Abitur facts for kids

The Abitur is a really important final exam in Germany, Lithuania, and the Czech Republic. It's usually taken at the end of high school, after about 12 or 13 years of schooling. In Germany, the official name for the certificate you get is Allgemeine Hochschulreife. When students pass these final exams, they receive their Abiturzeugnis. This special certificate formally allows them to go to a university!

What is the Abitur?

The Abitur is like a big graduation test that students take to show what they've learned. It's a bit like a high school diploma, but it's specifically designed to prepare students for university studies. The word "Abitur" comes from the Latin word abire, which means "to go away" – fitting, as it marks the end of secondary school and the start of something new!

Where is the Abitur used?

While the Abitur is most famous in Germany, it's also a key exam in other countries. Students in Lithuania and the Czech Republic also take similar final exams that are called Abitur. These exams help make sure students have the right knowledge and skills to continue their education at a higher level.

How long does it take to get the Abitur?

Getting to the Abitur usually takes a long time, often 12 or 13 years of school. This includes all the years from elementary school up through high school. During these years, students learn many different subjects, building up their knowledge for the big final exams. The exact number of years can sometimes depend on the specific school system in a region.

What happens after the Abitur?

Once a student passes the Abitur exams and gets their certificate, they have a lot of choices! The main purpose of the Abitur is to allow them to attend a university. This means they can apply to study subjects like science, history, art, or engineering. It's a big step towards their future careers and further learning.

Images for kids

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  This German graduate (Abiturient) wrote on his car: "Class of 2008: Not knowing anything, but knowing where it is written. Abipedia" (a portmanteau word compiled from Abitur and Wikipedia)

See Also

• Education in Germany
• University