself this: Why did you pick exactly this job to apply to and not others? What did you read on the Job Ad or on the company’s website that sparked your interest?

Again, keep it short and simple. 2-3 highly personalized sentences should be enough.

Fourth Paragraph: Thank you and Closing

Similar to the first paragraph, a simple ending is now all you need to close out the Cover Letter on a good note! 

You can simply write something like this: “ Thank you for your time and consideration – I would be happy to learn more about the role in a personal interview. Kind regards, … ”

Summary: How to write a Cover Letter in Germany

Congratulations – if you follow these steps you’ll write a great Cover Letter that will take your application to the next level and help you stand out from all the other applicants!

This is also why we would advise you to always write a Cover Letter, even if the company doesn’t ask for it – because not everyone is willing to do it, you will be able to positively stand out. Especially if you write a personalized Cover Letter .

Did you enjoy this article? Then you might want to check out our Job Search Master Class: A step by step course created by German recruiters that will show you how to land your dream in 3 steps. In this Master Class you will not only find more, insights, video breakdowns, and even ready-made templates for your Cover Letter and your CV. You will also discover how to create an optimal LinkedIn profile and how to rock your job interviews!

Laura Villafuerte

You might also be interested in.

Headhunting oder Recruiting-as-a-Service: Die richtige Wahl treffen

Headhunting vs. Recruiting-as-a-Service: Was passt zu Ihrem Unternehmen? In der Welt des Personalmanagements stehen Unternehmen oft vor der Herausforderung, qualifizierte Fachkräfte für ihre offenen Stellen zu finden. Angesichts des harten Wettbewerbs

How to Get Feedback from Recruiters in Germany After a Rejection

Why do you not receive more feedback after a job rejection? Receiving a rejection for a job you wanted can sting. Yet, it’s not the end of the road—it can also

Recruiting trends 2024: Was sich verändert

Welche Recruiting trends muss man 2024 beachten? Laut OECD wird das deutsche Wirtschaftswachstum im Jahr 2024 geringer ausfallen als in den meisten anderen Industrieländern. Mit einem prognostizierten Wachstum von lediglich 0,6

• For Companies
• For Candidates
• Hospitality
• Real Estate
• Career in Recruitment
• How to write a German cover letter?

Table of Content

• What is a cover letter?
• How to format a German cover letter?
• What are the characteristics of German cover letters?

A cover letter is an essential document in your job search. It gives the recruiter more information about your experience and who you are.

Writing a cover letter in German is not easy, as the structure and the language are different from other languages.

Unlike American or British cover letters, for example, a German cover letter must be very concise. They usually do not exceed 1 page.

This guide explains the structure and the vocabulary of a German cover letter. It will help you write one that will grab the attention of your recruiter.  

1. What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a document to send with your resume and references to introduce yourself , explain your motivations and ask for an interview . It is important to write one as it shows companies why you are qualified and your motivation to work for them. It is your opportunity to explain why you are a good fit for the job and it is also the first point of contact between you and the employer.

A German cover letter is different and has a different goal than a resume. It is not simply another way of writing what is already in your CV. You need to go deeper into your career path in correlation with the job description, and you need to show your motivation .

Usually, the cover letter is the second document that a recruiter will read, after the resume. But you need to know that fewer companies are requesting these letters, but most formal companies do.

2. How to format a cover letter?

A good German cover letter should be a 1-page long A4 letter that you write yourself, and includes the following:

Contact details:

Your address and contact details , so the employer can get in touch with you.

Introduction:

• A short paragraph with relevant information about yourself to show why you would fit the job.
• The position you’re applying for.
• Your experience and qualifications as prompted by the job description.
• The name of the person or people who have referred you to the company (if applicable).
• A list of your achievements , showing how you’ve used the previous experience to benefit your current role.
• An explanation of your motivation to get this job.
• Your earliest starting date
• If specifically asked, your salary expectations
• Regards and signature

3. How to write a German cover letter?

The first question you should answer in your cover letter is:.

What does the recruiter get out of reading my application and inviting me for an interview?

You need to answer this question at the beginning of the letter, to tell them if you can do the job or not. In the first paragraph write about your experience , studies and for which job you are applying.

“mit fast fünf Jahren Berufserfahrung als Marketing Manager für die Hotelgruppe XXX in London, vorherigen Stellen im Bereich Marketing und Kommunikation, sowie einem abgeschlossenen Studium in der BWL in England und Deutschland, bewerbe ich mich um Ihre ausgeschriebene Stelle als “Senior Marketing Manager”.

It shows the first reasons why you could do the job. It is like the short profile on your resume.

The second question you need to answer is:

What do I get out of this job?

You need to express your motivation to do the job. Why are you applying? Why do you want this job? It also shows the recruiters, that you see this job as an opportunity for your career . That you thought about it.

Don’t simply write what you did, your resume is already showing it. Write what are your experiences , which projects , or what you have learned about yourself .

For example, explain that you wish to work for them to deeper your experience in X domain, to keep learning x skills or to put into practice what you have just learned.

4. What are the characteristics of cover letters?

Cultural differences in cover letters:.

Your cover letter needs to reflect your personality . It also needs to be adapted to the German way of thinking . There are several differences between German, French, Spanish or British cultures for example that you need to know when writing a German cover letter.

Use formal greetings:

Most German companies are formal , and you should be too. Address your recruiter as “Dear Mrs Müller” or “Dear Ladies and Gentlemen” if there is more than one person in the company that you are applying for.

“Sehr geehrte Frau Müller / Sehr geehrter Herr Durant / Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren”

Use formal language:

Do not use slang words like „cool“, „awesome“ or „sweet“ or informal style like „it’s my pleasure“, “I’m looking forward to hearing from you”, etc…

“Ich freue mich auf Ihre Rückmeldung“ „Ich würde mich sehr über eine Einladung zu einem persönlichen Vorstellungsgespräch freuen“

Go straight to the point:

Your German cover letter should be short and straight to the point . Do not try to impress your recruiter with a long and too descriptive story.

Make it personal:

If you know someone that works at the company, mention them by name. If you have heard about the company through word of mouth, mention that. Explain how you have learned about it.

Make a connection:

Express your interest in the company, your desire and motivation to work there, and your willingness to develop your skills further within the company.

Don’t write about your salary requirements (unless specifically requested):

Salary negotiations are best done in person. It’s better to wait for the interview before talking about your salary. If they ask for a salary range, use a large one like:

“Meine Gehaltsvorstellung liegt zwischen 55.000 und 75.000 Euro brutto im Jahr je nach Aufgabenprofil und Marktvergleich mit anderen Unternehmen.”

Sign with your name:

Always remember to sign your cover letter with your full name and contact details in case it is separated from your resume.

Are you looking for a new job? Don’t hesitate to contact us to talk with our recruiters and consultants at LHC International . Their role is to help and advise you in your career. CONTACT THEM.

Not found what you were looking for?

Please send us your CV and contact details via email. We will get back to you asap.

Central Europe: [email protected]

Southern Europe: [email protected]

Asia: [email protected]

LHC International is a leading executive search firm for the hospitality and operational real estate industry.

Continue Reading

Related Posts

How to become a better leader at work?

Why is a strong Employer Branding important for your recruitment?

Executive Assistant (gn)

Login to your account.

• Username/Email Address:

Forgot Password?

• Login with Twitter
• Login with Google

Reset Password

Already have an account? Login

Enter the username or e-mail you used in your profile. A password reset link will be sent to you by email.

Account Activation

Before you can login, you must activate your account with the code sent to your email address. If you did not receive this email, please check your junk/spam folder. Click here to resend the activation email. If you entered an incorrect email address, you will need to re-register with the correct email address.

• Your Email:
• Activation Code:

Press ESC to close

Life in Berlin » Find a proper job in Berlin – a guide to a better work life » German cover letter guide – what recruiters expect

German cover letter guide – what recruiters expect

Writing a German cover letter in another hurdle on your path to getting a job in this country.

While the general purpose & content is probably similar to what you already know in your home country, some adaptation work might be necessary . This guide points out to the elements to include so you can convince recruiters you are the right one for the job.

Is a German cover letter still relevant?

Before putting in the efforts to actually write a German cover letter ( Bewerbungsschreiben , Motivationsschreibe n or Anschreiben ), you might wonder if it’s necessary at all.

A lot of recruiters don’t read it

This 2018 study by German recruitment agency Robert Kraft found out that 48% of recruiters didn’t find cover letters so relevant anymore , meaning that applications with CV only were considered valid.

In 2019, the Deutsche Bahn even stopped requesting cover lette rs all together, mentioning a lack of relevance. German ecommerce giant Otto did the same in 2016.

That lines up with my small experience as a recruiter & professional involved in the recruiting process. Motivation letters are rarely a differentiator, especially for more senior profiles. However, even if there is a trend to do away with it, most German recruiters will request a German cover lette r.

I will tell you why.

It still helps you to get an interview

Even if hiring managers will never glance over it, more & more companies are using Application Tracking Systems (ATS). It’s a piece of software that automates part of the recruiting process. Its purpose is to filter most applicants so the actual human HR manager only need to assess a few profiles for interviews.

ATS will compare requirements set by HR with what is on your CV and… your cover letter! It will search for the right keywords and compare them with the initial job ad.

Formatting your cover letter the right way, with the right keywords, it will maximize your chances to get invited to an interview.

Can I send my cover letter in English?

Since many applicants will only consider English-speaking jobs in Berlin or the rest of the country, it is a legitimate question.

I actually answered the same question on my post about German CVs . It applies to cover letters as well. (Spoiler alert: it depends.)

How should a German cover letter look like

At first glance, it looks like this. Read on for more details.

The header contains the typical information you would expect:

Your contact details

• First name and family name
• Street, street number
• Postal code, city
• e-mail address
• phone number

The employer contact details

• Correct company name
• Name of hiring manager
• Street, street number,

It also contains the date at which the application was made

Subject line

The subject line simply includes what position you are applying for. Consider it a reminder for the hiring manager who has to process several applicants per day. Copy-paste the title from the job description. Salutation

A simple and personal touch by greeting the hiring manager by their names. Avoid “To whom it may concern” at all costs. Get a feel of the company policy about using first names or Mr/Mrs/Ms.

The actual cover letter

You will read a lof of tips on how to properly structure your content. German cover letters don’t differ so much from what you can find anywhere in the world. You should answer the 3 following questions well:

• Why you are a good fit or the job : this refers to how well your career/work experience has prepared you to take on the responsibilities listed in the job description. You should prove that the path you are on is naturally leading you to this position.
• What makes you think you can do the job : this refers to quantifiable/tangible achievements that can prove that you can solve the challenges ahead. Refer to specific skills mentioned in the job description and demonstrate how you already own them.
• Why this company attracts you in particular : you need to demonstrate a genuine interest in having this job at THIS company. This requires a little bit of background check on the company’s missions and vision. You need to get a feel of the identity of the company. Show that they align with your values and that it’s a good place to grow for you. Check the company’s LinkedIn feed to see if there are events, achievements you could relate to.

Leave a lasting impression after mentioning practical details:

• State your availability and when you can start.
• If it was requested in the job description, state your salary expectations .
• State again how much you would like this job and how much you can demonstrate your motivation in an interview.

Tips for success

• Stay formal & don’t get emotional
• Match the linguo/wording used by the company in the job description. Each company culture is unique
• Do not use bullets points
• Keep your letter machine readable by using a simple layout
• Sprinkle your letter with the right keywords so the ATS software puts your profile on top of the pile.
• Match the font & styles used on your CV.
• Do not use passive voice . Make sure you only use active verbs.
• Prefer sentences that show ownership & confidence (eg: “I think I could” -> “I am confident I will”)

I hope this little guide was useful. Feel free to ask questions the comments. Bastien

German cover letter – FAQ

The actual content of the letter should not be longer than 4-5 paragraphs, with 2-4 sentences each. It should fit on a single page with plenty of space towards the bottom.

You can probably find a job in Berlin without a German cover letter, as a lot of international companies conduct their hiring processes in English only. However, that limits your opportunities a lot.

Share Article:

Bastien - settle in berlin.

Active since 2011, I help any newcomer tackle all practical aspects of moving to Germany. Everyday, up to 2500 visitors come find answers on registration, tax returns, unemployment, insurance, visa applications and more. Over the years, the value of this work has been recognized and featured on Expat.com, Vice, Berliner Zeitung, Financial Times & more.  

Crafting a German CV for success – get noticed by recruiters

This should included on an invoice in germany.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Sample cover letter for job application in Germany

A sample cover letter for a job application in Germany can be a critical component in your quest for employment in the country.

Crafting the perfect cover letter involves understanding the expectations of German employers and adapting your writing style and content accordingly.

In this blog post, we will provide you with comprehensive guidance on creating an effective cover letter tailored for the German job market.

We will cover the importance of structure, cultural nuances, best practices, and common mistakes to avoid, ensuring your cover letter stands out to potential employers.

A cover letter, known as an “Anschreiben” in German, is a crucial element of your job application.

It is your opportunity to make a strong first impression and demonstrate your motivation and suitability for the role.

In Germany, cover letters are often seen as equally important as the CV, if not more so.

Employers use cover letters to assess not only your writing skills and attention to detail but also your understanding of the company and the position.

This is why tailoring your cover letter to the specific job and company is vital to your success.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover the following topics:

Key Components of a German Cover Letter

• Sample Cover Letter for a Job Application in Germany

Cultural Nuances and Best Practices

• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Tips for Making Your Cover Letter Stand Out

By following the guidelines and best practices outlined in this article, you’ll be well-equipped to create an impactful cover letter that sets you apart from the competition and paves the way for a successful job application in Germany.

A well-structured and carefully crafted cover letter can significantly increase your chances of securing a job interview in Germany.

Understanding the key components of a German cover letter and its significance will help you create a compelling and impactful letter that resonates with potential employers.

In this section, we will dive into each component and provide guidance on how to make your cover letter shine.

1. Personal Information

At the top of your cover letter, include your full name, address, phone number, and email address.

This information should be right-aligned, ensuring it is easy to locate and follows the standard German formatting.

You may also include your professional title and LinkedIn profile link if relevant.

2. Recipient’s Information

Below your personal information, left-align the recipient’s details, including their name, title, company name, and address.

If you’re unsure of the recipient’s name, it’s worth conducting some research to find the appropriate contact person, as addressing the letter to a specific individual demonstrates your diligence and attention to detail.

Include the date below the recipient’s information, following the German date format (DD.MM.YYYY).

4. Subject Line

A concise and informative subject line helps the reader quickly understand the purpose of your letter.

Begin with “Bewerbung um die Stelle als” (Application for the position of) followed by the job title. This makes it easy for the recipient to identify the position you are applying for.

5. Salutation

In Germany, formality is crucial. Address the recipient with “Sehr geehrte(r)” (Dear) followed by their last name and a comma.

If you don’t know the recipient’s name, use “Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren” (Dear Sir/Madam).

6. Opening Paragraph

The opening paragraph sets the tone for your cover letter. Briefly introduce yourself and mention the position you are applying for, where you found the job posting, and, if applicable, any mutual connections or referrals.

7. Body Paragraphs

In the body of your cover letter, showcase your qualifications, skills, and experiences relevant to the job.

Focus on how your background aligns with the requirements listed in the job description, and provide concrete examples to demonstrate your accomplishments.

Also, show your knowledge of the company and explain why you are interested in the position and how you can contribute to the organization’s success.

8. Closing Paragraph

In the closing paragraph, reiterate your interest in the role and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity. Politely request an interview and thank the recipient for considering your application.

9. Sign-off and Signature

End your cover letter with a formal sign-off such as “Mit freundlichen Grüßen” (Kind regards) followed by your full name. If sending a physical letter, include your handwritten signature above your typed name.

10. Enclosures

Finally, mention any enclosures, such as your CV, references, or certificates, by adding “Anlagen:” (Enclosures:) at the bottom of the letter. This ensures the recipient is aware of the additional documents accompanying your application.

Now that you have a clear understanding of the key components of a German cover letter, let’s move on to a few sample cover letters and dissect their elements to help you craft your own.

Sample Cover Letters for Job Applications in Germany

To give you a better understanding of how to craft a cover letter for different job domains, we have provided three sample cover letters: one for an IT position, one for a marketing position, and one for a nursing position.

Each cover letter showcases a different format or style, allowing you to choose the approach that best suits your individual preferences and the specific job you are applying for.

Sample 1: IT Position (Software Developer)

[Your Name] [Your Address] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address] [LinkedIn Profile Link (optional)] [Recipient’s Name] [Recipient’s Title] [Company Name] [Company Address] [Date (DD.MM.YYYY)] Bewerbung um die Stelle als Softwareentwickler Sehr geehrte(r) [Recipient’s Last Name], I am writing to apply for the Software Developer position at [Company Name] as advertised on [Job Portal]. As a skilled professional with over five years of experience in software development, I am confident in my ability to contribute to your company’s success. Throughout my career, I have developed and maintained numerous software applications, consistently meeting project deadlines and exceeding client expectations. My technical expertise includes proficiency in Java, Python, and C++, as well as experience with Agile methodologies and DevOps practices. I am also passionate about continuous learning, which has enabled me to stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and technologies. I am particularly attracted to [Company Name] because of its reputation for innovation and commitment to employee growth. I believe my skill set and dedication to software development would make me a valuable addition to your team. I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications and how I can contribute to [Company Name]. Thank you for considering my application. Mit freundlichen Grüßen, [Your Full Name] [Handwritten Signature (if applicable)] Anlagen: Lebenslauf Zeugnisse Arbeitsproben

Sample 2: Marketing Position (Content Marketing Manager)

[Your Name] [Your Address] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address] [LinkedIn Profile Link (optional)] [Recipient’s Name] [Recipient’s Title] [Company Name] [Company Address] [Date (DD.MM.YYYY)] Bewerbung um die Stelle als Content Marketing Manager Sehr geehrte(r) [Recipient’s Last Name], As an experienced Content Marketing Manager with a strong background in developing and implementing successful marketing strategies, I am excited to apply for the position at [Company Name] that I discovered on [Job Portal]. During my six years in the marketing industry, I have managed content creation, search engine optimization, and social media campaigns for various clients, leading to significant increases in web traffic, engagement, and conversion rates. My strengths lie in my ability to analyze target audiences, identify content gaps, and create compelling content that drives results. What draws me to [Company Name] is its focus on providing exceptional value to customers through innovative marketing techniques. I am confident that my expertise in content marketing, combined with my passion for creating engaging experiences, will enable me to contribute significantly to your company’s growth and success. I appreciate your consideration of my application and look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further. Mit freundlichen Grüßen, [Your Full Name] [Handwritten Signature (if applicable)] Anlagen: Lebenslauf Zeugnisse Arbeitsproben

Sample 3: Nursing Position (Registered Nurse)

[Your Name] [Your Address] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address] [LinkedIn Profile Link (optional)] [Recipient’s Name] [Recipient’s Title] [Company Name] [Company Address] [Date (DD.MM.YYYY)] Bewerbung um die Stelle als examinierte Krankenschwester Sehr geehrte(r) [Recipient’s Last Name], I am writing to express my interest in the Registered Nurse position at [Company Name], which I came across on [Job Portal]. With over seven years of nursing experience and a commitment to providing exceptional patient care, I am confident in my ability to make a positive impact at your healthcare facility. Throughout my nursing career, I have honed my skills in patient assessment, treatment planning, and health education. My experience includes working in diverse healthcare settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics. This background has allowed me to develop strong communication and teamwork skills, adapt to different environments, and provide high-quality care to patients from various backgrounds. I am drawn to [Company Name] because of its reputation for excellence in patient care and commitment to employee development. I believe my nursing experience, passion for healthcare, and dedication to patient well-being make me a strong candidate for this position. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further and explore how I can contribute to the success of [Company Name]. Mit freundlichen Grüßen, [Your Full Name] [Handwritten Signature (if applicable)] Anlagen: Lebenslauf Zeugnisse Zertifikate

These three sample cover letters demonstrate different formats and styles tailored to specific job domains.

Bonus : Looking for additional cover letter templates? Here is a list of free CV and cover letter templates that you can use for your next job application in Germany.

Analyze the elements of each sample and use them as a starting point to create a cover letter that effectively showcases your unique qualifications and experiences for the position you are applying for in Germany.

Do you have further questions?

Join our community of job seekers and expats from Germany. You can ask your doubts and get suggestions on topics related to getting a job in Germany and several other related topics.

When applying for a job in Germany, it’s essential to be aware of the cultural nuances and best practices to ensure your cover letter makes a strong impression.

Understanding the expectations of German employers and adapting your cover letter accordingly will increase your chances of success.

In this section, we will discuss some key cultural aspects and best practices to follow when crafting your cover letter.

1. Formality and Politeness

German business culture places a high value on formality and politeness.

Ensure that your cover letter adheres to a formal writing style and tone.

Use appropriate salutations and sign-offs, and address the recipient by their last name.

Avoid using slang, colloquialisms, or overly casual language.

2. Addressing the Recipient Properly

Take the time to research the correct name and title of the person responsible for reviewing job applications.

Addressing the recipient personally demonstrates your diligence and attention to detail.

If you cannot find the recipient’s name, use the generic salutation “Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren” (Dear Sir/Madam).

3. Demonstrating Knowledge of the Company and the Role

German employers appreciate candidates who show a genuine interest in their company and the specific role they are applying for.

Research the company’s mission, values, and recent projects, and mention how these align with your own professional goals and interests.

Additionally, carefully review the job description and emphasize how your skills, qualifications, and experiences make you a strong fit for the position.

4. Focusing on Achievements and Contributions

Instead of merely listing your previous job duties, highlight your achievements and the impact of your work.

Use specific examples to showcase your accomplishments and demonstrate your ability to contribute to the success of the company.

This approach shows employers that you are results-oriented and can make a meaningful difference in their organization.

5. Tailoring Your Cover Letter to the Specific Job

Avoid using a generic cover letter for every job application.

Instead, tailor your cover letter to the specific job and company by addressing the unique requirements and expectations outlined in the job description.

This not only demonstrates your genuine interest in the role but also shows that you have taken the time to understand the employer’s needs and how you can fulfill them.

By considering these cultural nuances and best practices, you can craft a compelling cover letter that resonates with German employers and sets you apart from other applicants.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in a German Cover Letter

To increase your chances of securing a job interview in Germany, it’s crucial to avoid common mistakes that can detract from your application’s effectiveness.

In this section, we will discuss some common pitfalls and provide tips on how to prevent them.

1. Spelling and Grammar Errors

Mistakes in spelling and grammar can significantly damage the credibility of your application.

Proofread your cover letter thoroughly and consider using a grammar-checking tool to ensure accuracy.

If possible, ask a native German speaker or a professional proofreader to review your letter for any errors or inconsistencies.

2. Overly Casual Tone

As mentioned earlier, German business culture values formality and politeness.

Avoid using an overly casual tone, slang, or colloquialisms in your cover letter. Instead, maintain a professional and respectful tone throughout your letter.

3. Lengthy Cover Letters

A cover letter should be concise and to the point. Aim for a length of one page, focusing on the most relevant and compelling information.

Avoid long-winded explanations and unnecessary details that can detract from the impact of your letter.

4. Failing to Address the Job Requirements

Not addressing the specific requirements outlined in the job description can give the impression that you are not genuinely interested in the position or have not taken the time to understand the employer’s needs.

Tailor your cover letter to the job description, highlighting your skills, qualifications, and experiences that align with the requirements.

5. Underselling or Overselling Yourself

Striking the right balance between confidence and humility is crucial in a cover letter.

Avoid underselling your skills and accomplishments, but also refrain from overselling yourself or exaggerating your qualifications.

Focus on providing accurate and relevant examples that demonstrate your suitability for the role.

6. Neglecting to Research the Company

Failing to demonstrate knowledge of the company and its values can give the impression that you are not genuinely interested in the role.

Research the company and mention specific aspects that resonate with your professional goals and interests to show your enthusiasm for the position.

7. Using Generic Cover Letters

Submitting a generic cover letter for multiple job applications can harm your chances of securing an interview.

Tailor your cover letter to each specific job and company to demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and your understanding of the employer’s needs.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a compelling and impactful cover letter that stands out to potential employers and increases your chances of success in the German job market.

Tips for Non-Native German Speakers

If you are a non-native German speaker applying for a job in Germany, crafting an effective cover letter can be particularly challenging.

However, by paying attention to certain aspects and following some best practices, you can overcome language barriers and make a strong impression.

In this section, we will discuss some tips to help non-native German speakers create an impactful cover letter.

1. Language Proficiency

First and foremost, ensure that your German language skills are sufficient for the job you are applying for.

If the job requires a high level of proficiency, it’s essential to have a strong command of the language, both in writing and speaking.

If necessary, consider taking German language courses or working with a language tutor to improve your skills.

2. Use a Professional Translation Service

If you are not confident in your ability to write a cover letter in German, consider using a professional translation service.

This can help ensure that your cover letter is accurate, clear, and adheres to German business etiquette.

However, remember that using a translation service is not a substitute for learning the language, particularly if the job requires fluent German skills.

3. Seek Feedback from Native German Speakers

Ask native German speakers to review your cover letter and provide feedback on your language usage, grammar, and overall structure.

This can help you identify any errors or inconsistencies and ensure that your cover letter adheres to German business conventions.

4. Highlight Your Language Skills

If you are fluent in multiple languages, including German, highlight this skill in your cover letter.

Many German companies value employees who can communicate effectively in multiple languages, particularly in international settings.

5. Research German Business Etiquette

Familiarize yourself with German business etiquette and incorporate appropriate conventions into your cover letter, such as formal salutations, sign-offs, and language usage.

This demonstrates your understanding of the local business culture and your willingness to adapt.

6. Address Potential Visa and Work Permit Requirements

If you are not an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, make sure to address any potential visa and work permit requirements in your cover letter.

Briefly mention your eligibility for a visa or work permit, or your intention to obtain one, to reassure the employer that you are aware of the necessary procedures and willing to take the required steps.

By following these tips, non-native German speakers can create a compelling cover letter that effectively communicates their skills, qualifications, and experiences while adhering to German business etiquette and addressing potential language barriers.

Adapting Your Cover Letter for Remote Work Opportunities

With the increasing prevalence of remote work, many job seekers are looking for opportunities to work from home or outside of their home country.

In this section, we will discuss how to adapt your cover letter to showcase your suitability for remote work positions in Germany.

1. Highlight Relevant Remote Work Experience

If you have previous experience working remotely, be sure to emphasize this in your cover letter.

Explain how you successfully managed your workload, communicated with your team, and adapted to a remote work environment.

This demonstrates your ability to navigate the challenges of remote work and remain productive in a virtual setting.

2. Showcase Your Adaptability and Time Management Skills

Remote work often requires adaptability and strong time management skills. Highlight any experiences or accomplishments that demonstrate your ability to adapt to changing circumstances, manage your time effectively, and stay organized.

3. Emphasize Your Communication Skills

Effective communication is crucial for remote work, as much of the interaction with colleagues and supervisors happens via email, phone, or video calls.

Showcase your written and verbal communication skills in your cover letter and provide examples of how you have effectively communicated in remote work settings.

4. Familiarize Yourself with German Business Etiquette

Even when working remotely, it’s essential to understand and adhere to German business etiquette. Familiarize yourself with the expectations and conventions of German business culture, and ensure that your cover letter reflects this understanding.

5. Address Time Zone Differences

If you are applying for a remote position from a different time zone, address this in your cover letter.

Explain your willingness to adapt your work schedule, if necessary, to accommodate meetings or other collaborative activities during the company’s standard working hours.

6. Mention Relevant Tools and Technologies

Remote work often relies on specific tools and technologies for communication, collaboration, and project management.

Mention any familiarity or experience you have with these tools in your cover letter, as this demonstrates your ability to quickly adapt to the company’s remote work infrastructure.

By adapting your cover letter to emphasize your suitability for remote work, you can increase your chances of securing a remote position with a German company.

This approach demonstrates your understanding of the unique challenges and requirements of remote work and showcases your ability to thrive in a virtual work environment.

Crafting an effective cover letter for a job application in Germany requires attention to detail, an understanding of local business culture, and the ability to showcase your unique qualifications and experiences.

By following the guidelines and best practices discussed in this article, you can create a compelling cover letter that stands out to potential employers and increases your chances of securing an interview.

In summary, remember to:

• Familiarize yourself with German business etiquette and conventions
• Use a clear structure and include all essential components
• Tailor your cover letter to the specific job and company
• Showcase your accomplishments and provide concrete examples
• Avoid common mistakes and maintain a professional tone
• Consider cultural nuances and adapt your cover letter accordingly
• For non-native German speakers, seek feedback and support as needed
• Adapt your cover letter for remote work opportunities, if applicable

By putting in the effort to create a well-crafted, tailored cover letter, you demonstrate your professionalism, commitment, and genuine interest in the position.

This can set you apart from other applicants and ultimately help you land your desired job in Germany.

Stay persistent in your job search, and don’t be afraid to refine and revise your cover letter as you gain more experience and insights into the German job market.

• HOME ●
• FAQ ●
• Auf DEUTSCH lesen
• Login / Register
• Why German?
• German language
• Certificates & diplomas
• Austria & Germany
• Beginner's Lessons 1-10
• Beginner's Exercises 1-10
• Beginner's Examples 1-10
• Advanced Lessons 1-8
• Advanced Lessons 9-16
• Advanced Lessons 17-24
• Advanced Exercises 1-8
• Advanced Exercises 9-16
• Advanced Exercises 17-24
• German with Sisi
• Test your German
• Online-Test
• General Thoughts
• Write your CV/Resume
• Sample CV/Resume
• Write your cover letter
• Sample cover letter
• E-Mail or regular mail?
• Job Interview
• International Work Experience
• Partner Links
• German Jokes
• German Quotes

Job Application

Visit ActiLingua

Cover Letter

How to write your cover letter in german.

Generally speaking a cover letter should be concise and to the point and definitely no longer than one page.

Points you should consider when writing a cover letter

To be effective, your cover letter should follow the basic format of a typical business letter and should address three general issues:

• First Paragraph - Why you are writing
• Middle Paragraphs - What you have to offer
• Concluding Paragraph - How you will follow-up

Do not repeat your what is already in your CV, simply refer to it! "As you can see from my CV, …". If a particular work experience listed in your CV especially qualifies you for the job you can refer to it and emphasise its relevant points. Your cover letter should NEVER be longer than 1 page.

Why you are writing?

In some cases, you may have been referred to a potential employer by a friend or acquaintance. Be sure to mention this mutual contact by name as soon as possible as it is likely to encourage your reader to keep reading!

If you are writing in response to a job advert , indicate where you learned of the position and the exact title of the position you are applying for. More importantly, remember to convey your enthusiasm for the job and the likely match between your credentials and the position's required qualifications.

If you are writing a prospective application letter - a letter in which you enquire about potential job openings - state your specific job objective. Since this type of letter is unsolicited, it is even more important to capture the reader's attention. It is a good idea to mention why you are interested in that specific company, esp. when you write a prospective application letter. Do not give the impression that they are one of two hundred applications (badly copied CVs, serial letters, etc.).

What You Have To Offer

In responding to a job advert , refer specifically to the qualifications they have listed and illustrate how your particular abilities and experiences relate to the position for which you are applying. In a prospective applicationg letter express your potential to fulfil the employer's needs rather than focus on what the employer can offer you. You can do this by giving evidence that you have researched the organization thoroughly and that you possess skills that are used within that organization. Emphasize your achievements and problem-solving skills. Show how your education and work skills are transferable, and thus relevant, to the position for which you are applying.

How You Will Follow Up

Bid directly for the job interview or an informational interview and indicate that you will follow-up with a telephone call to set up an appointment. Be sure to make the call within the time frame indicated. Even if you do not mention it explicitly in the letter, it is a good idea to make a follow up phone call. Timing is important: do not call on the very next day or after more than one week. If you are applying from outside the employer's geographic area you may want to indicate if you'll be in town during a certain time frame (this makes it easier for the employer to agree to meet with you). In conclusion, you should also indicate that further references are available on request. Also, if you have a portfolio or certificates to support your qualifications, inform prospective employers that they are also available on request.

Deutsch-lernen.com recommends: Learn Business German at ActiLingua Academy in Vienna.

Deutsch-Lernen.com in cooperation with ActiLingua Academy, German course Vienna !

• Year-round courses for adults 16+ years in Vienna
• Summerschool for young people: 12-17 and 16-19 years
• Learn German
• German Lessons
• Job Appliation
• Jokes and Quotes
• Special Offer
• Tel.: + 43 1 877 6701
• [email protected]
• skype: actilingua

404 Not found

Cover letter format: How to make recruiters love reading from you

Nicola Pilz

The cover letter, even if its in the format of an official business letter, is like a love letter: If it’s written personally, sincerely and full of appreciation, it opens the heart of the recruiter🌹.

There are always clients of mine who come back from an interview full of amazement and tell me how it was going. They are really stunned when they get a feedback from the employer like: „Herr xy, we’ve invited you because you have such a great cover letter. We wanted to get to know you in person.“

Ok, you’re right!

A winning cover letter is not winning because of the format, but the content.

But let me tell you: Writing a cover letter and ignoring the German standards for business and cover letter is something you definitley should not do if you knew German reruiters!

Simply because it puts stress on the reccruiter who has to concentrate on your format, while being used to information layouted usually in a different (German) way. Many recruiters, HR personell and even managers expert letters in the German business style.

If you don’t care, well, I dare say it’s like putting a stamp on your forefront saying „I don’t care for the German rules“ or, even worse „I’m an applicant who knows nothing about the German way of doing business.“ Both is not enticing. If you don’t have a profile that makes you pick any job you want I really want you to have a second look to the (exciting! 🙂 standards of a business letter.

Are you ready to enter the depths of the German letter regulation? 😉

Cover letter format = DIN Norm

You know the DIN A 4 format for a sheet of paper, don’t you? Well, years ago, the business community in Germany agreed on a uniform display of information in a business letter. The German Institute for Standardization is responsible for this, and they also develop many other nationally applicable standards:

• DIN A4 is a sheet of paper that specifies the exact length of the pages.
• DIN 5008, 5009 describe a system of rules for the display of information in business letters.
• probably there are even DIN norms for your domain and profession

It’s obvious that business letters are subject to many specifications that we don’t have to apply to private letters. A cover letter is somehow in the middle, since it’s written to a company but written by a private person.

In German business you must follow the rules of letter format

If you‘ re doing a vocational training in the commercial sector, you‘ ll learn the DIN rules at vocational business school. Also, anyone who applies in the business commercial sector should adhere as closely as possible to this standard.

As for me, I started to study business adminstration at Paderborn University right after school. To my shame I have to admit that I learned the rules for good business letters from and with my first trainee Steffi.

Even if you work in a technical field, the standards will definitely help you. But, that’s the good news, there’s no need to put a rulebook of the DIN standard on your desk and stick to it for every little detail.

If you decide not to follow certain rules, but instead choose for your particular and individual form, you will know what you do and how it affects the reader of your letter.

The content of cover letter format I’ll show you in this post are:

Font and font size, structure, paragraphs and length of lines, the recipient, the subject line.

• The salutation

The greeting formula

• The Signature
• The attachments

For the page margins (distance between the edge of the sheet and the text) of an application corresponding to DIN 5008, the following rules apply to the DIN A4 paper sheet:

• Left: 2.5 cm • Right: 2.0 cm • Top: 2,0 cm • Bottom: 2,0 cm

As far as I know, the distance to the left side is a bit larger, so that the text of a printed document is still readable when it is stapled in a folder. Otherwise it would happen that some letters would be punched out as well.

However, in today’s world, this is usually no longer the case with job applications. Recruiters either read them directly on the screen, or print them out and staple them together or put them in a thin transparent cover. Filing the documents in a folder during the application process is far too cumbersome.

The cover letter format aims to enhance a good readability. You may want to choose a simple and clear font. There‘ s no default, but by no means the standard fonts (yawn!) Arial and Times New Roman. A better choice would be Calibri and Roboto, see what effect you like. Please use the same font in your CV.

The rule of thumb for the font size is 11 pt., but this can change depending on the type of font. It‘ s trendy at the moment to use slightly smaller fonts instead. However, this is a lot harder for those who wear glasses to recognize on a computer, and you definitely want to avoid blurring the letters in front of the eyes when reading your documents.

There is no format that says how to design paragraphs. Ususally letters are designed as left-justified flutter type. This is perceived as easier to read and has a more lively effect.

If you find the justification of block letters more visually appealing, then it may be due to your university background. Scientific texts and books in general are almost exclusively written in justified type.

Your address is at the top of the letter and this item is often made with errors in the German cover letter format. The address can be left, centered or right. The position must always be at least 2.5 cm away from the edge of the page.

Write your address in German writing, even if you write in English. It is mainly the way of writing the postal code (PLZ ) and the house number, which is written differently in English speaking countries:

If you are available at a friend’s address, choose c/o and remember to use the lower case.

What you can design freely:

You can choose different forms of presentation in the layout. You can write all data in a row, only on the left or only on the right or even in the middle. You can write everything in one row or in several.

The spelling of the telephone number

There really is a format for the phone number, yes!! It not only applies to your cover letter or CV format, but every databank works with this format.

First, inserting your phone number on your cover letter and CV is appreciated by companies because many of them like to call you. But, still, it’s your decision and if you want them to contact you only via email, that’s ok too.

As statement prior to your telephone number you may choose between two variants if you apply in German language: „Telefon:“ or „Tel.:“. In English it’s „phone“.

The indication of the mobile number may only be called „Mobile:“, not otherwise (e.g. cell phone, handy).

The numbers at the phone number are written in two blocks, separated by area code and phone number. Between them a space: 09874 767067 or 0170 8777777.

For applications abroad, the country code is also given: +49 09874 767067. But when you live in Germany and want to apply in Germany, the country code is NOT necessary.

Specify the e-mail address

Your e-mail will be added to the sender’s e-mail address in your address section, after the phone number. The only thing that‘ s important is to make sure that the spelling is correct: It’s „E-mail:“ in German language. In German there are many other spellings, but this is actually the correct one.

In addition to a private address, the special features of a company are added.

In a large company the name of the department or division is important and it helps to get the letter to the right place quickly.

Many companies have quite specific names for their departments, check again how the spelling is in the job advertisement or on the company website. Making a mistake in this case looks non-concentrated.

In smaller companies or start-ups it‘ s not absolutely necessary and can even be understood as excessive-unnecessary.

It‘ always useful to include the first name of your contact person, so that the company’s internal postal service finds the matching Ms. Müller and gets your letter delivered correctly and without delay.

As salutation choose either „Frau“ or „Herrn“. Attention with the German spelling, the gentleman has an „n“ at the end. Personally, I find it more pleasant to use the German form of address (Frau, Herr) even for applications in English language. But it’s not really correct, so you might want to go with the English words.

The date in the German cover letter format is 1-2 lines below the recipient.

And it’s right-aligned, i.e. at the very right margin.

The alphanumeric spelling of the date is recommended for the German language:

Deutschstadt, den 1. Dezember 2020 (in German language) or Deutschstadt, 1. Dezember 2020 (in German language)

In English I would rather not use the “2020-12-01” because this spelling of the date is still not popular in Germany, and maybe even not correct anyway. That’s why I prefer using “Deutschstadt, December 1, 2020” or “December 1, 2020” in English language.

The subject line is 2 lines below the date.

It’s always written in bold. There may be a maximum of two lines.

The salvation

In our example from above, Mrs. Müller is our contact person. The German salutation is like this:

Sehr geehrte Frau Müller, or Dear Ms. Müller,

In Germany we don’t mention the first name in the salutation. We always address a woman or a gentleman directly with her or his last name.

If you cannot find a name to which the application should be addressed, you have a problem to start with 😄.

An application is always most effective if you address it to a specific person. At the same time, you generate a binding effect on your application.

There are many job coaches who will tell you you must, must, must research that person’s name and insert it in your cover letter.

But I really thing that’s nonsense. Because if a company prefers not to mention a contact person you might think they’ve done it for a reason, don’t you?

Still, you have two possibilities from now on:

• You find out the name of the contact person for the vancany. By research on the company website or by calling the personnel department.
• You cannot find a name, you don’t have time, don’t want to bother or the personnel department has told you that there’s no specific contact person for the job. In that case you write: „Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren“ or „Dear Sir or Madam“.

When you think about how to write your cover letter always imagine a tired recuiter. One who hasn’t slept well and hasn’t gotten any coffee after lunch and finds it really hard to concentrate on reading. Write the letter in a way that gets your message across at one glance. Nicola Pilz

If you keep this image of the oh-so-tired-recruiter in mind, you easily adjust your letter and make it as reader-friendly as possible.

In marketing and sales, testing the effect of a text is common. Experts try to find out the elements and design of a text that are particularly effective and/or well absorbed and processed by the reader. This includes analyses of the eye movements of a reader. Texts that are rather short line lengths receive a good rating. In this case the eyes fly quickly over the words and are very well processed in the brain. This works particularly well if the entire page is not filled with text.

Keep in mind: A short, concise cover letter is an extremely powerful tool to catapult your into the interview.

It is exactly one line below your body text.

The signature

It comes after the greeting formula and may contain up to three lines. This means a little space and air.

Note on data protection and theft of digital identities

Everyone knows that the Internet and the sending of e-mails is by no means secure. You may have your account hacked, you may send the documents to a wrong address or they may be hijacked on the way. PDF files is not a trusted place, it is easy to unlock them and use the signature. It‘ s therefore okay if you don’t wish to insert your handwritten signature as a picture. Just use a word-processing program to write your name with first name and surname. An impressive and well designed application will not depend on this.

You want to include a handwritten signature?

If so, you don’t need to use a word processor to add your name under your manual signature. As a recruiter I know that the application comes from a private person and your name is on top of the letter.

It‘ s different in business life where a signature is a legal statement and is given on behalf of the company. That’s why in business, the first and last name is also written out under the manual signature, together with the function in the company.

Inserting your own signature as an image

If the appearance of your letter is important to you, then carefully check the quality of your image. For this purpose your signature has to be scanned in very good quality on a white background. If you handwrite it in blue ink, it will be even a slightly more fancy. In no case should the image be visible as a grey rectangle and appear blurred.

The attachments (in German : “Anlagen“)

Where do I write that I have attachments?

Quickly explained: By attachments the reader knows that further documents are attached to the letter. In German we have two spellings, in plural (Anlagen = several documents are attached) and singular (Anlage = a single document is attached). I always find the German word „Anlagen“ a bit bulky, but that’s how it‘ s said in German if I send further documents in addition to the letter.

If you apply in English, stick to the format and translate it into English.

The word „attachments“ is one line below the signature:

Please make sure that the font remains the same as in the text and the font size remains the same. When details are given, the word attachments MUST be bold! Take a look at the following 6 variants, all are valid:

The word “ attachments“ is in the same line with „With kind regards“.

In this case, the word is placed at the right margin (2.5 cm from the right side of the page). Here the word is ALWAYS written in bold:

Your next step

By the way, the German DIN norms probably apply to your dream job or domain as well. Maybe in process or quality or project management… Go and check it out.

Regarding to win the heart of the recruiter, it still depends a lot on the content.

You want to understand how recruiters disguise what they want?

Then ask you all the questions to make sure you don’t oversee any requirement hidden in the general bla bla of the job advertisement. In your cover letter content you need to address their requirements and wants.

Just like with a love letter 💖

[convertkit form=1522929]

Published by

Nicola is a German job market expert and a strategist for getting into a job. With MyJob Germany she helps international professionals to align with the German job culture and better their career.

Schreiben Sie einen Kommentar Antworten abbrechen

Ihre E-Mail-Adresse wird nicht veröffentlicht. Erforderliche Felder sind mit * markiert

Meinen Namen, meine E-Mail-Adresse und meine Website in diesem Browser für die nächste Kommentierung speichern.

Relatest posts

100% subsidized by AVGS voucher: Job Coaching for Internationals

Illegal questions in the job interview in Germany: How should you react?

Find a job in germany as a foreigner.

I’ve helped hundreds of jobseekers – both German and Internationals – to find a new job.

How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter in Germany

Posted by Tali Lichtenfeld | Working , Finding Jobs

Our blog posts may include affiliate links. These affiliate links don't cost you anything, but we might earn a few Euros if you decide to purchase something from one of our recommended website partners. Thank you for your support to help keep this platform up and running!

You’re probably well aware that recruitment in Germany may work differently than in your home country. One of the main differences is the cover letter.

Tali Lichtenfeld , an experienced recruiter and career coach in Germany, is sharing her 10 top tips to creating a German-style cover letter. If you’re ready for the next step, make sure you read Tali’s last post on how to create a German-style resume .

I don’t need to tell you about first impressions and their importance, right?

Did you know that we make an assessment of another person we meet in less than one second? And studies show that as the interaction continues, we will continue to look for supporting evidence to our first assessment rather than collect new objective data. Unfair? Yes, but reasonable. 

This is crucial to remember when stepping into an interview. But it’s also important to understand that the first impression is not made at the interview at all. It is made even before you meet your prospective employer . It is made in the first contact you make.

So what is the first contact? Your application.

Sending a CV without a cover letter is like entering a conversation without taking the time to shake hands and say hello first .  

Would you ever do that? Certainly not in Germany!

In Germany, the cover letter is as important to the German recruiter as your CV itself. According to research made in 2013, almost 40% of HR managers in Germany rejected applications without a cover letter (in US 13% rejected on that base and in Russia only 3%). So if you’re in Russia – focus on the CV, but if you’re applying for a job in Germany, even for an international company – don’t waste your time sending the CV without a proper cover letter.

If you require the cover letter to be translated into German, you can do so using a translation service . Otherwise, consider hiring a freelancer !

So… you’ve searched for the perfect job on all possible recruitment platforms , you’re well aware of which companies are hiring English speakers , what’s next? Get on perfecting that cover letter and resume for the German market!  

What would make your cover letter perfect?

1. Keep it short (no longer than one page) and write it as a formal letter

2. Address it to the relevant recruiter(s)

3. Customize it to the specific job! It is not “one size fits all”

4. State your interest in the specific job and company (find out about the needs and challenges of this company and their uniqueness)

5. Explain why you are the right person for the job since you hold the requested qualifications , experience, knowledge and personality

6. Avoid focusing on what YOU will get from the job, but rather focus on what the EMPLOYER will gain by hiring you. What makes you their dream candidate? Stop and think from the employer’s point of view. Read that job description again, research the company: what are they looking for? Use their words to describe yourself (truthfully!)

7. Mention impressive projects and achievements , use numbers and data (without internal confidential data)

8. Show motivation but avoid over excitement

9. Use positive expressions and active verbs

10. End the letter with a prompt for action – a call or an interview as the next step to get to know you better

A final word

Many of my clients struggle with writing a cover letter. Why? Because it feels like bragging. My advice: think about the recruiters waiting for someone like you. Just tell them about yourself and how you could help their company. You’re offering your skills, and if you believe in them as valuable – then they will too!

Have more questions about your cover letter? Struggling with integrating into the German job market? Contact Tali  and set up a free introduction meeting. 

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter

New to Germany? Join our Welcome Program ! Want to join our author team? Send us an email !  Join our Life in Düsseldorf | Expats & Locals Community group and register for our newsletter (packed with the hottest events, seasonal activities, upcoming job opportunities and more)!

About The Author

Tali Lichtenfeld

The writer Tali Lichtenfeld is an expat living with her family near Düsseldorf. Tali is an ICF Certified and experienced Life Coach, she holds a Master’s in Psychology and has over 15 years of experience in Human Resources roles in Israeli, American and German companies. In her last position she recruited English speakers for EON in Düsseldorf. She now escorts expats through the relocation, immigration and integration challenges. Tali offers: Career Coaching, Relationship Coaching & Couples Coaching, Workshops and Lectures and Freelance Recruitment Services

Related Posts

These 3 Incredible Tools Will Help You Improve Your Business German for Work

February 23, 2023

How to Make the Decision Between Freelance or Trade and Business

February 13, 2018

3 of the Best Tips to Finding a Job in Düsseldorf and Around Germany

May 17, 2016

5 of the Best Tips for Finding Expat Jobs in Germany

April 2, 2017

Please guide me to prepare a good cover letter and CV

Leave a reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• NETHERLANDS
• SWITZERLAND

German CV guide (Lebenslauf)

Having a good curriculum vitae (CV, or Lebenslauf in German) is quite probably the most important step in finding a job in Germany . However, there are some small but crucial differences you need to be aware of when writing your CV. Getting it right, by formatting your resume in a style German employers will recognise gives you the best chance of landing an interview .

Useful websites for writing CVs in Germany

Follow these links to find more hints and tips on applying for jobs in Germany, CV templates and more:

How to write a CV ( Lebenslauf ) in Germany

In contrast to CVs in many other countries, CVs in Germany are simple “fact sheets”, listing experience, skills and education in a way that is free from embellishment, business jargon or buzzwords. Instead of being a sales pitch, German CVs let the facts speak for themselves. To a lesser extent, the same principle also applies to cover letters .

Although, of course, there is no perfect way to write a CV in Germany, in general, they tend to follow the following structure:

1st section: Personal information ( Persönliche Angaben )

In this first section, you list your personal details. Make sure to include the following:

• First and last name
• Date of birth
• Nationality
• Marital status
• Contact information
• Passport-size photo
• Profile ( Profil ) - a short description of yourself and your skills / experience / qualifications

2nd section: Education ( Ausbildung )

In this section, you detail your education (including secondary and higher education ). Make sure to include the name of your university and the programme you studied. Many people also include specific modules or areas of study within the degree programme that are relevant to the position.

3rd section: Work experience ( berufliche Erfahrung )

List your previous work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. For each position, include the name of the company, the dates you worked there, the title of the position you held, and your key responsibilities. Here is a good place to also outline any major achievements, but make sure you stick to the facts.

Final section: Other skills / achievements ( Sonstiges )

You can use this section to list any other qualifications, skills or achievements that are relevant to the role, such as computer skills, language abilities or certifications . German CVs don’t typically include details about personal interests or hobbies, which are considered superfluous by most hiring managers.

Should I write my CV in German or English?

If your language ability is up to it, it’s a good idea to write your CV in German (unless the job profile specifies otherwise). German is the language generally spoken in the workplace, even if the official company language is English, and speaking it may give you an edge over other candidates. On the other hand, if you have little or no German, writing your CV in German may give a false impression that your language ability is better than it is.

Tips for writing a German CV

• Keep it factual; waffle and fluff do not go down well in the German job market.
• Listing all of your experience, skills and qualifications may not necessarily be helpful - keep it to the point by only listing those that are relevant to the role.
• Recruiters scan numerous CVs for the same position, so get yours noticed by keeping it short - no longer than two pages.
• Make your CV appealing by choosing an appropriate font; avoid dense writing and too many bold or underlined sections.
• Keep it snappy by using bullet points rather than long paragraphs.
• Adjust your CV for different applications to make sure everything you list is relevant to the role you are applying for.
• Be aware of linguistic errors and typos - double, triple, quadruple check it and ask for a second pair of eyes!
• Check out our other employment guides and tools for tips on finding a job in Germany.

This page uses affiliate links.

Follow us on Facebook

IamExpat Jobs

Recruitment agencies in Germany

Career coaches in Germany

Job interview questions & Answers in Germany

Cover letter in Germany (Anschreiben)

Working in Germany

Employment guides & Tools