Guide
What German employers look for in a Praktikum application
German internship applications rarely fail because of missing ambition. They fail because the file does not answer the practical questions a recruiter has in the first ninety seconds: when can you start, which semester are you in, and can you work in German or English on the shop floor or in the office?
Lead with availability and study status. A clear line such as “available full-time from 1 September for three months” sits higher than a long personal statement. Match the role title in your subject line and opening paragraph to the posting — if the advert says “Praktikum im Einkauf,” say those words, not a vague interest in “operations.”
Employers also scan for evidence you understand the workplace, not only the university module. A short bullet about a previous workshop, retail shift, or student project that touched the same tools or customers carries more weight than a list of soft skills.
Finally, check the format expectations. Many German offices still prefer a one-page Lebenslauf with a photograph only when requested, and an Anschreiben that names the team and the concrete tasks you can support. Keep attachments clearly labelled with your name.