Job Interview in Germany – 20 Common Questions, Answers and German Examples (A1–B1)

How Does a Job Interview in Germany Work?

A job interview is called a Vorstellungsgespräch (job interview) or Bewerbungsgespräch (employment interview) in German. It can take place in person, over the phone or via video call.

A typical job interview has five stages:

1. Greeting and introductions. The employer and candidate introduce themselves.
2. Questions about experience and qualifications. The employer wants to learn more about your professional background.
3. Discussion of responsibilities, motivation and skills. The employer assesses how well you match the position.
4. Discussion of employment conditions. Working hours, salary and the possible starting date are often discussed.
5. Questions from the candidate. You have an opportunity to ask your own questions about the company and the job.

Not every interview follows exactly this structure. For example, an initial interview for a warehouse position may be considerably shorter than a detailed interview for a qualified specialist.

How long does a job interview in Germany last?

20 Common Job Interview Questions in German – With Answers and English Translations

What questions are asked during a job interview in Germany?

The following 20 questions cover some of the most common topics in German job interviews.

Each question includes a sample answer in German, an English translation and, where useful, a short explanation.

The answers are examples. Always adapt them to your actual professional experience and personal circumstances.

1. Erzählen Sie etwas über sich. – Tell me about yourself.

Sample answer in German:

What does the employer want to know?

The employer wants to get a first impression of you.

Three or four sentences about your professional experience, skills and career goals are often enough.

2. Warum möchten Sie bei uns arbeiten? – Why do you want to work for our company?

Sample answer:

Tip: Before the interview, find out what the company does and what responsibilities the advertised position involves.

3. Welche Berufserfahrung haben Sie? – What work experience do you have?

Sample answer:

Try to describe the tasks you performed for your previous employers as specifically as possible.

4. Was sind Ihre Stärken? – What are your strengths?

Sample answer:

If possible, provide a short example from your working life that demonstrates these qualities.

5. Was sind Ihre Schwächen? – What are your weaknesses?

Sample answer:

Choose an honest answer and explain what you do to improve.

6. Warum haben Sie Ihre letzte Arbeitsstelle verlassen? – Why did you leave your previous job?

Sample answer:

Only use this answer if it genuinely reflects your situation.

7. Warum sollten wir Sie einstellen? – Why should we hire you?

Sample answer:

This is an opportunity to explain which skills and personal qualities make you a suitable candidate.

8. Wie gut sprechen Sie Deutsch? – How well do you speak German?

Sample answer:

State your actual German language level. If you can understand basic workplace instructions, mention this during the interview.

9. Können Sie im Schichtdienst arbeiten? – Can you work shifts?

Sample answer:

This question is particularly common in interviews for production, logistics and warehouse jobs.

10. Sind Sie bereit, Überstunden zu machen? – Are you willing to work overtime?

Sample answer:

This answer shows that you can be flexible under certain conditions.

11. Arbeiten Sie lieber allein oder im Team? – Do you prefer working alone or in a team?

Sample answer:

12. Wie gehen Sie mit Stress um? – How do you deal with stress?

Sample answer:

13. Was wissen Sie über unser Unternehmen? – What do you know about our company?

Sample answer:

This example is suitable for a metalworking company. Research the actual employer before your interview and adjust your answer accordingly.

14. Haben Sie einen Führerschein? – Do you have a driving licence?

Sample answer:

15. Haben Sie einen Staplerschein? – Do you have a forklift operator certificate?

Sample answer:

If you obtained your certificate abroad, check whether additional requirements apply to operating a forklift at your future workplace in Germany.

16. Sind Sie körperlich belastbar? – Are you physically fit for demanding work?

Sample answer:

17. Wann können Sie anfangen? – When can you start?

Sample answer:

If you are already employed, you may need to consider your Kündigungsfrist (notice period).

18. Welche Gehaltsvorstellungen haben Sie? – What are your salary expectations?

Sample answer:

The €3,000 figure is only a language example, not a recommended salary for a particular occupation.

Before your interview, research typical salaries for your profession and region.

Also make sure you understand whether the discussion concerns gross monthly salary, gross annual salary or an hourly wage.

19. Wo sehen Sie sich in fünf Jahren? – Where do you see yourself in five years?

Sample answer:

20. Haben Sie noch Fragen an uns? – Do you have any questions for us?

Sample answer:

You can also ask:

Asking your own questions shows that you are interested in the position and its working conditions.

Job Interview in German at A1–A2 Level – 10 Simple Answers

Have you only recently started learning German but already want to prepare for a job interview?

Even with A1 or A2 German language skills, you can practise simple answers to common interview questions.

You do not need complicated grammar to explain who you are and describe your work experience clearly.

These sentences are intended as language exercises. They are not universal answers that every candidate should use regardless of their personal circumstances.

Job Interview Dialogue in German – Complete A1–A2 Example

What does a job interview in German sound like in practice?

Here is a simple job interview dialogue between an employer and a candidate applying for a warehouse position.

How Can You Practise This Job Interview Dialogue?

First, read the entire dialogue and make sure you understand every question.

Then repeat the candidate's answers aloud.

During your next practice session, try to understand the questions without looking at the English translations and answer them yourself.

Finally, replace Martin's information with your own personal details and professional experience.

Job Interview Without Work Experience – What Should You Say?

Do you have no previous experience in the profession you are applying for?

You do not need to hide this during the interview.

If you have previously worked in another profession, you can highlight transferable skills that are also useful in your new job.

These might include reliability, punctuality, responsibility, teamwork, technical knowledge and the willingness to learn new tasks.

Job Interview Questions and Answers for Different Professions

Interview questions vary depending on the profession and the employer.

Here are three practical examples for common types of jobs in Germany.

Warehouse Job Interview – Lagerarbeit (Warehouse Work) and Logistics

During a warehouse job interview, employers may also ask about shift work, physical fitness and experience operating forklifts.

Production Job Interview – Produktion (Manufacturing and Production)

Practical experience, reliability and compliance with workplace safety rules are often important topics in manufacturing interviews.

Care Job Interview – Pflege (Care Work)

Language and qualification requirements for care positions may be higher than those for some other types of work.

What Should You Do If You Don't Understand a Question in German During a Job Interview?

One of the most difficult situations for people learning German is being asked a question they do not understand during an interview.

In this situation, it is better to ask politely for clarification than to answer based on a guess.

These ten useful German phrases can help you during a job interview:

Essential German Vocabulary for a Job Interview

When preparing for a job interview in German, it is useful to know some common employment-related terms.

You will often encounter these words in job advertisements, application documents and conversations with employers.

How to Prepare for a Job Interview in Germany – 7 Practical Tips

Good preparation can help you feel more confident when speaking with a potential employer.

These seven steps will help you prepare for your next job interview in Germany.

1. Read the job advertisement carefully.

   Pay particular attention to the responsibilities and requirements. Consider which ones match your previous professional experience.

2. Research the company.

   Visit the employer's website. Find out what products the company manufactures or what services it provides.

3. Prepare a short self-introduction.

   Three to five sentences are a good starting point. Explain who you are, what professional experience you have and what type of job you are looking for.

4. Practise the ten most important interview questions.

   Start with the questions that are particularly relevant to your profession.

5. Say your answers aloud.

   Simply reading prepared answers is not enough. Speaking practice helps you prepare for a real interview situation.

6. Prepare your own questions for the employer.

   You can ask about working hours, training, responsibilities and other important employment conditions.

7. Check all practical details.

   Confirm the interview date and time, the company's address, your travel arrangements and any documents you need to bring.

Practise Your German Job Interview – Can You Answer These 5 Questions?

Now it's your turn.

Try answering the following five common German interview questions without using prepared sample answers.

Three Practice Levels: A1, A2 and B1

You can answer these questions according to your current German language level.

A1 – Beginner

Answer each question with one short, simple sentence.

A2 – Elementary

Use two or three sentences and provide a little more information about your experience.

B1 – Intermediate

Expand your answer with an explanation or a specific example.

Example: How to Describe Your Work Experience at A1, A2 and B1 Levels

Always adapt your answers to your actual work experience.

If you do not know the German words needed to answer a question, write them down and learn them before your next practice session.

How to Practise German for a Job Interview With Deutsch mit Spaß (DMS)

To succeed in a German job interview, simply recognising individual words is not enough.

You also need to understand questions and form appropriate answers yourself.

On the Deutsch mit Spaß (DMS) learning platform, you can develop several language skills that are useful when preparing for a job interview in Germany.

Expand Your German Vocabulary for Work and Careers

Learn German words related to professions, job responsibilities, personal qualities and everyday situations.

A broader vocabulary makes it easier to describe your professional experience and skills.

Review German Grammar

Practise verbs, sentence structure and past tense forms.

These skills are particularly useful when talking about your previous work experience during an interview.

Learn German With Word Games

Use Wordle, Wortpfad (Word Path), Silbenwerk (Syllable Workshop) and other German word games to recognise, combine and review vocabulary.

This allows you to combine language learning with enjoyable mental challenges.

Learn More About Working in Germany

Explore learning materials about professions, working conditions and the use of German in everyday professional situations.

DMS does not replace a live job interview simulation. However, it helps you build important language foundations for your preparation.

Related DMS Articles About Working in Germany

If you are looking for a job in Germany, you may also find these topics useful:

• Working in Germany Without Speaking German – what employment opportunities are available?
• Temporary Agency Work (Zeitarbeit) in Germany – how does working through an employment agency work?
• Recognition of Foreign Professional Qualifications (Anerkennung) in Germany – what should you know?

Editorial note: Before publication, add verified internal links to the corresponding DMS articles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Job Interviews in Germany (FAQ)

Do I Have to Speak German at a Job Interview in Germany?

No, not always. Some companies may conduct interviews in English or another language.

However, German language skills are necessary for many positions, especially for communicating with colleagues and customers and understanding workplace instructions.

Can I Find a Job in Germany With A1 or A2 German?

Yes, this is possible for certain positions.

Whether A1 or A2 German is sufficient depends on the job responsibilities, the employer and the level of communication required.

For professions with higher language requirements, A1–A2 may not be enough.

How Do I Say in German That I Have No Work Experience?

You can say:

This is a simple sentence that is also suitable for candidates with basic German language skills.

How Do I Say in German That I Am Looking for a Full-Time Job?

How Do I Say in German That I Can Start Immediately?

Can I Ask About Salary During a Job Interview in Germany?

Yes. Salary is an important part of employment conditions.

If the employer has not yet explained the salary arrangements, you can raise the subject at an appropriate point during the interview.

What Should I Do If I Don't Understand the Employer's Question in German?

Politely ask the employer to repeat the question or explain it in simpler words.

For example:

Should I Memorise Job Interview Answers in German?

It is better to learn important phrases and understand what they mean.

This allows you to adapt your answers to the actual questions rather than simply repeating memorised sentences.

Conclusion: How to Prepare Successfully for a Job Interview in Germany

Successful job interview preparation begins with three essential things: understanding the responsibilities of the position, being able to describe your professional experience and knowing useful German phrases.

Even with limited German language skills, you can prepare simple and understandable answers in advance. What matters is that your answers are honest and relevant to the position you are applying for.

Use these 20 German job interview questions and answers as practical exercises, expand your German vocabulary and prepare step by step for your next interview.