This carte de visite features a gentleman in some sort of uniform which includes a cap and sash. He appears very “official”. Is he a military veteran? Is he a train conductor or a law enforcement officer? The photographer of this image is F. Steffen. He operated a studio in Erlangen, Germany. The city is located in the Bavarian region of Germany. The Cabinet Card Gallery has another photograph by Steffen in it’s collection. You may view the image by placing the word “Steffen” in this site’s search box. (SOLD)
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 
I believe he is a university student, they wore caps such as these, in this era. The ribbon across the chest probably identifies a fraternity to which he belonged.
Yes, it is s a student; on the back there is the smbol of the “Studentenverbindung” he belonged to – the round thing next to the name “Seubert”. It is the symbol of the fraternity “Corps Onoldia” (see https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corps_Onoldia)
Thanks to you and Ross R. for the interesting information concerning the young man pictured in this portrait. The visitors to this site are often great resources of information and talented researchers. Thanks again for your comments.