The Abitur

The Abitur (colloquially "Abi") is Germany's university entrance qualification — the equivalent of A-Levels in the UK or the high school diploma in the US. It is awarded at the end of Gymnasium, typically after 12 or 13 years of schooling depending on the state. In Berlin it is after year 12 (G8).

The Abitur consists of both school-based grades (Schulnoten) accumulated over the final two years and written and oral exams taken in the final year. Students typically sit exams in 4 to 5 subjects. The final grade (Abiturnote or Abinote) is a combination of coursework grades and exam results, expressed on a scale from 1.0 (best) to 4.0 (minimum pass).

Students choose a combination of core subjects and electives. Every student must take German and Maths. At least one natural science or social science is required. Students select their exam subjects (Leistungskurse and Grundkurse) at the start of the final phase (Oberstufe). The exact subject requirements vary slightly by state.

The Abitur is the standard entry requirement for German universities. A grade of 1.0 is the highest; most competitive university courses (medicine, law, psychology) have a numerus clausus (NC), a minimum grade required for admission. The Abitur is also recognized internationally, though some foreign universities may require additional documentation.

Children who completed schooling outside Germany may need to have their qualifications recognized (anaerkennung). The process depends on the country and the type of qualification. The Kultusministerkonferenz (KMK) provides guidance. Some international qualifications such as the IB (International Baccalaureate) are widely accepted by German universities without conversion.