· 10 min read
German Job Interview Phrases 2026: What Recruiters Actually Ask
By Language Lab editorial team
The German phrases you need for job interviews in Germany — common questions, how to answer them, professional vocabulary, and how to prepare in advance.
How job interviews work in Germany
German job interviews (Vorstellungsgespräch) tend to be more formal and structured than interviews in the UK or US. German interviewers typically follow a prepared question set, focus on concrete qualifications and work history rather than abstract competency frameworks, and expect precise, substantive answers rather than enthusiastic self-marketing. Improvised answers with vague positive language are less well-received in German interview culture than specific, measurable examples of past work.
German interviews are usually conducted in German, even at international companies — particularly for technical interviews with German teams. Some multinational companies conduct first-round interviews in English and technical rounds in German. In either case, demonstrating German proficiency signals commitment to integration and makes a strong impression, even if the interview is formally in English.
Common German interview questions and how to answer them
| German question | English translation | Answer approach |
|---|---|---|
| Erzählen Sie mir etwas über sich. | Tell me about yourself. | Professional background in 2 minutes: education, last role, why this company. Keep it structured. |
| Warum bewerben Sie sich bei uns? | Why are you applying to us? | Research the company specifically. Generic answers (interesting company) are weak. |
| Was sind Ihre Stärken? | What are your strengths? | Give 2–3 with concrete evidence. Avoid clichés: teamfähig (team player), motiviert (motivated). |
| Was sind Ihre Schwächen? | What are your weaknesses? | Give a real weakness with a credible improvement story. Interviewers see through non-answer weaknesses. |
| Wo sehen Sie sich in 5 Jahren? | Where do you see yourself in 5 years? | Show ambition aligned with the role. Don't say 'in your chair' or be too vague. |
| Warum verlassen Sie Ihren aktuellen Job? | Why are you leaving your current job? | Keep positive. Never criticise current employer in a German interview. |
| Was sind Ihre Gehaltsvorstellungen? | What are your salary expectations? | Research the market (Glassdoor, StepStone). Give a range, not a fixed number. |
| Haben Sie Fragen an uns? | Do you have questions for us? | Always have 2–3 questions. Silence here reads as disinterest. |
Key vocabulary for the German job application process
| German term | English meaning |
|---|---|
| Bewerbungsunterlagen | Application documents (CV, cover letter, references) |
| Lebenslauf | CV / résumé (chronological in Germany, with photo) |
| Anschreiben | Cover letter (1 page, formal, specific to each application) |
| Arbeitszeugnis | Employment reference letter (from previous employer — very important in Germany) |
| Vorstellungsgespräch | Job interview |
| Probezeit | Probationary period (typically 3–6 months in Germany) |
| Gehaltsvorstellung | Salary expectation |
| Festanstellung | Permanent employment |
| Befristeter Vertrag | Fixed-term contract |
| Tarifvertrag | Collective bargaining agreement (sets salary bands in many sectors) |
Useful phrases during the interview itself
| German phrase | When to use it |
|---|---|
| Darf ich kurz nachfragen? | May I ask a follow-up question? (when clarification needed) |
| Das ist eine interessante Frage — darf ich kurz nachdenken? | That is an interesting question — may I take a moment to think? (buying 30 seconds) |
| In meiner letzten Position habe ich... | In my last position I... (starting a work example) |
| Ich habe Erfahrung mit... und habe dabei gelernt... | I have experience with... and learned from it... (showing reflection) |
| Was schätzen Mitarbeiter besonders an diesem Unternehmen? | What do employees value most about this company? (strong question to ask) |
| Wie ist der nächste Schritt im Auswahlverfahren? | What is the next step in the selection process? (closing question) |
Frequently asked
Should I speak German in a German job interview if my German is not fluent?
Use whatever language the interviewer establishes. If they open in German and you are at B1 or above, respond in German. If your German is below B1, it is better to ask whether you can interview in English than to struggle — a poor German interview can hurt more than an English one, which at least demonstrates vocabulary and fluency in the relevant technical domain.
Do I need a Bewerbungsfoto on my CV in Germany?
Technically you are not required to include a photo (since 2006, German anti-discrimination law means employers cannot require it). However, a professional Bewerbungsfoto is still the strong norm in Germany and most applications include one. Omitting it is not standard and may be noticed. If you include one, use a professional photo — casual or holiday photos are inappropriate.
What is an Arbeitszeugnis and why is it so important?
The Arbeitszeugnis is a formal reference letter issued by every German employer upon the end of employment. German employment law requires employers to issue them, and the language is highly codified — there is a well-understood system of positive, neutral, and subtly negative formulations that German HR professionals read like a code. An applicant without an Arbeitszeugnis from German employment is not unusual (common for new arrivals) but an applicant who has worked in Germany and cannot provide one is a red flag.
