When students apply to German universities, a letter of recommendation will almost always be part of the process. Supplied by third parties who know the applicant well, these letters are invaluable tools for admissions departments. But what do they include, and how can students select the right recommender?
This article looks at what these letters feature, and should help you make the best impression when completing your German university application.
What is a letter of recommendation and why do you need it?
German universities want to be sure that applicants have more than just paper qualifications. They need to know that students have character and personality, which is why many institutions will require what is known as a "letter of recommendation". The universities often require applicants to provide letters of recommendation as part of the application process.
These letters, also called reference letters, serve as a way for admissions committees to get insight from people who know them well. They need to know that students have character and personality, which is why many institutions will require what is known as a "letter of recommendation".
This is a document from an individual with connections to the applicant, who can testify that students have reached the required level, or have other skills that suit the course they are applying for. Teachers and employers are common examples.
The content of these documents will often revolve around a recommendation letter questionnaire. This tends to include questions about a student's level of academic attainment, their attendance record, aspects of their discipline and behavioral issues.
However, good letters go beyond this. They communicate how enthusiastic students are, and how much they can bring to German universities.
Students don't write letters of recommendation themselves. The whole point is to offer an independent viewpoint which confirms the information provided by students. Instead, you will need to make a polite request to the recommender of your choice.
Sometimes, students choose a couple of people. That's fine, but make sure the individuals are relevant to the course you are applying for.
The actual content of a letter will vary depending on what course you apply for, and who you ask
After all, respondents can only write about what they know, and they won't know everything about you. Common questions could include details:
As you can probably see, the emphasis isn't on single word answers. When thinking about what to emphasize in a recommendation letter, more general factors come into play.
Writers need to communicate aspects of your personality and abilities - what makes you unique and a valuable addition to their student body. Without seeming to exaggerate, the writer's letter should explain who you are, and what sets you apart from the crowd.
That's not an easy task, so choose the writer wisely. Their words can make a big difference to your chances of success.
Ask your university for example questions, and provide a recommendation letter information sheet to your chosen recommender(s). That way, they can structure their letter without missing any key information.
Who should I ask for the letter of recommendation?
How can you ensure that the writer of your recommendation letter does the job well and honestly? This isn't an easy task, and it pays to think hard about who you ask.
Teachers are a very popular option when asking for a recommender, and with good reason. Your teachers will know you well, having seen you at school day-in, day-out. They will have a good knowledge of your skills and aptitude for specific courses. And their written English should be strong as well.
They aren't the only option, though. If you have worked in a sector related to your course, bosses or colleagues could be preferable. This is often true for Masters or PhD applicants who want to develop their professional skills in Germany.
When you choose a recommender, it's usually advisable to pick someone who knows you very well indeed.
Put yourself in the place of the admissions team at your German university. They want an in-depth profile of who you are, and how your skills measure up against your application form. Only someone who knows you well can provide that kind of information.
Universities may well contact your recommender using the email address provided to check that the information they have provided is accurate, and to clear up any confusing issues. But they won't generally carry out long interviews or demand a lot of information.
Admissions staff usually trust recommenders to provide an honest appraisal, but it's still very important for the text to remain as truthful as possible. Any discrepancies between your recommender's words and your personal testimony could raise questions about your application in general.
When making a request to act as a recommender for writing a recommendation letter, provide information about your course and what you hope to achieve. And when the task has been completed, why not purchase a gift for your teacher or colleague?
If you're applying for a prestigious scholarship, such as the DAAD or Erasmus+, your recommender will have to put in some extra effort. These scholarships are very competitive, and your application will only be successful if all aspects - including the letters of recommendation - are of an excellent standard.
Your recommender will need to write a lot about why you deserve the scholarship, and how they believe you'll use it to further your studies or career. They'll also have to provide evidence of your impressive academic achievement to date.
To give your recommender the best chance of success, make sure they have all the information they need about the scholarship, and what is required from the letter of recommendation.
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