German job interviews are usually structured, factual, and role-focused. Questions are designed to test competence, reliability, and self-awareness, not charisma. Below are the most common interview questions in Germany, grouped by purpose, with guidance on how to answer them effectively.
“Tell me about yourself”
(Erzählen Sie etwas über sich)
What they are really asking:
Can you summarize your professional profile clearly and relevantly?
How to answer:
• Start with your current status (study, role, or specialization)
• Briefly mention relevant experience
• End with what you are looking for in this role
Good structure:
Present → Relevant past → Target role
Avoid:
• Personal life stories
• Childhood background
• Repeating your CV word by word
“Why did you apply for this position?”
(Warum haben Sie sich bei uns beworben?)
What they are testing:
Motivation + preparation + company understanding
How to answer:
• Connect your skills to this specific role
• Mention company, product, or field
• Show realistic expectations
Strong answers usually include:
• Role-related interest
• Skill match
• Long-term perspective (even short-term contracts)
Avoid:
• “I just need a job”
• Generic statements that fit any company
“What do you know about our company?”
What they expect:
Basic research—not expert knowledge.
How to answer:
• Industry and main business area
• What they do (products, services, research)
• Why this matters for your role
You don’t need numbers, but you must not sound uninformed.
“What are your strengths?”
(Was sind Ihre Stärken?)
What they want:
Job-relevant strengths, not personality clichés.
How to answer:
• Pick 2–3 strengths
• Tie each one to a concrete example
• Keep it factual
Better:
“I work reliably under time pressure. During my last project…”
Worse:
“I am very motivated and a perfectionist.”
“What are your weaknesses?”
(Was sind Ihre Schwächen?)
What they are testing:
Self-reflection and honesty.
How to answer:
• Choose a real but manageable weakness
• Show awareness
• Explain how you handle it
Good pattern:
Weakness → Impact → Strategy to manage it
Avoid:
• Saying you have no weaknesses
• Turning it into a hidden strength cliché
“Describe a challenge you faced and how you solved it”
What they want:
Problem-solving ability and responsibility.
How to answer:
• Brief context
• Your specific role
• What you did
• Outcome
German interviewers value process and responsibility more than dramatic success stories.
“How do you handle teamwork and conflict?”
What they are testing:
Compatibility and communication style.
How to answer:
• Show you can work independently and in teams
• Emphasize communication and structure
• Keep emotions out of it
Avoid blaming others. Focus on resolution.
“How do you work under pressure or deadlines?”
What they want:
Reliability, not heroism.
Good answers include:
• Planning and prioritization
• Asking for clarification early
• Communicating delays proactively
Avoid claiming you “never feel pressure”.
“What are your salary expectations?”(Gehaltsvorstellung)
What they expect:
A realistic range, not a guess.
How to answer:
• Research typical ranges
• Give a reasonable bracket
• Emphasize flexibility, especially as a student or graduate
Avoid:
• “I don’t know”
• Unrealistically high numbers without justification
“When can you start?”
(Wann können Sie anfangen?)
Be honest and precise:
• Mention notice periods
• Consider exams, thesis, visa constraints
Unclear availability creates uncertainty.hing through the Uni-Assist online portal.
Questions for the Interviewer(Haben Sie noch Fragen?)
Always ask questions.
Not asking questions is seen as lack of interest.
Good topics:
• Team structure
• Onboarding process
• Typical projects
• Expectations in the first months
Avoid:
• Salary or vacation as first question
• Questions already answered on the websiteeverything through the Uni-Assist online portal.
Common Interview Mistakes
• Being too informal too early
• Overselling yourself
• Giving vague answers
• Not knowing your own CV details
• Speaking confidently but inaccurately
German interviews reward clarity over confidence.
Reality Check
• Interviews are not exams—you don’t need perfect answers
• Structure and honesty matter more than charm
• Preparation significantly improves outcomes
• Calm, factual communication is a strength in Germany
If you can explain what you did, why it mattered, and what you learned, you are already ahead of many candidates.