Berlin CV template: how to use it, tips & FAQ
Berlin is best for: Applications in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and other continental European markets that expect a structured Lebenslauf.
Use Berlin — freeAll 46 templates
Live preview with fictional sample content, drawn by the same renderer as the builder.
What the Berlin layout looks like
A structured two-column CV with a photo and a personal-data block (date of birth, nationality) alongside a strictly chronological career history.
The photo only appears if you upload one. In the builder, the Show these details? panel lets you show or hide the photo, date of birth, nationality, marital status and visa status — and that single setting applies to the preview, the PDF, the Word file and printing.
Who the Berlin template suits
Think twice for: US, UK and Canadian applications — personal data and photos are not expected there.
Applying in Europe? Check the country rules for photos, date of birth and length in the international CV format guide and date of birth and photo rules.
Is Berlin ATS-friendly?
Structured layout; use the Text PDF or .docx for portals. Personal fields follow your visibility settings in every export.
Whatever design you choose, the builder's Application view shows the same content as a simple one-column page, and the Text PDF and .docx downloads keep selectable text in a clear reading order. No tool can guarantee how a particular employer's system reads a file, so follow the job advert's instructions. More in our ATS-friendly resume guide.
Tips for a stronger Berlin CV
- Choose the Continental Europe format so date of birth and nationality appear by default.
- Use a professional headshot with a plain background.
- Sign and date the CV in the cover letter if the employer expects it.
How to make a Berlin CV in 5 steps
- Open Berlin in the free builder — no account needed.
- Enter your details in the form, or import a JSON backup from another device.
- Click any text on the page to edit it in place; press Enter to finish or Esc to cancel.
- Check page flow with the page markers, then look at Application view for portals.
- Download a Text PDF, a Word .docx, a Design PDF or print.
Berlin template FAQ
Is Berlin the German CV (Lebenslauf) format?
It follows the common German structure: photo, personal data and reverse-chronological history. Check the specific employer's instructions as well.
Can I hide my date of birth in Berlin?
Yes. Set Date of birth to Always hide and it disappears from the preview, PDF and Word file.
Is the Berlin template free?
Yes. Berlin is free to edit and download as a PDF or Word (.docx) file, with no sign-up and no watermark.
Can I switch from Berlin to another template without losing my content?
Yes. Your details are stored once and every template reads the same content, so switching designs never deletes anything. You can also undo a change.
Which file should I send to an online application portal?
Use the Text PDF or the Word (.docx) download. Both keep your content in a simple reading order with selectable text. Use the Design PDF when you email the CV directly to a person.