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🇩🇪 Germany9 min read

German Cover Letter Format 2026 (Bewerbungsschreiben)

A German cover letter follows strict DIN 5008 formatting conventions. Here is exactly how to structure it, what each section must contain, and what German employers read for.

Bewerbungsschreiben: Format at a Glance

Length:Exactly 1 page — never more
Standard:DIN 5008 German business letter format
Font:Arial or Times New Roman, 11–12pt
Margins:Left 2.5cm, right 2cm, top 2.5cm, bottom 2cm
Line spacing:1.15–1.5
Language:Match the job posting language
Opening:"Sehr geehrte Frau [Name]," or "Sehr geehrter Herr [Name],"
Closing:"Mit freundlichen Grüßen,"
Subject line:Betreff — bold, before the salutation, no "Re:" prefix
Signature:Handwritten or digital, with typed name
Attachments:List "Anlagen:" at the bottom with document names

DIN 5008 Letter Structure

DIN 5008 is the German standard for business letter layout. A Bewerbungsschreiben follows this structure from top to bottom:

Your sender details (header)
Name, address, phone, email — top left or in the header area
Recipient address block
Company name, department/hiring manager, street, city
Date (Datum)
Right-aligned: "München, den 8. Juli 2026"
Subject line (Betreff)
Bold, no "Re:" — e.g. "Bewerbung als Senior Software Engineer — Ref. 2026-DEV-044"
Salutation
"Sehr geehrte Frau [Name]," or "Sehr geehrter Herr [Name]," — find the name; avoid generic "Damen und Herren"
Opening paragraph
Specific, engaging hook — not "Hereby I apply". Connects you to this role and company concretely.
Middle paragraph 1: Qualifications
Match your specific experience to the job requirements. Quantify where possible.
Middle paragraph 2: Motivation
Why this company, this role, this location. Generic motivation is rejected by German employers.
Closing paragraph
Confident call to action. Availability date. "Ich freue mich auf ein persönliches Gespräch."
"Mit freundlichen Grüßen,"
Formal close (Yours sincerely equivalent)
Signature + typed name
Handwritten or digital signature, followed by printed name
Anlagen (attachments list)
"Anlagen: Lebenslauf, Abiturzeugnis, Bachelor-Urkunde, Arbeitszeugnisse"

Common Bewerbungsschreiben Mistakes

❌ "Hiermit bewerbe ich mich..."

The most generic opening possible. Replace with a specific, engaging sentence about why this role at this company interests you.

❌ More than one page

Cut until it fits. A two-page Anschreiben is unacceptable in Germany. Every sentence must earn its place.

❌ Repeating your Lebenslauf

The cover letter adds context and motivation — it does not summarise your CV. What it adds: why this company, why now, what you uniquely bring.

❌ No Betreff line

Always include a subject line (Betreff) before the salutation. Include the role title and any reference number from the job posting.

❌ "Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren"

Generic salutation. Spend 10 minutes finding the recruiter's or hiring manager's name. Personalisation significantly improves open rates.

❌ Missing Anlagen list

Always list your attachments at the bottom. It shows organisation and ensures the employer knows what you have submitted.

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