An Anschreiben is not a biography. It is a short argument that you understand the vacancy and can meet its demands.
Steal structure from the job ad
Highlight three requirements from the posting. In your letter, answer each with one concrete example from your work — numbers, scope, or a decision you owned. Avoid claiming soft skills without a scene attached.
Formal address still counts
If a contact person is named, use it. If not, a precise department address is better than a vague “Dear Sir or Madam” copied from a template. Mirror the language of the posting: German letter for a German ad unless the employer invites English.
Length and attachment etiquette
One page is enough. Sign with your full name and phone number. Mention that your Lebenslauf and certificates are enclosed — then make sure they are.
Our Cover Letter Clinic walks through one real vacancy with you so the finished letter is usable the same week, not a generic sample for a fictional company.