Writing a cover letter for a job application in Germany requires strict adherence to specific structural and formal conventions. The German professional landscape places a high value on clear organization and precision, meaning the Anschreiben must be a persuasive and flawlessly formatted professional document. Understanding these differences from English-language application norms is the necessary first step in preparing a competitive application.
The Role of the Anschreiben: Purpose and Tone
The Anschreiben, or cover letter, is a highly regarded component of a German application, serving a functional role. Recruiters view this document as the applicant’s first formal work sample, evaluating attention to detail and ability to follow protocol. The letter’s objective is to synthesize the applicant’s skills and experience from the CV and directly connect them to the job advertisement requirements.
The tone must remain formal, factual, and direct. Flamboyant or excessively promotional language is generally avoided and viewed as unprofessional. The focus must be on quantifiable achievements and a logical explanation of suitability, demonstrating respect for professional standards.
Mastering the Mandatory Formal Structure
The layout of the Anschreiben follows a prescribed structure for business correspondence, providing a familiar and easily scannable document. Formatting errors instantly detract from the letter’s professional impact. The applicant’s full contact information, including name, address, phone number, and email, must be placed near the top left.
The recipient’s address block follows, aligned left, and should ideally be addressed to a specific contact person. Use the appropriate formal title and a prefix such as z.Hd. or z.H. (zu Händen). The date must be placed below the addresses, typically right-aligned, using a clear German format (e.g., TT.MM.JJJJ).
A precise subject line (Betreff) must be clearly visible, often bolded, stating the purpose of the letter (e.g., “Bewerbung als [Job Title]”). The letter begins with a formal salutation, almost always Sehr geehrte Frau [Name] or Sehr geehrter Herr [Name].
Writing the Core Content: Paragraph by Paragraph
The body of the letter moves logically from motivation to a clear call to action, typically spanning three to four concise paragraphs. The opening paragraph must quickly state the purpose of the letter without relying on generic phrases. Applicants should reference where they saw the advertisement and express focused interest in the role, avoiding outdated phrases like Hiermit bewerbe ich mich (“Herewith I apply”).
The subsequent main body paragraphs focus on demonstrating qualifications by highlighting specific, relevant career achievements. Applicants should use active language to describe how their past responsibilities directly align with the job description. This section is the core argument for suitability and should provide concrete evidence of skills, such as successful project completion or specific metrics achieved.
Following the qualifications, a distinct paragraph should address the Warum—the motivation for wanting to work for this specific company. This requires demonstrating a genuine understanding of the firm’s recent projects, values, or market position, showing the application is targeted.
The final closing paragraph must re-state enthusiasm and include a request for an interview. Use a phrase such as Über eine Einladung zu einem persönlichen Gespräch würde ich mich sehr freuen (“I would be delighted to receive an invitation for a personal interview”). The letter concludes with a formal closing phrase like Mit freundlichen Grüßen, followed by the signature and the typed name.
Navigating Formal German Language
The linguistic register of the Anschreiben must adhere to the professional standard of German business correspondence. Maintaining the formal register requires the consistent use of the formal pronoun Sie and its corresponding conjugated verb forms. Colloquial language should be avoided, as it diminishes the letter’s formality.
The language should be characterized by strong, professional verbs that convey competence and action, such as verantworten (to be responsible for), erwerben (to acquire), or beherrschen (to master). Using precise terminology and avoiding vague adjectives creates a factual and authoritative impression. Prioritizing clarity and grammatical correctness over complex sentence structures preserves the professional tone.
Final Review: Etiquette and Submission Checklist
The finished Anschreiben must be limited to a maximum of one A4 page, ensuring the content is concise and easily readable. Before submission, the letter should be proofread meticulously, as typographical or grammatical errors are perceived as a lack of professional diligence. A handwritten or digital signature must be placed above the typed name following the formal closing, finalizing the document as an official application.
The cover letter should be saved, along with the CV and necessary attachments, as a single, correctly named PDF file for digital submission. Non-required information, such as an applicant photo or personal details like marital status, should be omitted unless explicitly requested. Adhering to these submission standards ensures the application meets professional protocol.