Presenting Multilingual Skills Correctly in Your Profile

Language details are the most frequently mis-filled part of any applicant profile. Some write "German: good" although it isn't enough for taking an order. Others write "German: basic" although they could easily coordinate a shift. Both cost jobs — the first through false starts, the second through wasted chances. Multilingualism is a real asset. You just have to put it on the scale correctly.

This article gives you an honest, usable scale — without a certificate requirement, but concrete enough that an employer knows exactly where they stand.

A list "German, Turkish, English" says almost nothing. What matters is what you can do in the language. The Institute for Employment Research has found that around half of businesses expect at least B2 German — but not all, and not for every activity. A dishwashing area calls for a different level than a shift lead. If you state the level honestly, exactly the job that fits finds you — instead of you landing in one that over- or under-challenges you.

You don't have to memorise CEFR letters. Translate them into what you can really do:

• Basic (≈ A1–A2): Single words, simple sentences, numbers, greetings. You understand clear instructions if spoken slowly. Example phrasing: "German: basic — I understand simple instructions, speaking still limited."
• Simple communication (≈ B1): Everyday life and work instructions work; you can ask follow-up questions. "German: simple communication — work instructions and short conversations no problem."
• Confident at work (≈ B2): You work independently, speak with guests/colleagues fluently enough, also understand the occasionally unclear. "German: confident — guest and team communication no problem."
• Very confident (≈ C1+): Responsibility, documentation, difficult conversations — all manageable in German.

The same scale applies to every language. "Turkish: native", "English: simple communication" — done. Make it in Germany clarifies which level is typically expected for what under Do I need German skills?

The difference between a statement and an argument:

• Weak: "Speaks Turkish."
• Strong: "Turkish (native) — can confidently serve and translate for Turkish-speaking customers and colleagues."

Languages that have a concrete benefit in the job belong up front, not at the end. In teams with a mixed workforce — hospitality, logistics, cleaning, construction — this very bridge is often what sets you apart from other applicants. More on this, specifically for the Turkish-speaking audience, in the article "Turkish-speaking jobs in Germany".

1. Don't upgrade. Too high a claim is exposed in the first phone call — costing you the position and your reputation. An honest "simple communication" beats a fudged "fluent".
2. Don't downplay. Whoever understates out of modesty isn't even asked for tasks they could do. Dare to state the realistic level.
3. Concrete instead of vague. "Can take orders by phone" says more than any level label. An example beats a tag.

If you're actively working on a language, add that — it looks self-assured, not weak: "German: simple communication, currently in a job-related language course." Which courses exist is explained by the BAMF under German for the job.

Language details aren't a mandatory field to tick off quickly but one of the strongest filters working for or against you. Honest level, concrete example, useful language up front. On Vardio the AI helps you phrase this cleanly in three languages — but you make the assessment of your level, honestly. That is exactly what makes your profile credible.