About this template
The Germany template is a German Lebenslauf in Times New Roman, two-page tabular format with clear date columns. Header reserved for photo, full address and date of birth — the DACH conventions expected by recruiters. Suits English-speaking candidates targeting Germany, Austria and German-speaking Switzerland.
Who is it for?
It fits candidates targeting Germany, Austria and German-speaking Switzerland — Munich, Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Vienna. Engineers (Volkswagen, BMW, Siemens, Bosch, Bayer, BASF), finance profiles (Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, Allianz) and Mittelstand candidates where omitting photo or date of birth reads as negligence, not minimalism. Also relevant for DFG-funded university roles and Helmholtz/Max Planck researchers.
How to use it
The tabular grid is the Lebenslauf signature: dates column on the left, title and description on the right. Preserve the format for each section (Berufserfahrung, Ausbildung, Sprachen, EDV-Kenntnisse, Sonstiges). Date of birth and place under the name, photo upper right. Reverse chronology. Zeugnisse (German work certificates with coded grade) are scanned by DACH recruiters — if you have any, mention them in the footer. For an engineer, indicate VDI/VDE classification and Diplom/Master qualifications.
Frequently asked questions
Are photo and date of birth really mandatory?
Not legally (the AGG anti-discrimination law forbids even requesting them), but culturally almost systematic in Mittelstand, classic industrial groups and administrations. Anglo-Saxon group subsidiaries (Goldman Sachs Frankfurt, Microsoft Munich) now accept the no-photo format. When in doubt: send with photo and date of birth.
How to assess a non-German diploma?
Assessment via ZAB (Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen) which issues a Zeugnisbewertung. For engineers, VDI registration can be an asset. Indicate on the CV: « Engineering diploma — École Centrale Lyon (ZAB Zeugnisbewertung: equivalent to Diplom-Ingenieur, FH level) ».
How many pages for a Lebenslauf?
Two pages standard for an experienced to senior profile. Three pages tolerated for an academic profile with publications or a senior engineer with long patent and project list. One page is rare and signals rather a junior or a profile with very little documented experience.
