How to Write a German Cover Letter

This page details how to write the all-important cover letter in Germany. From formatting and style to structure and content, follow our tips and learn to sculpt the perfect cover letter for the German job market.

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✉️ Alongside your CV, your German cover letter is undoubtedly the most important part of your job application. In essence, it is your one-and-only opportunity to lay out the motivations behind your application, demonstrate your interest in the company and convey why you are the absolute perfect fit for the role.

When done correctly, your German cover letter should work in unison with your CV to create a clear narrative about who you are, what you do and why you do it. But as with many things in Germany, your cover letter must adhere to a certain format, structure and style in order to be effective – in this article, we explore exactly what it takes to create a great German cover letter that will land you that dream interview in Germany. ✉️

1️⃣ How to format a German cover letter

First off, you need to format your German cover letter just right. Germans love a bit of formatting and this is a surefire way to make a good first impression with regard to your professionalism.

When it comes to formatting, here are some standard expectations that a German recruiter or hiring manager will expect to see in your cover letter:

• Length – in almost all cases, your German cover letter should be no more than 1 page long.
• Font – Use a common, easy-to-read font such as Arial or Times New Roman. For consistency, use the same font in your cover letter and CV.
• Font size – The text in your German cover letter should be size 11–12.
• Paragraphs – Your German cover letter should be written in full sentences and split into 3–5 paragraphs. Avoid using bullet points.
• Language – in most cases, your cover letter should be in the same language as the job advertisement. We recommend providing an English cover letter unless you are applying for a German-speaking position or a position that requires a reasonable level of German.
• File format – before sending in your application, your German cover letter be saved as a PDF file. We recommend using the following filename so that potential employers can quickly locate your cover letter: First name_Surname_Cover_Letter.pdf

2️⃣ How to structure a German cover letter

While German recruiters and hiring managers love formatting, they also love structure. The expectation is that you use a formal structure that will be instantly familiar to a German recruiter or hiring manager.

We have broken down the structure into 6 simple sections so you know exactly what should go where in a German cover letter:

Section 1 – Your details

At the very top of your German cover letter, you should include your full name, address, phone number and email address.

Section 2 – The date

Here you simply enter the date you are writing the cover letter.

Section 3 – The employer’s details

In section 3, you list the details of the recipient. Here you should enter the contact person for the job, the company name and the company address.

Section 4 – The subject of the letter

The subject line should detail the purpose of the letter. In this section, it is usual to include the specific job title you are applying for.

Section 5 – The content

This section is the real meat of your German cover letter. Here you should begin by addressing the letter to a specific contact for the job – this can often be found on the job advertisement. If not, do not hesitate to call the HR department and ask who the point of contact is for the position as just going to these lengths shows more determination than your standard applicant. Alternatively, ‘Dear Hiring Manager’ will also work if needed.

After this, we suggest writing 3–5 paragraphs. Here you have some flexibility, but we generally recommend covering the following:

• Introductory paragraph – The introductory paragraph should introduce who you are and why you are applying for the role. Try to come up with a unique selling point – after all, this will often be your very first point of contact with the hiring manager. It is also common to mention how you found the job in this paragraph (e.g. careers fair, employee referral, networking event, etc.).
• Paragraph 1 – Here we recommend first focusing on why you are the ideal candidate. Try to paint a clear picture of how your skills and experience align with what the employer is looking for in the job description. Be careful not to regurgitate your CV, but instead draw out relevant work achievements and successes as this will help show the hiring manager just the types of results they can expect from you.
• Paragraph 2 – Now comes your opportunity to highlight why you want to work for the employer. This is your chance to demonstrate your knowledge and interest of the company and industry – highlight specifically what it is about the company that gets you going, be it their future projects, culture or vision. The hiring manager does not just want to just know your skills and experience, they also want to understand your motives, interests and passion.
• Concluding paragraph – Finally, conclude the main body of your German cover letter. Here you should:
  • Re-convey your interest and suitability for the company.
  • Share when you could start in the role.
  • Express that you would welcome the opportunity to discuss your application further.
  • Thank the hiring manager for taking the time to consider your application.

  Section 6 – The sign off

  As your German cover letter is a formal letter, you should sign off with a formal signature. We recommend opting for ‘Sincerely’ or ‘Kind regards’ and then entering your signature and full name.

  3️⃣ How to write a German cover letter

  Now that you know the expected format and structure of a German, the next thing to consider is the actual content.

  Here there are some general guidelines that you should stick to:

  ✅ Keep things professional

  While you may be tempted to write a German cover letter that is full of flair, wit and character, this is generally not advised. Your cover letter in Germany is regarded as a serious professional document – your focus needs to be on demonstrating your professionalism and suitability rather than your vibrant character.

  Be sure to only use professional language in your cover letter, avoiding the use of slang, contractions and hyperbole throughout.

  ✅ Tailor each cover letter

  A generic cover letter will likely get you nowhere. Along with your CV, your German cover letter needs to be completely tailored to the position you are applying for. This is your chance to express why you are the ideal candidate for a specific role at a specific company.

  Use the job description for guidance and tailor your cover letter so that it ticks off the main competencies and experience that the employer is looking for.

  ✅ Be meticulous

  Your German cover letter should be completely error-free. In an era of spelling and grammar checkers, hiring managers are unforgiving when it comes to typos and spelling mistakes. Thoroughly proofreading and checking your cover letter is a simple way to avoid making a bad first impression

  ✅ Send electronically

  Almost all job applications in Germany are submitted electronically these days. If applying via email, make sure your German cover letter and CV are saved in PDF format, clearly named and attached separately to your application email.

  Before sending, draft a short email notifying the recipient that your cover letter and CV are attached for their consideration.

  And that is that! You now know what is expected of a German cover letter with regards to its format, structure and style. Together, with our guide on creating a German-style CV, we hope you feel well equipped to tackle the German job market.

  For more tips on landing a job in Germany, explore our German Job Hunting Guide and German Job Board Guide.