Gaps in your CV: how to explain them to German employers
Almost every CV has gaps. German recruiters care less about the gap than about how clearly you explain it – briefly, honestly and without apologising.
German CVs list every station with month and year, so gaps are easy to spot. A short line in your CV answers the question before it is asked.
When is a gap a gap?
Up to about three months between jobs counts as a normal job search. Longer periods should get their own line.
Good wording (in German)
- Moving to Germany: „Umzug nach Deutschland, Integrationskurs und Deutschkurs (B1)“
- Recognition process: „Anerkennungsverfahren als Pflegefachkraft, parallel Deutschkurs B2“
- Job search: „Berufliche Neuorientierung, Weiterbildung Staplerschein“
- Parental leave: „Elternzeit und Familienarbeit“
- Caring for relatives: „Pflege eines Familienangehörigen“
- Illness: „Krankheitsbedingte Auszeit, vollständig genesen“ – no details needed
- Travel: „Sabbatical: Reise durch Südostasien“
Avoid
- Hiding gaps with year-only dates – recruiters notice.
- False information – it can later justify dismissal.
- Long justifications in your cover letter.
In the interview
Keep it short and move to the present: “In 2025 I moved to Germany and focused on learning German. I now have a B1 certificate and I'm ready to start.”
See also: How to apply for jobs in Germany.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to mention an illness?+
No. Health details are private. A neutral line such as “krankheitsbedingte Auszeit” is enough.
How do I show the time before I moved to Germany?+
List your jobs and education in your home country normally. The move and your first months with language courses can be their own entry.
Is unemployment a problem on a German CV?+
Not if you explain it briefly and show what you did in that time, such as courses, applications or volunteering.
Don't want to type every cover letter?
Jobmir finds matching jobs at the German Federal Employment Agency and writes a separate German cover letter for each company. You review and approve – it goes out in your name, and replies come straight to you.
Start for free