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German CV Template: The Tabular Lebenslauf in English
In Germany the CV, called Lebenslauf, typically has the format of a table. This German CV template follows that layout: dates on the left, details on the right, most recent job and degree first, with English headings you can translate.
Download the German CV (Lebenslauf) template
Tabular layout with dates on the left, personal details block, and place, date and signature at the end.
- Paper
- A4
- Layout
- Two columns
- Font
- Arial
- Pages
- 1
- Files
- Word (.docx) and PDF
Free. No sign-up, no watermark.
What the official portal says
- The CV typically has the format of a table.
- Personal data: name, address and contact details.
- Work experience and education are listed with the most recent first, with employers, positions and tasks, schools, courses and final grades.
- Language skills use the Common European Framework levels, for example English C1.
- A photo is often expected, with major differences between industries.
- Applications are usually sent as a PDF by email or uploaded on the company's career page.
Source: Make it in Germany, the German Federal Government's portal for skilled workers from abroad.
What is in the template
- Title Curriculum Vitae and your name.
- Personal Details as a table: name, address, phone, email, and optional date and place of birth and nationality.
- Profile, Professional Experience and Education with month and year on the left.
- Skills and Languages.
- A line for place and date and a signature line at the end, for employers that ask for a signed CV. Delete it if you do not need it.
Using it as a Lebenslauf template in German
To apply in German, translate the headings: Persönliche Daten, Berufserfahrung, Ausbildung, Kenntnisse und Sprachen. Keep the table and the order. If you add a photo, place it at the top right of the first page.
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- Make it in Germany (portal of the German Federal Government): Applying for a job
- Europass (European Union): Create your Europass CV
- Template files: made by Dev Global Jobs and opened in Microsoft Word before publishing.
Sources last checked: 2 October 2026.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a photo required on a German CV?
Make it in Germany says applicants are often expected to include one, with major differences between industries. The template leaves it out, and you can add one in Word.
Why is the layout a table?
It is the convention: dates in a narrow left column and details on the right, so a reader can follow your history line by line.
Should I write the CV in German or English?
Use the language of the job advert. For international companies English is often fine.
Do I need to include my date of birth?
It is optional. The template marks date and place of birth and nationality as optional lines.
How do I send the application?
Usually as a PDF by email or through the company's career site, together with a cover letter and certificates.
Is it free?
Yes. Word and PDF, no sign-up, no watermark.
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