A guide for Australians on how to write a german cv (lebenslauf) as an australian.
## 16. How to Write a German CV (Lebenslauf) as an Australian Applying for a job in Germany as an Australian means learning a new document format. The German *Lebenslauf* (CV/resume) follows conventions that differ significantly from what you would submit to an employer in Sydney or Melbourne. Getting the format right signals cultural awareness — and German employers notice. ### The Key Differences from an Australian CV **It includes a photo.** German CVs traditionally include a professional headshot in the top right corner. This has become slightly less universal in recent years, particularly in multinational companies and the tech sector, but it is still the expected standard in most industries. Use a professional-quality photo, not a selfie. **It is reverse chronological.** Like most CVs, the most recent position comes first. Unlike Australian practice, German CVs tend to include every position with no gaps — unexplained gaps in employment are questioned. **It includes your date of birth and often your nationality.** This is unusual for Australians used to keeping this information off CVs (for anti-discrimination reasons), but it is standard in Germany. **It is called a *Lebenslauf*, not a resume or CV.** Use the German term in all correspondence. **It is accompanied by a *Bewerbungsschreiben* (cover letter).** The German cover letter is more formal and structured than the Australian equivalent. More on this below. ### The Standard Structure **Personal details header:** - Full name - Address in Germany (or your current Australian address with note that you are relocating) - Phone number - Email address - Date of birth - Nationality - Photo (top right) **Professional profile (optional, increasingly common):** Two to three sentences summarising your profile and what you bring. Keep it factual, not self-congratulatory. **Work experience (*Berufserfahrung*):** For each position: - Date range (month and year, e.g. *März 2021 – heute*) - Job title - Company name and location - Three to five bullet points describing key responsibilities and achievements **Education (*Ausbildung* / *Studium*):** - Degree name, university, graduation date - Relevant coursework or thesis topic (optional) - For Australians: note the Australian equivalent, e.g. *Bachelor of Engineering (entspricht deutschem Bachelor)* (equivalent to German Bachelor) **Skills (*Kenntnisse*):** - Languages with level (e.g. *Deutsch: B1 (Goethe-Zertifikat B1)* — being specific here is important) - IT skills - Relevant technical skills **Other (*Sonstiges*):** Voluntary work, memberships, publications, driving licence **Declaration (*Ort, Datum, Unterschrift*):** At the bottom: location, date, and your signature (either scanned or written). This is standard in German CVs. ### The Cover Letter (*Bewerbungsschreiben*) German cover letters are formal, structured, and expected to address the specific job. A generic letter is immediately noticeable. **Structure:** 1. Your address (top left) 2. Company address 3. Date 4. Subject line (*Betreff*): e.g. *Bewerbung als Softwareentwickler (Referenznummer 2026-042)* 5. Formal salutation: *Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,* (if you do not know the hiring manager's name) or *Sehr geehrte Frau [Name],* / *Sehr geehrter Herr [Name],* 6. Opening paragraph: why you are writing and for which position 7. Body: what you offer and why you are a good fit (specific to the job advertisement) 8. Closing paragraph: your availability and call to action 9. *Mit freundlichen Grüßen,* (formal closing) 10. Your name (typed and signed) The tone should be professional and confident but not boastful. Germans appreciate clarity and specificity over enthusiasm and superlatives. ### The Australian Advantage Australian professional experience is generally well-regarded by German employers, particularly in resource industries, healthcare, IT, engineering, and finance. Being explicit about this — explaining the Australian context briefly — helps German hiring managers who may not be familiar with Australian qualifications and company names. For example: *[Australian Bank], eine der vier führenden Geschäftsbanken Australiens* — [Australian Bank], one of the four leading commercial banks in Australia.Found this useful? Share it with other Australians learning German 🇦🇺
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B1 German / Beginner Swiss German
An Australian who learned German to B1 level without living in Germany — navigating the same lack of local resources that most Australian learners face. Currently learning Swiss German. This site is the resource I wished had existed when I started.
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