The Bundeswehr, Germany's federal armed forces, is one of the country's largest employers. In April 2026, 185,919 soldiers were serving, alongside more than 81,000 civilian staff (Bundeswehr personnel figures). Whether you are drawn to a career in uniform or a civilian role, you start with the same questions: What requirements must I meet? How does the application work? And how do I convince the selection board?
This guide walks you through a Bundeswehr application step by step. You will learn which documents you need, how to shape a convincing CV and cover letter, what to expect at the aptitude test and the fitness test, and which mistakes to avoid. By the end, you will know exactly what to do to get your application moving.
Requirements for a Bundeswehr application
Before you apply, check whether you meet the basic requirements. The Bundeswehr distinguishes between general requirements that apply to almost everyone and educational requirements that vary by career track (Laufbahn).
General requirements
For a military career you need German citizenship (Section 37 of the German Soldiers Act) and must be at least 17 years old; minors need parental consent (requirements for service). You also need a clean criminal record, a commitment to the free democratic constitutional order, and medical fitness, which is assessed by a doctor during the selection procedure. There is no longer a blanket upper age limit: the former cap of 29 years for officers was abolished in 2021, so entry is now largely independent of age, as long as your qualifications and a sufficient commitment period fit (Bundeswehr age limits).
Educational requirements by career track
The school qualification you need depends on the track you are aiming for. The enlisted track (Mannschaft) requires no specific qualification; completing compulsory schooling is often enough. The non-commissioned officer track usually expects a lower secondary diploma plus completed vocational training, or an intermediate diploma. The officer track requires the Abitur or a university entrance qualification, because it is usually tied to a degree at one of the Bundeswehr universities. Check early which track matches your qualification, because it shapes the rest of your application.
