Field notes · 11 March 2026
What German Ausbildungsbetriebe look for in a first Bewerbung
How training companies skim Lebensläufe, which attachments matter, and why vague motivation letters stall in the inbox.
Most Ausbildungsbetriebe open dozens of applications in a single intake window. The first pass rarely involves a long reading of your story. Recruiters check whether the Ausbildungsberuf title matches the posting, whether your contact details are complete, and whether certificates are attached in a readable order.
A Lebenslauf that jumps between date formats or hides Praktikum experience under vague headings slows that scan. Put schooling, language level, and any workshop or shop experience where a German reader expects them. If you completed a Schülerpraktikum in a related field, name the company and the tasks — “helped in the office” tells them almost nothing.
Motivationsschreiben fail when they praise Germany in general instead of the craft. Mention the trade’s daily work, the dual rhythm of Betrieb and Berufsschule, and one concrete reason this company fits your commute or interest. Keep the letter to one page unless the posting asks for more.
Finally, follow the channel the posting states. Some firms still want postal Bewerbungsmappen; others use an online portal. Sending both without being asked looks careless rather than eager.