In short: A German interview (Vorstellungsgespräch) runs about 30–45 minutes in five phases. It opens with a “tell me about yourself” self-presentation (3–5 minutes), covers a fairly standard set of questions, and expects you to ask questions back. Be punctual (arrive ~10 minutes early), stay formal (Sie), and know that — unlike in the US — a thank-you note is a nice touch, not an expectation.
You’ve passed the paper stage; now a human wants to meet you. German interviews are more structured and formal than casual Anglo ones, but predictable once you know the shape. Here’s what to expect.
How it flows
A typical interview moves through five phases over ~30–45 minutes:
- Small talk — a brief, friendly warm-up.
- Getting acquainted — the company introduces itself and the role.
- Your self-presentation — the core (below).
- Questions — theirs, then yours.
- The close — next steps and timeline.
The self-presentation (“Erzählen Sie etwas über sich”)
Almost every interview opens the main part with “Tell us about yourself.” This is not an invitation to recite your CV. Keep it to 3–5 minutes, structured with the German formula “Ich bin – Ich kann – Ich will” (who I am → what I can do → what I want): a short professional identity, your most relevant strengths with proof, and why this role is the logical next step. It’s the most important few minutes of the interview — prepare it.
The standard questions
Expect most of these — the strengths/weaknesses pair comes up in roughly 9 of 10 interviews:
- “Was sind Ihre Stärken und Schwächen?” — strengths and weaknesses (name a real weakness plus how you manage it).
- “Warum haben Sie sich bei uns beworben?” — why this company (shows you researched it).
- “Warum sollten wir uns für Sie entscheiden?” — why you over others.
- “Wo sehen Sie sich in fünf Jahren?” — your direction.
- Your reasons for changing jobs, and any CV gaps.
The German premium is on concrete, factual answers backed by examples — not polished self-promotion.
Questions they may NOT ask you
Useful to know as an international: German law bars a range of questions, and if you’re asked one, you have a recognized “right to lie” (Recht zur Lüge) with no legal consequences. Off-limits topics include:
- Pregnancy, family planning, marital status, partner (sex-discrimination).
- Religion or political affiliation (except for church or party employers).
- Health, disability or prior illnesses — unless genuinely job-specific.
You’re not obliged to answer these, and you may answer them untruthfully without risk. (kanzlei-hasselbach, StepStone)
Your questions (Rückfragen)
Having no questions at the end reads as disinterest. Prepare two to four genuine ones — but don’t lead with salary or holidays. Good examples:
- “What does a typical working day in this role look like?”
- “How would you describe the company culture in three words?”
- “What’s the biggest challenge in this position right now?”
Salary in the interview
If salary comes up, keep it as a gross annual figure (Brutto-Jahresgehalt) and frame it as negotiable. It’s generally fine to defer detailed salary talk to a second interview or wait until you’re asked — the full playbook (researching your band, anchoring, total-package levers) is in the salary guide; the cover-letter guide covers stating expectations in writing.
Etiquette
- Be punctual — arrive about 10 minutes early. Lateness is a serious mark against you.
- Stay formal — Sie and “Sehr geehrte/r …” unless clearly invited to Du.
- Dress to the sector — suit/Kostüm (skirt suit) for banking, industry and conservative firms; smart-casual is fine at many startups and creative companies.
After the interview: the thank-you note
Here’s the delta from the US, where a thank-you note is near-mandatory: in Germany it’s optional — but increasingly appreciated. Around 75% of recruiters view a brief thank-you note as a sign of genuine interest (karrierebibel). If you send one:
- By email, within ~24 hours (at most two days).
- Short — 100–150 words: thanks, one specific point from the conversation, restated interest.
Heard nothing? It’s normal to wait 3–4 weeks; a polite follow-up after 2–3 weeks is fine.
Virtual interviews
Video interviews (Video-Interview) are now common, especially for first rounds. The same rules apply — punctual, formal, prepared — plus test your setup in advance and keep a plain, quiet background.
Prepare the application, then the interview
Getting to the interview is the hard part — JACVault builds the German-standard CV and cover letter that get you there. Your first application is free.
Start for free → · The full application process · Application glossary
General information, not legal advice. Last reviewed: see the date at the top.