CV for nurses from abroad

Nurses are in high demand in Germany. Yet many applications fail because of the CV: the recognition status is missing, the German level is unclear, experience is described too vaguely. Here is what employers in care (Pflege) look for and how to state it correctly.

1. Recognition status: the key line in your CV

Nursing (Pflege) is a regulated profession in Germany. You may only work as a Pflegefachfrau, Pflegefachmann or Pflegefachperson with a state licence (Erlaubnis). That is why employers immediately want to see which stage you are at. If this is missing, it looks like a gap.

Important: the German job title is protected. Until you have the licence, state your own qualification with the country and add the stage of recognition separately.

Typical phrases (in a German CV), depending on the stage:

• Antrag auf Anerkennung gestellt bei [zuständige Stelle] (seit MM/JJJJ) — application submitted
• Defizitbescheid erhalten, Kenntnisprüfung geplant für MM/JJJJ — notice of differences received, exam scheduled
• Anpassungslehrgang in [Einrichtung/Bundesland] seit MM/JJJJ — adaptation course in progress
• Kenntnisprüfung bestanden (MM/JJJJ), Erlaubnis beantragt — exam passed, licence applied for

If you have not started the process yet, say so. Being honest here saves you awkward questions in the interview.

2. German: level and certificate

For the licence you usually need German at B2 level, proven by a recognised certificate, for example Goethe, telc, ÖSD or a special language exam for health professions. In your CV always state the CEFR level (A1–C2) and, if you have it, the certificate with its date. “Good German” tells an employer nothing.

If you are studying for the next level, say that too: “Deutsch B1 (telc), Kurs B2 läuft, Prüfung 11/2026”.

3. Experience: concrete, not general

“Patient care” is in every CV. What makes it convincing are the details of what you actually did:

• Ward: intensive care (Intensivstation), surgery, emergency, geriatrics, home care, care home
• Scope: how many patients you were responsible for per shift
• Tasks: for example wound care, infusions, medication, basic and treatment care, care of ventilated patients
• Documentation: which systems you used, if you know
• Further training: for example wound management, palliative care, mentoring (Praxisanleitung)

If you trained new colleagues, that is real experience and worth mentioning. Only name what you actually did: this is exactly what will be checked in the interview and during probation.

4. How recognition works (in short)

• You apply to the authority of the federal state where you want to work (for example the Landesamt für Pflege in Bavaria, the Regierungspräsidium Stuttgart in Baden-Württemberg). You can also apply from abroad.
• The authority compares your training with the German one. If there are no substantial differences, your qualification is recognised as equivalent.
• If there are differences, you receive a notice and make up for them: with an adaptation course (Anpassungslehrgang, several months with a final interview) or an exam (Kenntnisprüfung for non-EU qualifications, Eignungsprüfung for EU qualifications).
• Together with a B2 certificate and other documents (for example a criminal record certificate and a health certificate) you receive the licence and may use the German job title.

Nursing diplomas from the EU, the EEA or Switzerland can be recognised automatically (Directive 2005/36/EC), without an adaptation course or exam. Whether this applies to you depends on the diploma and when you obtained it; the authority looks at each case individually. You need to apply for the Erlaubnis and prove your German in any case. While recognition is under way, many people work as a nursing assistant (Pflegehilfskraft). From non-EU countries a recognition partnership (Anerkennungspartnerschaft) is also possible: you already work in Germany and complete recognition alongside, with an employer who takes part.

Details, costs and responsible authorities differ between federal states. A general overview is in our recognition guide. Official information and free advice: anerkennung-in-deutschland.de, the official portal of the German government. This page is not legal advice.

5. Responsible offices and costs by federal state

For a qualification from a non-EU country (outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland). The decision comes at the latest 4 months after all documents are complete; with automatic recognition from the EU at the latest after 3 months.

Possible additional costs: an expert opinion from the Gutachtenstelle für Gesundheitsberufe (GfG) €515, a specialist language exam (€350 in Bavaria), translations and certifications. The Anerkennungszuschuss (up to €600) can cover costs; apply for it before the recognition application.

Source: Anerkennungs-Finder on anerkennung-in-deutschland.de, as of October 2026. Amounts may change.

6. Checklist for your CV

• Your own qualification with the country, the German title only after the licence
• One line on the recognition status
• German with CEFR level and certificate
• Ward, scope and concrete tasks for each job
• Foreign qualification names with a short explanation

Frequently asked questions

As of October 2026 · More guides: IT · Skilled trades (Handwerk) · Recognition of qualifications · Chancenkarte · DE · RU · UK · PL · RO · ES · IT · FR · TR · AR · FA · About cvfix · Impressum · Datenschutz