Most companies in Germany expect applicants to write a German cover letter to accompany their job application. This may seem like a hassle, but look on the bright side —a well-written cover letter is another chance to show who you are and what you’re capable of.
But writing a great cover letter isn’t only about nailing the content and style; you should also take care to heed the norms of German business culture.
If you feel a bit overwhelmed by the thought of writing a German cover letter, we’ve got you covered. The following guide contains everything you need to know about formatting, structure and tone. We even sprinkled in some tips that will enhance your chances of landing (and acing) an interview.
There’s no formal rule that every application needs to have a cover letter, but they’re basically mandatory for most jobs in Germany. If you’re on the hunt for a new job, always include a cover letter with your application (unless the job advertisement specifically says otherwise).
Including a well-crafted cover letter not only shows your potential employer that you’ve taken the trouble to write it, but also that you’ve read the job description closely. Going the extra mile of formulating a well-structured cover letter shows that you care and can give you an edge over other applicants. A poorly written cover letter, of course, could have the opposite effect.
Cover letters in Germany have specific requirements that you should follow to show that you know how to play the game.
Using another structure or format than what is considered standard may not immediately disqualify you, but playing it safe can’t hurt your chances. This is especially important when applying for a job with a more conservative company, where recruiters may regard a missing cover letter as a big cultural no-go.
Some formatting rules for German cover letters are considered standard. These rules generally enhance readability, which certainly helps employers who receive and review many applications every day.
Length: With some exceptions, your German cover letter shouldn’t be longer than one page. Any extra information you provide beyond one page should be absolutely essential. The letter should be a good read, but keep it concise and specifically relevant to the role in question.
Font : Choose a standard, easy-to-read font like Arial or Times New Roman. To maintain consistency, use the same font for your cover letter and CV.
Font size: Use a font size of either 11 or 12.
Paragraphs: Structure your cover letter into three to five paragraphs, using full sentences. Avoid bullet points.
Language: Your cover letter should generally match the language of the job advertisement. If the role requires German proficiency or is in a German-speaking environment, your cover letter should also be written in German.
File format: Save your cover letter as a PDF before submitting your application. A clear file name helps employers find it easily. We recommend the following version, but any title with a clear format will work:
FirstName_Surname_Cover_Letter.pdf
ATS-friendliness: An ATS-friendly resume is designed to be easily processed by Applicant Tracking Systems. This means it follows a format that allows the software to accurately scan and extract key details, including your name, contact information and work experience.
Most people have difficulty writing about themselves. Considering that your German cover letter should ideally be about the length of a full page, the task of writing it can seem intimidating at first.
The good news is that there are some essential sections you should almost always include in your cover letter. These sections provide some helpful guidance as far as structure. What seemed like one big task at first is now divided into smaller sections.
The most important sections of a German cover letter include:
Let’s now focus on the specifics of your cover letter.
Your introduction should catch the reader’s interest. At the same time, you shouldn’t hold back on the important information. Recruiters often read several cover letters a day, therefore it’s critical to state who you are, why you’re interested in the position and what qualifies you for it.
Example: “Mit fünf Jahren Erfahrung im digitalen Marketing und einer Leidenschaft für Kampagnenstrategie hat mich die Stellenausschreibung als Marketing Manager bei XYZ sofort angesprochen. Besonders meine Kenntnisse in SEO und Content-Marketing würde ich gerne einbringen, um zum Erfolg Ihres Teams beizutragen.”
It’s great if you have a lot of experience to show, but you should generally only highlight the skills and work experience that are directly relevant for the job in question.
In a separate document, first list all of your professional experiences. Then, pick the ones that stand out the most. It’s also great to include projects that challenged you to use special skills.
Example: In meiner aktuellen Position konnte ich erfolgreich eine Content-Strategie entwickeln, die die Engagement-Rate um 30 % steigerte. Besonders wertvoll war dabei meine Fähigkeit, datenbasierte Entscheidungen zu treffen und kreative Kampagnen zielgerichtet umzusetzen. Zudem habe ich ein bereichsübergreifendes Projekt geleitet, bei dem ich meine Fähigkeiten im Projektmanagement und in der Teamkoordination weiter ausbauen konnte.
It is hard to generalize about specific traits or soft skills that are valued by German recruiters. Mostly, it depends on the job and the company you want to work for. However, traits like reliability and a collaborative mindset are always important.
Try to showcase those qualities subtly when describing a special project or past position.
Example: Während eines bereichsübergreifenden Projekts in meiner vorherigen Position war es besonders wichtig, strukturiert zu planen und klar zu kommunizieren – eine Erfahrung, die meine Teamfähigkeit und Eigenverantwortung weiter gestärkt hat.
Depending on the job you’re applying for, you might have to prove your language skills. Some employers require a language proficiency test or a language certificate that states your level of German.
If you’re learning German with Lingoda, you’ll receive a certificate for your specific CEFR level. Lingoda offers courses for German A1 (beginner) to German C1 (advanced).
Well, there are a lot of reasons why you’d want to work in Germany. Maybe you’d like to move to Germany permanently because of friends or family, or maybe you really want to explore more of the country and travel.
Whatever the reason, make sure to explain your motivation for applying. Show that you’re genuinely interested in the tasks that lie ahead of you and that you’re familiar with the company culture.
Example: Deutschland hat mich schon immer fasziniert – sowohl kulturell als auch beruflich. Bereits seit der Sekundarstufe lerne ich Deutsch. Besonders die Innovationskraft und die strukturierte Arbeitsweise deutscher Unternehmen sprechen mich an.
When writing a cover letter, it can be helpful to put yourself in the position of the recruiter. There are some common mistakes that are viewed as warning signals. Doing your best to avoid them makes a positive impression and can give you a leg up in the recruitment process.
Don’t use overly generic phrasing or templates without putting your own spin on them. If a recruiter gets the idea that you basically just copied and pasted something you found online, they’ll probably think you didn’t make an effort. Individualized cover letters are a sign that you care.
There’s also the obstacle of language use, which can prove tricky for non-native speakers. Do a bit of research on the tone the company uses on their website to ensure that you’re in line with their values and expectations. In most cases, an overuse of English phrases in a German cover letter is also frowned upon, as it makes the applicant seem unprofessional.
Last but not least, it’s important to check your cover letter for spelling and grammar errors. It’s a good idea to let another person proofread it. Immaculate spelling and grammar show that you took your time and care about the position.
Job applications for different industries may require you to highlight different aspects of your skills and personality in your cover letter.
There are many job opportunities in the tech and IT sectors in Germany. Many of these positions require advanced English skills, so check if the job advertisement requests a cover letter in English or in German. In some cases, a cover letter is not needed at all and a CV might suffice.
Recruiters for tech and IT companies are often looking for specific experiences and a certain skill set, so make sure to mention the software solutions you’re familiar with.
Problem-solving skills are also an important part of these jobs. Try to match the tone on the company’s website. There can be huge differences between startups and more traditional, established companies.
Qualified engineers are in high demand in the German job market. These industries place high value on a familiarity with industry standards and regulations. If you have specific certifications, make sure to mention them in your cover letter.
Another essential aspect of these jobs is problem-solving. Show your expertise and why it matters for the company. If you have the experience, you can show how you used these skills in other projects. The tone of your letter should demonstrate that you’re a professional. Keep it short and informative.
In-demand skills for finance and consulting jobs include analytical skills, strategic thinking and experience with the most important financial tools. Your tone should be formal and precise. Attention to detail is key for these positions, so proofreading your cover letter for possible mistakes is a must.
Depending on what kind of healthcare job you’re applying for, it might be necessary to show off your people skills. Someone who works in scientific research should demonstrate precision and an analytical mind in their cover letter, while someone working in patient care could go for a more approachable tone.
Both fields require specific certifications, which should be highlighted in your cover letter.
When writing a cover letter for the creative and/or marketing industry, try to strike a more personal tone. Recruiters in this industry are often looking for people with an engaging personality. This doesn’t mean that you have to appear super-extroverted and energetic, but you could try to show in your letter that you can tell a good story.
As you may be at least partially in charge of a brand’s image, it’s important to match the brand’s established tone of voice. Research as much as you can about company values and goals.
Depending on where you’ve worked before, the German recruitment process might strike you as very formal. The application process in most companies follows a specific structure.
The whole process starts with handing or sending in your application. When you’re selected as one of the possible candidates, you’ll get an invitation to a job interview, which often takes place in person. Depending on the organization, several interviews might take place, followed by a case study or a trial day. At the end of a successful process, you will receive a contract offer. The salary is often not stated in the job advertisement but will be discussed during the application process, typically in later stages or even at the very end, when the contract is offered.
Not every employer strictly follows this process. Startups are known to be less strict about it, but it always depends on the individual company’s policy. In any case, your cover letter will be the first thing any potential employer sees. How you present yourself and your skills matters.
The best way to end a German cover letter is to use the formal phrase Mit freundlichen Grüßen (Kind regards), followed by your name and signature.
A cover letter is not always mandatory when applying for jobs in Germany, but most employers like to see it. Some job advertisements explicitly state that no cover letter is required.
Your cover letter shouldn’t exceed one page. Try to make sure that all the important information about your skills and experiences is listed and matches the brand voice of the company you’re applying for.
Yes, cover letters are very common in German job applications. Most employers like to see a cover letter to get a better understanding of an applicant’s personality and skill set.
When writing a German cover letter, most employers expect you to follow specific standards in formatting and structure. While some younger companies and startups may not be so strict, it can impact your application’s success at more conservative companies.
Regardless of the specific job you apply for, take care to find the right tone. Researching the company’s brand voice can help you decide if a more personal approach or a more sober, professional tone will bring you closer to your goals.
A German course at Lingoda is not only a great way to enhance your language skills — it’s also a sign for potential employers that you’re actively working on improving your German. As you can book Lingoda courses flexibly, it’s easy to fit learning German into your busy schedule. Our native-level teachers can help you become familiar with business-relevant vocabulary and make sure that you’ll develop the necessary confidence to master everyday conversations with colleagues.
