Do I need to prepare a portfolio and a German CV separately, and what should each include for a Master's?
Yes, almost every German masters program requires a Lebenslauf, a tabular CV including a photo and date of birth. A portfolio is only needed for creative or technical fields like architecture, design, or media, and should lead with your strongest three to four projects showing your process.
Yes, you generally need both documents prepared separately for a German Master's application, though whether a portfolio applies to you depends heavily on your field. Your CV, called a Lebenslauf, is almost always required, while a portfolio only matters for creative, design, or certain technical programs.
CV Versus Portfolio at a Glance
| Document | Required For | Key Content |
|---|---|---|
| Lebenslauf (CV) | Almost all Master's programs | Photo, date of birth, education, experience, skills, signature |
| Portfolio | Architecture, design, fine arts, media, some engineering or computer science | Strongest 3 to 4 projects, process, sketches, and outcomes |
Building Each Document Well
- Format your CV as a tabular, one to two page document in reverse chronological order, including your thesis topic and final grade.
- List your language skills using the CEFR scale, such as B2 or C1, alongside your technical or software skills.
- For your portfolio, lead with your best work, show your process and iterations, and keep the layout clean and minimalist.
My Advice
Draft your Lebenslauf first since nearly every program needs it, then check your specific course page for portfolio page limits and format rules before you assemble anything, since strict programs reject submissions that exceed their stated page count.
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