Lesson 7 of 8 · Level B1 · 15 min
Writing your application (Bewerbung)
German full course
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The first 2 lessons are free. Payment opens soon (card and EcoCash). Until then, every lesson is open to everyone.
A German application (Bewerbung) usually has three parts: a short cover letter (Anschreiben), a CV in table form (Lebenslauf), and copies of certificates (Zeugnisse), translated into German.
- Keep the Anschreiben to one page.
- Address a person if you can: “Sehr geehrte Frau Müller,”. If not: “Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,”.
- The Lebenslauf lists dates on the left and what you did on the right, newest first. A photo is common but not required.
- End with “Mit freundlichen Grüßen” and your name.
weil sends the verb to the end
To give a reason use weil (because). In a weil clause the verb goes to the very end: Ich möchte Elektroniker werden, weil ich gern mit Technik arbeite.
Set phrases
Tap the headphones to hear each one.
- Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,Dear Sir or Madam,
- hiermit bewerbe ich mich um einen Ausbildungsplatz als …I am applying for a training place as …
- Ich interessiere mich für diesen Beruf, weil …I am interested in this occupation because …
- Ich arbeite gern im Team.I like working in a team.
- Ich habe bereits Erfahrung in …I already have experience in …
- Über eine Einladung zu einem Vorstellungsgespräch freue ich mich sehr.I would be very happy to be invited to an interview.
- Mit freundlichen GrüßenKind regards
Use only things that are true for you. ApplyAndRise can write a letter from your CV, which you then translate or check with the phrases above.
Quiz
1. How do you start a letter when you don’t know the name?
2. Which is correct?
3. What is a Lebenslauf?
4. How do you sign off a formal letter?
5. “Zeugnisse” in an application are…