German CV Format Guide 2026: Lebenslauf Requirements, Photo & Workday/Taleo/Xing ATS

Last Updated: January 2026 | Master the German CV format and increase your chances of landing interviews in Germany.

German CVs (Lebenslauf) require a professional photo (top right, business attire), include personal information (date of birth, nationality, complete address), follow Lebenslauf structure (Persönliche Daten, Berufserfahrung, Ausbildung, Kenntnisse, Sprachen), must be in German language, are 2-3 pages long, use MM.YYYY date format, and need ATS optimization for Workday, Taleo, and Xing systems used in Germany.

Preparing a CV for the German job market requires understanding several unique requirements that differ significantly from US or UK formats. Here's what you need to know to create a successful German CV (Lebenslauf) that passes German ATS systems:

Do I Need a Photo on My German CV?

Yes, a professional photo is required on German CVs (Lebenslauf). It should be a recent (within 2 years), high-quality headshot in business attire, positioned at the top right of the first page. Without a photo, your CV may be seen as incomplete by German recruiters. This is a cultural norm in Germany.

1. Photo is Required (Not Optional)

Unlike the US or UK, German employers expect a professional photo on your CV (Lebenslauf). This is a cultural norm, and omitting it can hurt your chances.

Photo Requirements:

Professional headshot (business attire)
Recent (within 2 years)
High quality (passport-style)
Positioned at the top right of the first page

Why it matters: German recruiters use photos to assess professionalism and cultural fit. Without one, your CV may be seen as incomplete.

2. Personal Information Requirements

German CVs include more personal details than American resumes:

Date of birth (Geburtsdatum)
Place of birth (Geburtsort)
Nationality (Staatsangehörigkeit)
Marital status (Familienstand) - sometimes optional
Address (complete address, not just city)

Legal note: While this information is expected, German anti-discrimination laws still apply. However, omitting these details can make your CV look incomplete to German recruiters.

3. Format: "Lebenslauf" Structure

German CVs follow a specific structure called "Lebenslauf":

1. Persönliche Daten (Personal Data)

Name, address, contact info
Date and place of birth
Nationality
Professional photo

2. Berufserfahrung (Professional Experience)

Reverse chronological order
Detailed descriptions (more detailed than US resumes)
Company name, position, dates (MM.YYYY format)
Responsibilities and achievements

3. Ausbildung (Education)

University degrees
High school (Abitur) - often included
Dates and institutions

4. Kenntnisse (Skills)

Technical skills
Software proficiency
Certifications

5. Sprachen (Languages)

With proficiency levels (Muttersprache, Fließend, Gut, Grundkenntnisse)
Common European Framework (CEFR) levels preferred

6. Weitere Qualifikationen (Additional Qualifications)

Certifications
Training courses
Professional memberships

4. Language: German is Essential

Your CV should be in German (Deutsch), not English, unless:

The job posting specifically requests English
You're applying to an international company with English as working language
The position is explicitly for English speakers

Translation quality matters: Use professional translation, not Google Translate. Industry terms, cultural context, and professional norms must be accurate.

How to Pass Workday Germany ATS

Workday is common in large German companies. Optimize for Workday Germany by including German keywords (Berufserfahrung, Qualifikationen, Kenntnisse, Ausbildung), using standard section headings, maintaining simple formatting, and ensuring all text is machine-readable. Workday Germany processes German-language CVs effectively.

How to Pass Taleo Germany ATS

Taleo (Oracle) is used by many German companies. Requires structured format with standard section names, consistent date formatting (MM.YYYY), and prioritized skills section. Include German industry terminology and ensure proper Lebenslauf structure.

How to Pass Xing ATS (German Professional Network)

Xing is a German professional network often used for applications. Optimize for Xing by including German keywords, using proper Lebenslauf format, maintaining professional photo placement, and ensuring ATS-friendly formatting. Xing integrates with many German company ATS systems.

5. ATS Optimization for German Systems

German companies use specific ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems):

Workday (common in large companies)
Taleo (Oracle's system)
Xing (German professional network, often used for applications)

Key German CV Keywords to Include:

"Berufserfahrung" (professional experience)
"Qualifikationen" (qualifications)
"Kenntnisse" (skills)
"Ausbildung" (education/training)
Industry-specific German terms

6. Length and Detail

German CVs are typically 2-3 pages (longer than US resumes):

More detailed job descriptions
More comprehensive education section
Detailed skills breakdown
More formal, descriptive style (less bullet-point focused than US)

7. Date Format

Use German date format: MM.YYYY (e.g., "03.2020" not "03/2020")

8. Formality Level

German CVs are more formal than US resumes:

Use formal language (Sie form, not du)
Avoid casual expressions
Professional, detailed descriptions
Less "marketing" language, more factual

9. References

Unlike US resumes, German CVs often include:

"Referenzen auf Anfrage" (References upon request)
Or actual references with contact information

10. Cover Letter (Anschreiben)

German applications typically require a cover letter (Anschreiben) in addition to the CV:

Formal, structured format
1 page maximum
Address specific company and position
Explain why you're interested in Germany/this company
Written in German (unless job posting specifies English)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ No photo - This is a red flag in Germany
❌ English CV for German jobs - Unless explicitly requested
❌ US-style format - Too casual, wrong structure
❌ Poor translation - Google Translate won't cut it
❌ Missing personal details - Date of birth, nationality expected
❌ Wrong date format - Use MM.YYYY, not MM/YYYY
❌ Too short - German CVs are more detailed (2-3 pages)
❌ Casual language - Must be formal and professional

How to Get It Right

Creating a German-ready CV requires:

Professional translation to German
Format adaptation to Lebenslauf structure
ATS optimization for German systems (Workday, Taleo, Xing)
Cultural adaptation (photo, personal details, formality)
Cover letter in German

Pro tip: If you're applying to multiple countries, you'll need different CVs for each. German requirements differ significantly from US, UK, French, or Italian formats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a photo on my German CV?

Yes, a professional photo is expected on German CVs. It should be a recent, high-quality headshot in business attire, positioned at the top right of the first page.

What personal information is required on a German CV?

German CVs typically include date of birth, place of birth, nationality, and complete address. Marital status is sometimes optional but often included.

Can I use an English CV for German jobs?

Only if the job posting specifically requests English or you're applying to an international company with English as the working language. Otherwise, your CV should be in German.

What ATS systems are used in Germany?

German companies primarily use Workday, Taleo, and Xing for applicant tracking. Your CV should be optimized for these systems.

How long should a German CV be?

German CVs are typically 2-3 pages, longer than US resumes. They include more detailed descriptions and comprehensive information.

What date format should I use?

Use the German date format MM.YYYY (e.g., "03.2020") instead of MM/YYYY.

German CV Template Free: Lebenslauf Structure

Free German CV template structure: Persönliche Daten (Personal Data with photo), Berufserfahrung (Professional Experience - reverse chronological), Ausbildung (Education), Kenntnisse (Skills), Sprachen (Languages with proficiency levels), Weitere Qualifikationen (Additional Qualifications). Use MM.YYYY date format and formal German language.

Can I Use an English CV for German Jobs?

Only if the job posting specifically requests English or you're applying to an international company with English as working language. Otherwise, your CV must be in German. Professional translation is essential - Google Translate won't work for professional documents. Industry terms, cultural context, and professional norms must be accurate.

Conclusion

The German job market has unique requirements. A US-style resume won't work. Invest in proper formatting, professional translation, and ATS optimization to maximize your chances of success.

For job seekers targeting Germany (or multiple countries), consider using a service like TopCV.io's CrossBorder CV that specializes in adapting CVs for specific countries. They handle professional German translation, Lebenslauf format adaptation, ATS optimization for German systems (Workday, Taleo, Xing), photo placement and formatting, cover letter generation in German, and all country-specific requirements.

This ensures your CV meets German professional standards and passes ATS systems, increasing your chances of landing interviews.

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How to Create ATS-Friendly Resume - ATS optimization strategies
International CV Translation Guide - Professional translation tips
CV for Multiple Countries - Adapt your CV for multiple countries