German recruiters rarely read a Lebenslauf like a story. They hunt for signals: degree recognition cues, internship employers they know, and whether your German language claim matches the vacancy.
The first five seconds
Most scanners look at the header block—name, city, phone with country code, and email—then jump to Ausbildung or Studium. If your university name is unfamiliar, a one-line clarification (“state-accredited master’s in mechanical engineering, TU-equivalent grading”) reduces bounce.
Photos remain common in many industries. If you include one, keep it plain and current. Skip lifestyle crops.
Internships beat vague “projects”
International graduates often bury Pflichtpraktika under coursework. Move employer names and durations into a work section even if the role was unpaid. German readers treat structured internships as work evidence.
Language lines that invite disbelief
“Fluent German” next to a CV written only in English raises questions. State concrete levels (e.g. B2 speaking, C1 reading) and note if interviews can start in English. Honesty here prevents awkward first calls.
What to cut
Decorative skill bars, multi-page academic publication lists for non-research roles, and motivational mottos waste the minute you have. Keep the file to two pages unless you are applying for research posts that expect publications.