Free German Cover Letter Templates
Templates available in English and German
For job applications in Germany, your cover letter should make a strong first impression and clearly show why you are the right fit for the role. Include:
- Your contact details and the date at the top
- The employer's name, company, and address
- A subject line referencing the job title and reference number
- An opening paragraph stating the role you are applying for and why you are interested
- A main section addressing the key requirements from the job posting with specific examples
- A paragraph showing your motivation and what you know about the company
- A professional closing and your signature
But if you don't have the time to write one from scratch, download our free templates.
We have four versions to choose from:
1. English and German templates for general applicants
2. English and German templates specifically for Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) holders
Important: Please note that these are starting templates only. You must personalise each cover letter for the specific role and company you are applying to. A generic cover letter is one of the most common reasons applications get rejected in Germany.
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Do I need a cover letter when applying for jobs in Germany?
Yes, in most cases. Even if a job posting does not explicitly ask for one, including a cover letter is the safer choice.
Should I write my German cover letter in English or German?
It depends on the job posting. If the posting is in German, write in German. If it is in English or the company is clearly international, English is fine. If a job description specifies that applications should be made in German, it is best to follow this advice.
How long should a German cover letter be?
The actual content should not be longer than 4-5 paragraphs, with 2-4 sentences each. It should fit on a single page with some space towards the bottom.
Can I use the same cover letter for multiple job applications in Germany?
It is not best practice to use the same CV and cover letter for different applications. You'll need to individualize your application to each company's needs and requirements. German recruiters expect tailored applications and will quickly notice a generic letter.
Should I mention my Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) in my cover letter?
Yes, and frame it positively. Mention your work authorisation clearly so the employer does not worry about sponsorship or availability. You can state that you are authorised to work in Germany immediately on a part-time basis and can transition to full-time within approximately 4-6 weeks of receiving an offer, with no sponsorship required from the employer.
Does a German cover letter need to be ATS-friendly?
Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter applications before a human HR manager sees them. ATS compares requirements set by HR with what is in your CV and cover letter, searching for the right keywords from the job posting. Using keywords directly from the job description in your cover letter improves your chances of passing this first filter.
Do you also offer templates for a German CV?
Yes, we do! Click the link below to find 4 CV templates, available both in German and English to help you create your CV for the German job market.
German CV Templates Available Here!