Recommendation Letters
Recommendation letters are an important part of many German university applications, especially for competitive Master’s programs. A strong reference can highlight your academic strengths, work ethic, and potential for success in the program. This guide explains who to ask, how to request a letter politely, what content matters most, and how to help your referee write a relevant, high-quality recommendation.
When German Universities Require Recommendation Letters
Not all programs require recommendation letters, but they are common in:
• competitive Master’s programs
• English-taught programs
• research-oriented fields
• business, economics, engineering, and computer science programs
• programs with limited spots
Some universities request 1 letter, others ask for 2 letters.
Who Should You Ask for a Recommendation?
Your referee should be someone who knows your academic or professional abilities well. Good choices include:
• university professors who taught you
• thesis supervisors
• internship supervisors
• research advisors
• project or lab supervisors
Weak choices include:
• high school teachers (unless applying for Bachelor)
• friends or family members
• people who barely know your work
Best rule:
Choose the person who can write the most specific and detailed letter about your abilities.
How to Request a Letter Politely
When asking for a recommendation, provide:
• a polite email request
• your CV
• your motivation letter (if prepared)
• details about the program
• deadlines
• any forms required by the university
Your professor will write a stronger letter if they clearly understand your goals and background.
What a Strong Recommendation Letter Includes
German universities prefer reference letters that are:
• factual
• academic
• structured
• detailed about your performance
A strong letter typically includes:
• how the referee knows you
• your performance in relevant courses
• specific projects or achievements
• your academic strengths (analysis, research, teamwork)
• your potential for success in the chosen program
Letters that simply describe your personality (“hardworking, friendly, responsible”) are not enough.
Should You Provide a Draft to Your Referee?
Yes — many professors appreciate receiving a draft or bullet points.
You can prepare a document that includes:
• your strengths
• courses you took with them
• your grades
• specific projects you completed
• your research or academic interests
• career goals
• why you chose the program
This helps the referee write a precise, personalized letter instead of something generic.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Asking someone who barely knows your work
• Requesting too late (professors need 1–3 weeks)
• Providing no information about your goals
• Submitting a generic letter used for multiple programs
• Asking for a letter in a rush without respect
Tip:
Always check whether the university requires the letter to be:
• signed
• stamped
• uploaded by the referee directly
• submitted in PDF format
• on official letterhead
Different universities have different rules.
How Many Letters Should You Submit?
Follow the program’s instructions strictly:
• If 1 letter is required → submit 1
• If 2 are required → submit exactly 2
• If the university says “up to 2 letters” → submit 1 strong letter rather than 2 weak ones
Quality matters much more than quantity.
Digital Submission vs. Upload by Referee
German programs may use different submission methods:
Student Upload
Most universities allow you to upload the letter yourself.
Referee Upload
Some programs (especially business schools) require:
• your referee to upload directly
• your referee to confirm authenticity via email
Prepare your referees in advance so they are not surprised by these requests.
Summary
A strong recommendation letter highlights your academic strengths, work ethic, and suitability for the program. To ensure a high-quality reference:
• choose professors or supervisors who know your work
• provide them with all relevant information
• request early
• follow university submission rules
• aim for detail and academic focus
A well-written letter can significantly strengthen your application and differentiate you from other candidates.