German CV Template — Lebenslauf Vorlage (Word & PDF)

A tabular German Lebenslauf, written in German, with photo, personal data, dates as MM/YYYY and a signature line.

✓ 1–2 pages✓ A4✓ In German✓ Word & PDF

Opens in your browser. No Word needed, no signup.

⬇ Word (.docx)44 KB ⬇ PDF66 KB

Free for personal and commercial use · No watermark · Updated October 2026

Guide

About this german cv (lebenslauf) template

German employers expect a tabellarischer Lebenslauf: a table with dates on the left and details on the right, newest first, with no unexplained gaps. A professional photo is still common, although it has been optional since the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) of 2006. The CV traditionally ends with the place, date and your signature. This template is written in German with those conventions; the sample is for a software developer.

How to fill in this Lebenslauf

1
Open it with "Edit online", or download the Word file.
2
Replace the photo (right-click → Change Picture) or delete it; it is optional.
3
Fill in Persönliche Daten. Date of birth and nationality are optional; delete those lines if you prefer.
4
List Berufserfahrung and Ausbildung newest first, with dates as MM/YYYY. Explain any gap of more than a few months.
5
Update the place and date at the end, add your signature and save as PDF.

Tips for applying in Germany

Write in the job ad's language

If the job ad is in German, apply in German. International companies often accept English CVs.

Give German grades

German employers know the 1,0–5,0 scale. If your degree is from abroad, you can give a converted grade or the anabin/ZAB recognition.

Rate languages clearly

Use terms like Muttersprache, verhandlungssicher, fließend or Grundkenntnisse, ideally with the CEFR level.

Send one PDF

A German application (Bewerbung) is usually one PDF with cover letter, CV and certificates. Use the merge tool to combine them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. You can download the Word and PDF versions or edit it online for free, with no signup and no watermark.

No, it is optional by law, but many applicants in Germany still include a professional photo. Use a recent, professional-looking photo or none at all.

It is traditional but no longer required, especially for online applications. Many applicants still add the place, date and signature.

One to two pages. Graduates usually need one; experienced professionals two.

For an English CV in a European layout, use our Europass CV format. Keep the German conventions (tabular dates, no gaps) if you apply to German employers in English.