Language skills on your CV: how to state A1 to C2 correctly
When applying in Germany, language skills are often a must-have requirement – German in particular. What matters is a statement that is realistic and verifiable.
Phrases like „good German“ or „fluent English“ are open to interpretation. A recruiter cannot tell from them whether you can run a client meeting or write a report.
The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) solves that: it describes language levels from A1 to C2 and is widely understood in Germany.
This article shows which level matches which abilities, how to present languages on your CV and which mistakes stand out.
Why language skills matter so much on a German CV
Job ads often list language skills among the explicit prerequisites – for example „German at least B2“ or „business-fluent English“.
If the statement is missing or vague, a requirement you actually meet can stay invisible. That also applies to automated screening in applicant tracking systems, which look for exactly these terms.
How those systems match requirements is explained here: ATS explained
Levels A1 to C2 at a glance
A practical way to place the levels:
| Level | Meaning | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | beginner | single words and simple sentences, introducing yourself |
| A2 | basic | simple everyday situations, short standard exchanges |
| B1 | intermediate | familiar topics at work, simple arrangements |
| B2 | upper intermediate | professional conversations, reading technical texts, writing emails |
| C1 | advanced | complex specialist topics, presentations, negotiations |
| C2 | near-native | all professional situations, nuanced written work |
Many specialist roles in Germany expect B2 or C1 in German. In nursing and healthcare, B2 is often a formal requirement.
State your native language separately
Your first language does not get a CEFR level. Write „native language“ instead – an entry like „Arabic C2“ is unnecessary and looks artificial.
How to present languages on your CV
Languages belong in a short section of their own, usually under „Skills“ or directly below it. A simple list sorted by level works best:
- German – C1
- English – B2
- Spanish – A2
- Turkish – native language
With a certificate
German – C1 (telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule, 2025) · English – B2 · French – A2
A certificate in brackets makes the claim easier to verify, but it is not mandatory.
Before/after: stating language skills precisely
Before
„German: good · English: fluent · French: basic“
Problem: not comparable and not verifiable.
After
„German – B2 (Goethe-Zertifikat B2, 2024) · English – C1 · French – A2“
Benefit: clear levels, verifiable evidence, matching the requirement in the ad.
Avoid bars, stars and percentages
Graphics such as progress bars, stars or „80 %“ look modern but say nothing concrete: what does 80 per cent German mean?
On top of that, such graphics are frequently not captured when a CV is parsed automatically. Plain text is the safe choice.
Which formats are read reliably: ATS-friendly CV
Certificates recognised in Germany
Evidence is especially useful for German as a foreign language. Common certificates are:
- German: Goethe-Zertifikat, telc, TestDaF, ÖSD, DSH
- English: IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge (B2 First, C1 Advanced)
- Other languages: DELE (Spanish), DELF/DALF (French), CILS (Italian)
If you have no certificate
You can state your level without an exam – just assess it honestly and rather conservatively. It helps to name the practical context.
Example: „German – B2, used daily in client conversations and documentation“. That is easier to verify than a bare self-assessment.
Common mistakes with language skills
- vague words like „good“ or „fluent“ without a level
- claiming a higher level than you have
- listing your native language as C2
- scattering languages across the whole CV
- bars or percentages instead of text
- highlighting expired or unknown certificates
- not mentioning the language required in the ad
- mentioning language skills only in the cover letter
Check whether the required language is visible
Frequently asked questions
Which German level do I need to apply in Germany?
It depends on the role. Specialist positions with client contact often expect B2 or C1, while some English-speaking IT teams accept English only. The job ad is the authoritative source.
Do I have to attach a language certificate?
Only if the ad asks for it or it is required to have a profession recognised. Otherwise stating the level on your CV is enough, though evidence supports your claim.
How do I assess my level without an exam?
Use the level descriptions: if you can hold a specialist conversation and write reports, you are around B2 or C1. If it is enough for everyday situations, B1 is realistic.
Where do language skills go on the CV?
In a short dedicated section within your skills, usually after work experience and education.
Should I list every language I know?
List languages from roughly A2 upwards and anything relevant to the role. A few words picked up on holiday do not belong on a CV.
Do programming languages count?
No. Programming languages belong to your IT skills and are listed separately from foreign languages.
Read on
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