How to Write a German Resume (Lebenslauf) in 2026: What Actually Matters

If you've ever written a resume for an international job market, brace yourself: the German Lebenslauf works very differently. German employers and recruiters are used to a very specific format — and deviating from it, even in ways that have nothing to do with your actual experience, can cost you an interview before anyone reads what you've done.

Do you need a photo on a German resume?

Legally, no. Since 2006, the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) means an employer can't require a photo and can't hold its absence against you. In practice, though, roughly 70-80% of applications still include one, depending on the industry — more common in traditional sectors and Mittelstand companies, increasingly optional in tech and startups. If you do add one: business attire, no older than a couple of years, neutral background, top right corner of the first page.

How to format work experience and education

Table format: period — place — what you did. Most recent first ("antichronologisch" — reverse chronological). Any unexplained gap in the dates is a red flag: if there was a break between jobs (parental leave, illness, relocation), either explain it briefly or don't leave a silent hole in the timeline.

What personal details to include — and what to leave out

Date and place of birth are still commonly included. Marital status and number of children, on the other hand, are now generally recommended to leave out entirely — it's private information unrelated to your qualifications, and under the AGG it's more likely to work against you than for you. The same goes for religion, union or party membership, and details about your parents — none of that belongs in a German resume, regardless of the job. Nationality is sometimes worth stating explicitly (lowercase, as an adjective: "german", not "Germany") — especially if it resolves a work-permit question upfront.

Do you need a personal summary at the top?

Unlike an American resume with a full "Summary" section, the traditional German Lebenslauf skipped self-presentation entirely. But in 2026, more and more guides recommend a short "Kurzprofil" — 2-3 sentences right after your personal details, summarizing your key qualifications. It's optional, but now a plus rather than a break from convention like it used to be.

Section order in a German resume

Personal details (optionally with a Kurzprofil) → work experience (Berufserfahrung) → education (Ausbildung) → skills (Kenntnisse: languages, IT) → optionally other/hobbies → place, date and a signature (often scanned) at the bottom of the page.

How to state your language level correctly

Use the CEFR scale (A1-C2), plain terms (native speaker / negotiation-level / fluent / good knowledge / basic knowledge), or ideally both together: some applicant tracking systems (ATS) don't always parse a bare "B2" correctly (it can be confused with, say, a driver's license category), so combining both is safer. A vague "advanced" isn't taken seriously.

How long should a German resume be?

Strictly 1-2 pages. More than two is a bad sign, even with an impressive career — German resume culture values conciseness.

Frequently asked questions

Can I send my resume in English to a German company?
If the job posting itself is in English or the company is international — yes. For most German employers, German is expected.

Does a German resume have to be A4 and a PDF?
A4 is the standard format, sent as a PDF unless the job posting says otherwise.

What do I do about a gap in my work history?
State the period honestly, with a brief reason (parental leave, studies, relocation) — don't leave a blank row in the table without explanation.

Want a resume like this without reformatting it yourself?

Describe your experience in your own words — in whatever language is easiest — and get a finished Lebenslauf formatted to German standards. This tool doesn't exist yet — but if it would be useful to you, leave your email here and I'll let you know when it's ready.

This article is general information, not career advice. Expectations vary by industry and company — when in doubt, check the specific job posting.