F · Careers Without Borders
Leben & Arbeiten in Europa
Living and working in Europe
Connect your German to real careers. We link to official employer listings and government sources — we never invent vacancies, salaries or visa eligibility.
Der Bewerbungsleitfaden
The application guide
Lebenslauf (CV)
Tabular, 1–2 pages, reverse-chronological. A photo is optional and increasingly omitted. Include language levels (e.g. Deutsch B1).
Anschreiben (cover letter)
One page, specific to the role. Opening: 'Sehr geehrte Frau …'. Close: 'Mit freundlichen Grüßen'.
Workplace etiquette
Punctuality, use 'Sie' until offered 'du', direct feedback is respect, not rudeness. Respect Feierabend.
Networking
LinkedIn is widely used, XING still present. Personalised connection notes in German stand out.
Salary terms
Brutto (before tax) vs. Netto (after). 'Jahresbruttogehalt' = annual gross. 13th-month salary is common in some firms.
Language expectations
Many tech roles in Berlin work in English; client-facing, consulting and Mittelstand roles often expect B2+.
Interview practice
- „Erzählen Sie etwas über sich.“ — Tell us about yourself.
- „Warum möchten Sie bei uns arbeiten?“ — Why do you want to work here?
- „Was sind Ihre Stärken und Schwächen?“ — Strengths and weaknesses?
- „Wo sehen Sie sich in fünf Jahren?“ — Where in five years?
Job Opportunity Radar
Wo wird gesucht?
Employer career portals across DE · AT · CH
| Company | Search | Location | German | English | Skills | Verified | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SAP Software | Search: graduate & consulting roles | Walldorf / Berlin Germany | Varies by role (see listing) | Typically required | ERP, Cloud, Consulting | 2026-10-10 | SAP careers → |
| Siemens Industrial tech | Search: engineering & digital roles | Munich / Erlangen Germany | Varies | Typically required | Automation, Software | 2026-10-10 | Siemens careers → |
| BMW Group Automotive | Search: IT, data & strategy roles | Munich Germany | Varies | Required | Data, Strategy | 2026-10-10 | BMW Group jobs → |
| Red Bull Consumer brands | Search: marketing & business roles | Fuschl am See / Salzburg Austria | Often expected | Required | Marketing, Business | 2026-10-10 | Red Bull jobs → |
| Roche Pharma | Search: science & business roles | Basel Switzerland | Varies | Typically required | Life sciences, Analytics | 2026-10-10 | Roche careers → |
| Nestlé Consumer goods | Search: graduate programmes | Vevey (French-speaking CH) Switzerland | Not usually (French region) | Required | FMCG, Supply chain | 2026-10-10 | Nestlé jobs → |
These entries point to official employer job portals, not specific vacancies. Language requirements vary per listing — read the original ad. Check entries older than 90 days before relying on them.
Interactive
Stellenanzeigen-Decoder
German job-description decoder
Decoded terms (12)
- Berufserfahrung — work experience
- Kenntnisse — knowledge / skills
- verhandlungssicher — business-fluent (C1+)
- fließend — fluent
- Teilzeit / Vollzeit — part-time / full-time
- befristet / unbefristet — fixed-term / permanent
- Bewerbungsunterlagen — application documents
- Gehaltsvorstellung — salary expectation
- Eintrittstermin — start date
- Homeoffice — remote work
- Ihr Profil — your profile (requirements)
- Wir bieten — we offer (benefits)
Official sources
Visa, recognition & the rules
Each country has different rules
Germany
Switzerland
This is orientation, not legal advice. Eligibility for the EU Blue Card or Chancenkarte depends on your situation — confirm with the official portal or embassy.