How to Apply for a Cleaning Job in Germany: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cleaning Jobs: A Great Starting Point in Germany

Cleaning is one of the most in-demand jobs in Germany. Offices, hotels, hospitals, private households — reliable people are needed everywhere to keep things clean. And the best part: you don't need formal qualifications to get started.

For many newcomers in Germany, a cleaning job is the first step into the labor market. There's nothing to be ashamed of — cleaning professionals keep everything running. Without them, clinics, schools, and companies would stop functioning.

This article shows you step by step how to write a convincing application as a cleaner — even if your German isn't perfect yet or you don't have work experience in Germany.

What Employers Look for in Cleaning Staff

Before you write your application, it helps to understand what employers care about. For cleaning jobs, personal qualities matter more than certificates:

• Reliability: You show up on time and do your work conscientiously
• Physical fitness: The job is physically demanding — standing, bending, lifting are part of it
• Independent work: You often work alone and need to know what to do
• Cleanliness and accuracy: Sounds obvious, but it's the most important criterion
• Flexible hours: Cleaning work often takes place early in the morning or in the evening

German language skills are helpful, but for many cleaning jobs, a basic level (A2-B1) is sufficient. You need to understand work instructions and communicate with colleagues.

Your CV as a Cleaner: How to Structure It

Even without formal training in cleaning, you can create a convincing CV. The German CV is structured in tabular form — if you want to know more, check out our complete CV guide.

Personal Details

At the top, list your contact information:

• Full name
• Address
• Phone number (mobile)
• Email address
• Date and place of birth
• Nationality (for non-EU citizens: mention your residence status)

Work Experience

List your previous jobs here — including those from your home country. If you've already done cleaning work in Germany (even privately or as a Minijob), include it.

Example phrases:

• Cleaning of office spaces (500 m²) including sanitary facilities
• Independent deep cleaning of 15 hotel rooms per shift
• Cleaning and disinfection in a medical practice following hygiene protocols

If you don't have cleaning experience yet, list other jobs and emphasize transferable skills like punctuality, organizational talent, or physical work.

Skills and Qualifications

This is where you can score points:

• German language level (e.g., German B1 — Integration Course Certificate)
• Other languages
• Driver's license (a big plus for building cleaners)
• Experience with cleaning machines or specialized cleaning products
• Hygiene training or first aid course

The Cover Letter: Short, Honest, Convincing

The cover letter for cleaning jobs is usually shorter than in other professions — but it shows the employer that you're making an effort. Keep it to one page maximum.

Tip: You don't have to write the cover letter on your own. With Bewerbungsgenius, you can have a professional cover letter generated automatically — tailored to the position and matched to your language level. This saves time and helps you avoid common mistakes.

Structure of Your Cover Letter

Subject: Application as Cleaning Professional — [Job reference number if available]

Introduction (2-3 sentences): Why you're applying and where you found the position.

Example:

I am applying for the position as a cleaning professional that you advertised on Indeed. I am reliable, physically fit, and looking for a role where I can contribute my attention to detail.

Main section (3-5 sentences): What you bring and why you're a good fit.

Example:

In my home country, I worked in hotel cleaning for three years. I am experienced with cleaning various surfaces and work quickly and thoroughly. Since arriving in Germany, I have successfully completed the integration course and speak German at B1 level.

Closing (1-2 sentences): Availability and willingness to interview.

Example:

I can start immediately and am flexible with hours — including early and late shifts. I would be very pleased to receive an invitation for an interview.

Where to Find Cleaning Jobs

Finding cleaning jobs is easier than in many other professions. Here are the best places to look:

• Job portals: Indeed, Stepstone, Arbeitsagentur (Jobbörse) — search for Reinigungskraft, Raumpfleger, or Gebäudereiniger
• Temporary employment agencies: Randstad, Adecco, Manpower — they often place cleaning jobs and handle the paperwork
• Directly with cleaning companies: Large companies like Piepenbrock, Gegenbauer, or Wisag are constantly hiring
• Notice boards: In supermarkets, bakeries, and community boards you'll often find local offers
• Jobcenter: If you're registered at the Jobcenter, your advisor can suggest suitable positions

If you're applying through a temporary agency, the process is similar to applying as a warehouse worker — agencies mainly look for reliability and flexibility.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

These mistakes are unfortunately common in applications:

• No signature: In Germany, cover letters are signed (digital is fine)
• Spelling errors: Use Bewerbungsgenius to have your cover letter generated automatically — this way you avoid mistakes from the start
• CV too long: Two pages maximum, one is better
• Missing contact details: Mobile number and email must be current
• Copied standard texts: Employers notice when you've written one cover letter for a hundred companies

Limited German? You Can Still Apply

Even if your German isn't strong yet, you have good chances for a cleaning job:

• Use Bewerbungsgenius for your cover letter — the tool creates professional application letters automatically, even if German isn't your native language. Just enter your details and get a finished cover letter.
• Mention in your CV that you're currently taking a language course and actively improving
• Many cleaning companies hire at A2 level if the work quality is right

By the way: If you want to know how job applications work in general as a newcomer in Germany, check out our guide for applying as a foreigner.

Minijob or Full-Time? What Suits You Best

Cleaning jobs come in different models:

• Minijob (556 euros per month): Ideal as a starting point alongside a language or integration course. You pay no taxes and stay health-insured (through Jobcenter or spouse).
• Part-time (20-30 hours): More money, more experience. Often possible when you work mornings and evenings.
• Full-time (35-40 hours): Fixed salary (approx. 2,000-2,400 euros gross), holiday entitlement, social insurance.

Start with a Minijob if you're unsure. Many employers offer you more hours after a few months when they see you work well.

Salary: What Does a Cleaner Earn?

Since 2026, the industry minimum wage for building cleaners is 14.25 euros per hour (interior cleaning). For glass and facade cleaning, it's even 16.70 euros. That's more than the general minimum wage.

At full-time (40 hours), that results in a gross salary of approximately 2,280 to 2,672 euros per month. After deductions, roughly 1,600-1,900 euros net remain — depending on tax class and family status.

Next Step: Create Your Application

You now have everything you need to write a strong application as a cleaner. Don't be discouraged if the first application doesn't work out immediately. Many cleaning companies urgently need staff — keep going.

If you want to create your CV and cover letter quickly and professionally, try Bewerbungsgenius. The tool guides you through the process step by step — even if German isn't your first language.