Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Vorstellungsgespräch | [ˈfoːɐ̯ʃtɛlʊŋsɡəˌʃpʁɛːç] (narrow) [-ɡəˌʃpʁeːç] (narrow) |
neuter |
| Bewerbungsgespräch | /bəˈvɛɐ̯bʊŋsɡəˌʃpʁɛːç/ /-ɡəˌʃpʁeːç/ |
neuter |
In German, a job interview is typically referred to as a Vorstellungsgespräch. You may also encounter the term Bewerbungsgespräch, which specifically refers to an application conversation or interview.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Vorstellungsgespräch is a compound of Vorstellung (presentation or introduction) and Gespräch (conversation or talk), literally meaning an interview for a presentation or introduction. The word Bewerbungsgespräch is a compound of Bewerbung (application) and Gespräch (conversation or talk), literally meaning an application interview.
Which one should you use?
While both terms describe an interview for a job, Vorstellungsgespräch is the standard and more common term used to describe the interview itself.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both terms are neuter nouns. The plural of Vorstellungsgespräch is Vorstellungsgespräche, and the plural of Bewerbungsgespräch is Bewerbungsgespräche.
Did you know?
- While 'interview' in English is used for journalism and jobs, German uses Interview almost exclusively for media. For a job, using Interview instead of Vorstellungsgespräch would sound like you are being questioned by a reporter.
- It is common for German candidates to bring a physical folder of 'Zeugnisse' (certificates and references) to a Vorstellungsgespräch. While English speakers rely on a CV, Germans often provide formal proof of every previous qualification.
- In Germany, the word Vorstellung can also mean a theater performance or a play. This creates a subtle linguistic link between a job interview and a stage performance where the applicant is 'on stage'.
Examples in context
- Ich war bei einem Vorstellungsgespräch.I was at a job interview.This sentence is useful for stating that you were at a Vorstellungsgespräch.Tatoeba #8307446 by Espi, translation #3823524 by CK
- Wie ist das Bewerbungsgespräch gelaufen?How did it go at the job interview?This sentence is useful for asking how a Bewerbungsgespräch went.Tatoeba #11736948 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5170103 by Lindoula
- Tom hatte am Montag ein Vorstellungsgespräch.Tom had a job interview on Monday.This sentence is useful for stating that someone had a Vorstellungsgespräch on a specific day.Tatoeba #6669434 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6666951 by CK
- Ich habe nächste Woche ein wichtiges Vorstellungsgespräch bei einer renommierten Firma.I have an important job interview next week with a renowned company.
- Ich muss morgen zu einem Bewerbungsgespräch. Drück mir die Daumen!I have a job interview tomorrow. Wish me luck!
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Lukas are talking in a café.
- JuliaWann hast du dein Vorstellungsgespräch?When is your job interview?
- LukasIch habe es morgen früh.I have it tomorrow morning.
- JuliaBist du nervös wegen dem Vorstellungsgespräch?Are you nervous about the job interview?
- LukasJa, ein bisschen.Yes, a little bit.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “job interview” translations and entries Vorstellungsgespräch, Bewerbungsgespräch, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
