LOR for Germany: Writing Format, Editable Template & Samples

When writing your letter of recommendation for a university in Germany, it’s very important to choose the right recommender. Someone who has context about your education, work and can cite projects to recommend you to the university. Here are a few things to consider when you’re writing a recommendation letter:

• Choose the Right Recommender: Select a professor, project supervisor, or employer who can provide detailed insights into your academic performance, research aptitude, or practical experience.
• Follow University-Specific Guidelines: German universities often specify word limits (usually 400 to 600 words), structure, and required competencies. Always follow the requirements mentioned on the official website.
• Highlight Technical & Academic Strengths: Germany is research-driven, so emphasize quantitative achievements, analytical skills, lab experience, project contributions, and subject-specific strengths.
• Show Alignment With the Program: The recommender should clearly state why your skills match the chosen German program - especially for STEM, engineering, data, or applied sciences.
• Mention Soft Skills Relevant to Germany: Emphasise attributes like discipline, punctuality, teamwork, problem-solving, and efficiency - traits appreciated by German academia and employers.

A typical Letter of Recommendation for German universities follows a formal, concise, and well-organised structure, generally about 400-600 words. Although short, there is a formal structure for writing a LOR to best highlight your achievements and keep things clear and concise. 

1. Header 

A letter of recommendation starts with an official letterhead, date, name of the university or the institution to which it is addressed. This is then followed by the salutation, after which the letter starts. This segment is essential and must be properly drafted to maintain professionalism. 

Example: 

ABC Institute of Technology - Department of Mechanical Engineering

12 March 2025

Admissions Committee

RWTH Aachen University

Faculty of Mechanical Engineering

Aachen, Germany

Subject: Letter of Recommendation for Mr. Arjun Mehta

2. Introduction

It introduces the recommender, their position, department, their relationship with you, and their context of interaction with the applicant. This section primarily sets the context and the authenticity of the account as it focuses on the recommender and your relationship.

Example:

I am pleased to recommend Mr. Arjun Mehta, whom I have taught and supervised for over two years as a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at ABC Institute of Technology. I have closely observed his academic progress through my courses in Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics and during his capstone project.

3. Body 

The body is essentially consistent of two or three paragraphs, which include a detailed evaluation of your academic/professional career. This section also involves the use of specific instances to highlight your expertise in the area. Additionally, a balanced critique also involves discussion of your strengths and areas of growth, which the selected program can add. 

Example:

Arjun consistently ranked among the top 5% of his class and demonstrated remarkable proficiency in computational modelling and heat transfer. His mini-project on CFD simulation surpassed course expectations, earning him the highest grade in the cohort.

4. Conclusion

The conclusion or the final paragraph is a clear statement of recommendation that expresses confidence in your ability, character, and strengths, considering you suitable for the program. It highlights your values and your potential to succeed in the chosen field.

Example:

Based on his exemplary academic record, research aptitude, and strong personal qualities, I wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Arjun Mehta for the Master’s program at RWTH Aachen University. I am confident that he will make meaningful contributions to your academic community.

An Academic Letter of Recommendation written by a professor for the admission of a student into an MS program in Germany.

[Institution/ Company Letterhead]

[Date] 

Admissions Committee

[University Name] 

[Department or Faculty Name] 

[Full University Address

Subject: Letter of Recommendation for [Your Name] 

Respected Sir/Ma’am, 

I am pleased to recommend [Your Name] for your Master’s program in [Program Name] at [University Name]. I have had the privilege of supervising [Your Name] during their undergraduate studies in the Department of [Department Name] at [Institution Name] for the past [duration]. During this time, I have observed [him/her/them] to be an exceptional student with strong analytical abilities, exceptional dedication, and eagerness to learn.

[Your Name] consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of core subjects such as [mention relevant subjects], excelling in both coursework and practical assignments. Notably, [he/she/they] completed a project on [briefly describe project], which showcased excellent problem-solving skills, creativity, and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.

Beyond academic excellence, [Your Name] exhibited excellent communication skills, leadership qualities, and the ability to adapt to new challenges. [He/She/They] actively contributed to group discussions and helped classmates understand complex topics, reflecting a collaborative spirit.

I am confident that [Your Name] possesses the academic ability, motivation, and personal qualities to excel in your Master’s program and contribute significantly to the university community. I strongly recommend [him/her/them] for admission and am happy to provide further information if required.

Sincerely,

[Recommender’s Full Name] 

[Title/ Position] 

Department] 

[Institution/Company Name] 

[Contact Information] 

[signature] 

Top German public and private universities generally require letters of recommendation for admission to gauge your suitability for the selected program beyond your academic grades. Universities like the TUM, Technical University of Berlin, and RWTH Aachen generally demand at least 1 letter of recommendation for selection. 

Let us discuss the requirements of a letter of recommendation for some of the top universities in Germany in detail:

[Institution/Company Letterhead]
[Date]

Admissions Committee
[University Name]
[Department/Faculty]
[Full Address]

Subject: Letter of Recommendation for [Applicant Name]

Respected Sir/Madam,

I am pleased to recommend [Applicant Name] for the Master of Science program in [Program Name] at [University Name]. I have known [Applicant Name] for the past [X years] as their Professor/Supervisor in the Department of [Department Name] at [Institution Name]. During this period, I have closely observed their academic performance, research capabilities, and technical strengths.

Academically, [Applicant Name] has consistently demonstrated strong proficiency in [relevant subjects - for example: Data Structures, Thermodynamics, Robotics, Machine Learning]. They ranked in the top [%] of the class and showcased a deep understanding of complex STEM concepts. In my course, [he/she/they] delivered exceptional performance in assignments and exams, often exceeding expectations through additional analysis and problem-solving.

One of [Applicant Name]’s most notable contributions was their involvement in [specific project or research], where they applied advanced technical tools such as [MATLAB, Python, SolidWorks, TensorFlow, etc.]. Their ability to implement theoretical concepts into practical models highlights their readiness for Germany’s research-intensive learning environment. Their final-year project, titled [Project Title], was highly appreciated by the review committee for its innovation and accuracy.

Beyond academics, [Applicant Name] possesses strong teamwork, communication, and leadership skills. They actively participated in [hackathons, technical clubs, lab groups, seminars], demonstrating initiative and an eagerness to expand their knowledge. Their discipline, punctuality, and problem-solving approach align well with the academic culture of German universities.

I strongly believe that [Applicant Name] has the technical expertise, research aptitude, and motivation required to succeed in a competitive MS program in Germany. I highly recommend them for admission to [University Name]. Please feel free to contact me for any further information.

Sincerely,
[Recommender’s Full Name]

[Title/Designation]
[Department]
[Institution/Company]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Signature]

[Company/Institution Letterhead]
[Date]

Admissions Committee
[University Name]
[Business School/Department]
[Full Address]

Subject: Letter of Recommendation for [Applicant Name]

Respected Sir/Madam,

It is my pleasure to recommend [Applicant Name] for the MBA program at [University Name]. I have supervised [Applicant Name] for [X years] in my capacity as [Manager/Senior Manager/Team Lead] at [Organization Name]. During this period, I have witnessed significant growth in their professional competence, leadership qualities, and business acumen.

[Applicant Name] has demonstrated exceptional capability in managing [projects/teams/clients] and executing responsibilities with precision. They played a key role in [specific role - for example: developing marketing strategies, managing operational workflows, handling client relationships, or leading financial planning]. 

A major highlight of [Applicant Name]'s tenure was [describe major project/initiative], where they successfully led a team of [X members] to deliver results ahead of schedule and within budget. Their ability to analyse challenges, present data-driven solutions, and collaborate across departments reflects strong managerial potential - highly valued in German business schools.

Additionally, [Applicant Name] possesses excellent communication, negotiation, and strategic thinking skills. Their ability to coordinate with international stakeholders and adapt to multicultural environments demonstrates their readiness for Germany’s global business environment. They have also shown initiative by participating in [internal leadership programs, training sessions, workshops, CSR activities, etc.], further enhancing their managerial profile.

Given their outstanding professional record, leadership ability, and career motivation, I confidently recommend [Applicant Name] for the MBA program at [University Name]. I am certain that they will contribute meaningfully to your academic community and excel in their future business career.

Sincerely,
[Recommender’s Full Name]
[Job Title/Designation]
[Organization Name]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Signature]

Framing a perfect letter of recommendation is essential, as it would help the admission committee understand your distinctions beyond papers, through real experiences. Some of the essentials to keep in mind while obtaining your LOR include the recommender, transparency, and credibility. 

Here are some guidelines to follow to ensure a perfect LOR:

Format

The LOR should be typed on the official letterhead of the institution or company, and it should also include the recommender’s name, designation, contact details, and signature. Maintaining the format of the LOR is extremely significant as it reflects your diligence. Along with that, try to maintain a positive tone to sound professional. 

Clear Introduction 

In the LOR, make sure that there is a clear introduction of you, the recommender, and your relationship with them. It should include how long and in what capacity you have known them, and your impression of them. 

Specific Examples

Make sure that the instances used to prove your abilities are not feigned and sound legitimate. The examples should be transparent, genuine, and clear, while demonstrating the extent of your capabilities. 

Keep it Concise.

Ideally, your LOR should not be more than 1.5 pages. It should have a logical flow of words, which includes an introduction, a detailed body, paragraphs, and a conclusion. Make sure to keep it relevant to the university and the course that you are applying for. 

Avoid Mistakes 

Lastly, get your letter checked by a professional. There must be no grammatical or spelling errors in the letter, as it will create a bad impression upon the reader and reduce its credibility. Moreover, such mistakes could also make the letter look less professional. 

On the other hand, here are some of the detrimental mistakes that you should avoid: 

• Do not use the same generic LOR for every other country; make it specific to German universities.
• Additionally, you should also not use the same generic LOR for all the universities; make sure the LOR aligns with the university's ethics and values. 
• Do not leave out specific instances within your career that demonstrate your skills and abilities; these make you stand out among others.
• Although you do not require too much mention of your grades, make sure to add some to reflect your academic performance. 
• Do not submit letters with grammatical or spelling mistakes; these create a bad impression on the decision makers. 
• Do not choose a recommender who hasn’t closely worked with you and hasn't supervised you. Your recommender should have in-depth knowledge of your achievements. 

If you’re planning to study in Germany, a strong Letter of Recommendation (LOR) can make the difference between a good application and a standout one. With competitive programs like Master's in Management (MiM), Engineering, and Business, German universities look for more than just grades - they want credible insights into your skills, work ethic, and potential.

A well-crafted LOR not only validates your academic and professional achievements but also showcases your unique strengths to the admission committee. Yocket has helped over 30,000 students create stellar applications, guiding them in selecting the right recommenders, structuring compelling letters, and highlighting the achievements that matter most for German universities. With the right LOR, you can elevate your application and confidently compete for admission into top-ranked institutions like TUM, WHU, and the University of Mannheim.