diploma / degree
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degree
An official certificate that confirms the successful completion of a university degree program, especially at universities of applied sciences or universities under older degree regulations.
Nach ihrem Abschluss als Diplom-Ingenieurin fand sie schnell eine gute Stelle.
After graduating as a Diplom engineer, she quickly found a good position.
diploma / certificate
A certificate awarded as recognition for a special achievement in a competition or exam.
Alle Teilnehmer des Sportfestes erhielten ein Diplom als Anerkennung.
All participants in the sports festival received a diploma as recognition.
To distinguish the meanings, pay attention to the context. In connection with a university, university of applied sciences, or professional titles, it refers to the academic degree. At sports festivals, swimming courses, or competitions, it is a simple certificate given as an award.
Für die Stelle wird ein abgeschlossenes Diplom in Betriebswirtschaft verlangt.
A completed degree in business administration is required for the position.
The Diplom was long the standard university degree in Germany, comparable to a master's degree. Today it is mostly replaced by bachelor's and master's degrees, but it is still very common in professional titles and among older graduates.
Mein Vater ist noch Diplom-Chemiker, ich habe einen Master in Chemie gemacht.
My father is still a Diplom chemist; I did a master's in chemistry.
The term 'Diplom-' is often used as part of a professional title to indicate the academic degree. Examples are 'Diplom-Ingenieur' (Diplom engineer) or 'Diplom-Kauffrau' (female Diplom business graduate).
Die Firma sucht eine Diplom-Informatikerin für die Softwareentwicklung.
The company is looking for a female Diplom computer scientist for software development.
certificate / document
Urkunde is a general term for an official document that confirms a fact or an achievement. Diplom is more specific here: it certifies the successful completion of a university degree program in accordance with the relevant degree regulations. For this particular graduation document, Diplom is therefore more precise.
Bei der Abschlussfeier erhielt sie ihr Diplom für das erfolgreich beendete Hochschulstudium.
At the graduation ceremony, she received her degree for successfully completing her university studies.
Bei der Abschlussfeier erhielt sie eine Urkunde über ihre besondere Leistung.
At the graduation ceremony, she received a certificate for her outstanding achievement.
