How to write a cover letter for Germany: Best tips and examples

Importance of a German cover letter

Just like in many other countries, cover letters play an essential role in German job applications. As a job seeker, it is your primary vehicle for delivering insights that simply can’t be explained in a resume alone. 

For example, your cover letter gives you the chance to explain why you are interested in the role. This helps recruiters and hiring managers understand your motivations and what will drive you to success in the job. 

A strong cover letter can differentiate you from other candidates with similar credentials, especially if your values align with the company’s. It can also give you space to explain employment gaps or other issues with your resume.

When it comes to the issue of whether to include a cover letter or not, German hiring managers expect to see it with your application. The only exception to this rule is when a job posting explicitly states that cover letters are not accepted. Otherwise, it’s best to take this vital step in making yourself stand out in the application process.

Expectations in German-speaking countries

If you’re submitting applications to work in German-speaking countries other than Germany, the following considerations may apply.

Switzerland

The country has German, Italian, and French-speaking areas, so submitting your cover letter in the language of the job description (or the language primarily spoken throughout the business) is crucial. Additionally, Swiss businesses tend to value formality and conservativeness, which should be reflected in your cover letter. (2)

Austria

The work culture in Austria is quite formal, with clear professional hierarchies. Write your cover letter in German or English (whichever matches the language of the job ad), but make sure to use the correct salutations and job titles as a show of respect. (3)

Luxembourg

Businesses in Luxembourg value formality and professionalism. As a more reserved culture, people tend to value polite language over more emotional expression. English is widely used throughout the country and in business, which is something job applicants should consider when writing a cover letter. (4)

Common terms related to a German cover letter

When writing your cover letter in the German language, there are a few terms that might come in handy:

Keeping these terms in mind can help you write a cover letter that properly conveys your professionalism and respect for cultural norms.

Understanding the German cover letter format

Learning how to write a German cover letter can be daunting. However, understanding the standard format can make things much easier for international candidates.

When reviewing your cover letter, German hiring managers tend to value conciseness in job applications. For this reason, it’s important to ensure that your German cover letter spans no more than one page. 

Hiring managers often receive a high volume of applications for each position. They only have a short time to look at each one, so you need to ensure that they will be able to understand the most important details in your letter before they move on to the next applicant.

Additionally, cover letters need to convey a sense of professionalism and adhere to German job market norms. You should include your contact information in case the hiring manager wants to call you in for an interview. You should also include a subject line and an appropriate salutation. Because German office culture tends to be formal, you can start your letter with “Dear (Hiring Manager’s Name).” (1)

Beyond those formal details, cover letters are typically split into three to five paragraphs. Each paragraph should convey critical details in a concise and coherent manner and cover a vital aspect of your motivations, values, personality traits, and professional experience.

Structuring your German cover letter

To write a standout German cover letter, you can break your letter down into four distinct paragraphs. 

The first paragraph serves as an introduction. Its purpose is to tell the hiring manager why you are applying for the position. Here, you can share your personal motivations for working in the industry or what excited you about the company or role. You should also tell the reader how you became aware of the position.

The second paragraph should reveal how your experiences and skills will contribute to your success in the role and company. Show off your knowledge of company culture and inspiring projects and connect them to your professional background. Maintain authenticity and confidence as you convey this information in the cover letter. 

The third paragraph is where you will present your qualifications to the reader. For this paragraph, choose a few relevant achievements and showcase quantifiable results. Instead of just listing your accomplishments, make sure to show how they contributed to the company's success. 

Additionally, don’t forget to mention any private projects you have worked on, as this can help hiring managers get a sense of your personality and showcase your ambition and drive.

Finally, your conclusion paragraph is what wraps up your letter and shows the hiring manager you are prepared to move forward in the hiring process. Here, you should express any final thoughts related to the role or your experience and thank the hiring manager for their time. 

You may also want to express that you look forward to speaking with them further about how you can help the company reach its goals. Make sure to also use a formal closing and write your name at the end.

Your cover letter gives you the chance to explain why you are interested in the role. This helps recruiters and hiring managers understand your motivations and what will drive you to success.

Customize your application for the job

Although there is a standard format that your cover letter should follow, it’s important to ensure that you customize your application for each job. This will increase the relevancy of your cover letter and show that you are a highly motivated candidate who takes initiative in the things you care deeply about.

The first step to customizing your application and cover letter is researching the employer in-depth to ensure that it will be the right cultural fit for you. 

During your search, you can visit the company’s website or search for news articles and employee reviews. Try to get a sense of the company’s culture and values, which can often be conveyed through mission and vision statements.

You can mention things that pique your interest or initiatives you would love to participate in within the first paragraph of your cover letter. When you write about your personal traits, try to connect them to aspects of the company culture, mission, or vision. 

Hiring managers will likely enjoy hearing about why the company and role resonate with you so they know you’re a candidate who truly wants to work there.

Finally, you’ll want to focus on the specific job requirements listed in the job description. Try to pick out a few skill-related keywords that align with the skills you currently possess. Then, provide context for these skills in the body paragraphs of your cover letter, explaining how they have led you to success in your field. 

Not only does this help the hiring manager clearly see why you’re the right person for the job, but including keywords from the job description can also help you make it past electronic filters on applicant tracking systems.

Language considerations

If you are pursuing your professional goals internationally, you may wonder whether you should submit your resume and cover letter in German or present these documents in another language. Typically, your chosen language should align with what the company is already doing.

This means that your cover letter should be written in the same language as the job advertisement. Consequently, if the job description is written in German, you should submit materials written in German, as it is likely that the employer is trying to reach a target audience with their advertisement. The same goes for English and other world languages.

If German isn’t your primary language, it’s important to be careful and use your best judgment when writing a cover letter in German. 

Though you may write perfect German in your cover letter, this decision can backfire if your level of fluency in the German language doesn’t match what is in the cover letter. Hiring managers will be able to tell that you aren’t fluent during the interview, which may cause further issues.

Common mistakes to avoid

As a jobseeker in Germany, it can be challenging to put together a professional application package. When it comes to crafting your cover letter, German hiring managers appreciate it when candidates follow best practices. Consider the following tips to help you avoid common mistakes with your application:

• Don’t use generic language — instead, make sure to name specific skills and share quantifiable results you have achieved with them
• Don’t use technical jargon, as it could confuse a hiring manager who is unfamiliar with industry terms
• Try not to use too many keywords from the job description so you can make sure you sound natural and that your personality can shine through
• Don’t overshare personal details, such as your marital status, age, or any photographs of yourself, which could sometimes lead to discrimination
• Don’t submit letters that exceed one page, as all of your application materials should be concise and follow a standard cover letter and resume format

Whether you are using cover letter and resume examples or starting from scratch, following these tips can help ensure that your cover letter conveys that you are the ideal candidate for the job and understand the nuances of German culture. 

The right cover letter can make you a standout candidate for any role

When trying to land a role you really want, your cover letter is very important. First, it provides context for your resume. It also allows you to highlight your excitement and personal connection to the company and showcase how your past experiences will aid in your future success.

To create a cover letter that stands above the rest, make sure to write in a clear and concise manner and follow a standard four-paragraph format. Each letter should be tailored and relevant to the job you’re applying for and convey the professionalism so valued by German business culture.

If you’re not sure where to start in drafting your application materials, consider using German cover letter templates to help you get started. These can help you ensure proper structure for your cover letter and help you appear poised and professional. 

With the help of excellent German cover letter examples, you’ll be able to submit an application to local businesses that gets you noticed for all the right reasons.

Sources:

(1) Santander: Germany: Business practices

(2) Expatica: Finding jobs in Switzerland

(3) Expatica: Finding a job in Austria

(4) Expatica: Culture and social etiquette in Luxembourg