Abitur
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Abitur
The highest school-leaving qualification in Germany, which entitles someone to study at a university. It is usually obtained after 12 or 13 years of school at a Gymnasium.
Nach dem Abitur möchte sie Medizin studieren.
After the Abitur, she wants to study medicine.
In German, fixed verb combinations are used with 'Abitur'. You 'macht' das Abitur (take/do the Abitur—the process), 'besteht' es (pass it—the success), and 'hat' es (have it—the possession of the qualification).
Meine Schwester macht nächstes Jahr ihr Abitur.
My sister is taking her Abitur next year.
In everyday language, especially among school and university students, 'das Abitur' is almost always shortened to 'das Abi'.
Was machst du nach dem Abi?
What are you doing after the Abi?
The school-leaving qualification that entitles someone to study at university has a different name in Austria and Switzerland. There it is called the 'Matura'.
In Österreich heißt der höchste Schulabschluss Matura.
In Austria, the highest school-leaving qualification is called Matura.
Abitur
'das Abitur' and 'das Abi' mean the same school-leaving qualification. Both refer to the highest school-leaving qualification in Germany, which normally allows you to study at a university. The difference is mainly one of style. 'Abitur' is the full and more neutral form, for example in official texts or conversations with authorities. 'Abi' is the short, colloquial form and sounds more natural in everyday life. Learners may confuse the words because they are the same in meaning. You just need to pay attention to the situation: in official contexts, use 'Abitur' more often; in private contexts, often 'Abi'.
Für dieses Studium braucht man in der Regel das Abitur.
For this degree program, you generally need the Abitur.
Nach dem Abi möchte Max ein Jahr reisen.
After his Abi, Max wants to travel for a year.