German cover letter (Anschreiben)
Structure, format and examples

DIN 5008 structure of the cover letter

DIN 5008 is the German standard for the formal layout of business letters, and employers also expect it for cover letters. Unlike the CV (Lebenslauf), the cover letter is not a table but clearly structured continuous text with a fixed header.

• Sender address at the top, recipient address in the address field below it.
• Date right-aligned, without repeating the place.
• Subject line naming the specific position, in bold, without the word „Betreff:“ (Subject:).
• Salutation with the contact person's name if the job ad gives it.
• Three clearly separated paragraphs: opening, main part, closing.

Common mistakes in German cover letters

• The word „Betreff:“ in front of the subject line.
• The salutation „Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren“ (Dear Sir or Madam) although a name was known.
• The CV repeated as continuous text instead of new content.
• No recognisable link to the specific job ad.
• More than one page.

4 steps to your German cover letter

1. 1

   Set the address block and subject line according to DIN 5008

   Your address goes at the top left or right, the company's address below it on the left in the address field. The date is right-aligned, without the place in front if it already appears in the letterhead. The subject line names the position specifically, without the word „Betreff:“ in front, for example „Bewerbung als Pflegefachkraft, Kennziffer 4471“ (application as a registered nurse, reference number 4471).

2. 2

   Open without a stock phrase

   The first sentence decides whether the reader goes on. Avoid „Hiermit bewerbe ich mich als …“ (I hereby apply as …), which is pure formality without information. Start with a concrete reference instead: the job ad, a recommendation or a professional observation about the company.

3. 3

   Build the main part on achievements, not on a list

   Do not repeat your CV in prose. Choose two or three concrete situations from your previous work that show what you can achieve in the new position. Each statement should connect to a requirement from the job ad.

4. 4

   Close by actively offering an interview

   Avoid the conditional „Über eine Einladung würde ich mich freuen“ (I would be pleased to receive an invitation), which sounds unsure. Phrase it actively, for example „Gerne stelle ich Ihnen meine Erfahrung im persönlichen Gespräch vor“ (I look forward to presenting my experience to you in person). Finish with the closing formula and your signature; the date is already in the letterhead at the top.

The three-paragraph logic in detail

A cover letter consists of exactly three blocks of content. In the opening, you create interest with a concrete reference, not by announcing that you are applying; that is already in the subject line. In the main part, you show with examples why you fit the position instead of just listing qualities.

In the closing, you signal actively that you would like to talk, and you finish with the closing formula and your signature. Each paragraph has one task; a paragraph that tries to do two things at once usually looks unstructured.

Why copied cover letters get rejected

HR departments often only skim a cover letter briefly and look for specific things: a link to the job in the opening, whether the main part matches the required tasks, and whether the company is mentioned by name at all. A cover letter that would fit any other job just as well stands out immediately in this quick scan.

Example wording: before and after

The following examples show how a general statement becomes a concrete, verifiable sentence. The aim is not more text, but more content per sentence.

Cover letter in German or in English?

International companies and job ads written in English often expect an English cover letter, even if part of the later communication in the company takes place in German. The structure differs from the German Anschreiben in important points.

Tools and related guides

Frequently asked questions