When a company in Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt or Hamburg publishes a vacancy in English, an English CV is usually expected—yet the people reviewing your application often still expect German standards of chronological completeness, clear degree titles, CEFR language levels and matching certificates. This guide shows how to bridge both expectations on an A4 CV.
| Detail | US resume habit | English CV for Germany |
|---|---|---|
| Page size | US Letter (8.5 × 11 in) | ISO A4 (210 × 297 mm), typically 1 to 2 pages |
| Language section | Often omitted for domestic roles | Explicit CEFR levels for English, German and other languages |
| Supporting documents | Resume uploaded alone | Often paired with degree certificates or reference letters when requested |
Confirm the application language from the vacancy notice
Do not guess the language from the company's headquarters alone. If the job advert is written in English and invites English applications, prepare both your CV and your cover letter in English. If the advert is in German, prepare a German Lebenslauf unless the recruiter confirms that English is accepted.
Give clear context for international employers and degrees
When listing employers or universities from outside Germany, include the city and country for each entry and add a brief one-line description of an unfamiliar employer's industry or size if helpful. Keep your official degree title intact and avoid replacing it with a German statutory title.
Place your German and English language skills in a dedicated section with objective CEFR levels (A1 through C2) so the recruiter does not have to guess whether you can work with German-speaking clients or stakeholders.
Prepare supporting documents and verify portal extraction
Even English-first startups and multinationals in Germany may ask for degree transcripts or past reference letters (Arbeitszeugnisse). Keep your dates and titles consistent across every document and check your exported A4 PDF with the browser PDF text check before uploading.