In Germany, the Anschreiben (cover letter) is still widely used—especially for entry-level roles, student jobs, Werkstudent positions, and traditional companies. A weak cover letter can quietly kill an otherwise strong CV. A good one does not try to impress emotionally; it explains fit, motivation, and reliability in a clear, factual way.
This guide shows how a German-style Anschreiben is structured, what employers actually read, common mistakes, and how to tailor it efficiently.
What the Anschreiben Is
The Anschreiben is:
• A short explanation of why you fit this role
• Proof that you understood the job posting
• A signal of professional communication
The Anschreiben is not:
• A life story
• A repetition of your CV
• A motivational essay
Typical length: ½ to 1 page
Standard Structure of a German Anschreiben
Header & Contact Details
Include:
• Your name and address
• Email & phone number
• Company name and address
• Date (right-aligned is common)
Precision here signals professionalism.
Subject Line (Betreff)
Clear and specific. Examples:
• Application for the position of Working Student – Data Analysis
• Bewerbung als Werkstudent Softwareentwicklung
German employers expect a subject line. Skipping it looks careless.
Opening Paragraph: Why This Job, This Company
This is the most important paragraph.
Good openings:
• Refer directly to the job posting
• Mention why this role fits your background
• Show that this is not a mass application
Avoid:
“I am writing to apply for…”
Instead, be direct and factual.
Main Body: Your Fit
Focus on 2–3 relevant points:
• Relevant experience
• Skills directly mentioned in the job ad
• Practical exposure (projects, internships, Werkstudent jobs)
Explain how your background matches the role, not just what you studied.
Motivation & Availability
Briefly explain:
• Why you want to work in this field / company
• When you can start
• Working hours (important for students)
Keep this section short and realistic.
Closing Paragraph
Polite, confident, neutral tone.
Examples:
• Express interest in an interview
• Thank them for considering your application
German closings are formal but not emotional.
Language & Tone Rules
Formal but Simple
• Clear sentences
• No slang
• No exaggerated enthusiasm
German vs English
• Job ad in German → German Anschreiben expected
• Job ad in English → English acceptable
Mixed-language letters are a red flag.
Common Mistakes
Repeating the CV
If it’s already in your CV, do not list it again—explain relevance instead.
Generic Text
German recruiters spot templates immediately.
Mass applications + generic Anschreiben = silent rejection.
Overconfidence or Overselling
Statements like:
“I am highly passionate and extremely motivated”
Sound weak without concrete proof.
Wrong Length
• Too short → looks careless
• Too long → shows lack of focus
Do You Always Need an Anschreiben?
Often required for:
• Werkstudent positions
• Traditional German companies
• Public sector / research roles
Sometimes optional or ignored for:
• Startups
• Tech roles via LinkedIn
• “Easy Apply” processes
If it’s optional, a good Anschreiben can still be a differentiator.
Tailoring Efficiently (Without Rewriting Everything)
Keep:
• Core structure
• Your main skill paragraphs
Adjust:
• Opening paragraph
• Keywords from job ad
• Company reference
This keeps quality high without burning time.
Reality Check
A strong Anschreiben will not compensate for missing qualifications.
But a weak one can eliminate you even if your CV is good.
In Germany, the cover letter is less about persuasion—and more about clarity, fit, and reliability.