German NOUN C1 Rank 17193

die Hochschulreife

university entrance qualification

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Meanings

die Hochschulreife

university entrance qualification

The formal educational qualification that entitles someone to study at a higher education institution or university. In Germany, a distinction is made between the general university entrance qualification (Abitur) and the subject-specific university entrance qualification.

EXAMPLE

Mit der bestandenen Abiturprüfung hat sie die allgemeine Hochschulreife erlangt.

By passing the Abitur exam, she obtained the general university entrance qualification.

Usage tips

Compound word

The word is composed of 'Hochschule' (university, university of applied sciences) and 'Reife' (maturity/qualification). Here, 'Reife' means the necessary qualification or 'maturity' for something. So it is the 'maturity for higher education.'

EXAMPLE

Für diesen Studiengang ist die allgemeine Hochschulreife erforderlich.

The general university entrance qualification is required for this degree program.

Register

'Hochschulreife' (university entrance qualification) is the formal, official term used in administration and the education system. In everyday conversation, most Germans use the word 'Abitur' or the short form 'Abi'.

EXAMPLE

Auf dem Formular müssen Sie angeben, wann Sie Ihre Hochschulreife erworben haben.

On the form, you must state when you obtained your university entrance qualification.

Typical verbs

In connection with 'Hochschulreife' (university entrance qualification), the verbs 'erlangen' (to attain), 'erwerben' (to obtain/acquire), or 'nachweisen' (to provide proof of) are often used. These verbs sound more formal than the everyday 'machen' (to do/make), for example 'Abitur machen' (to do/take the Abitur).

EXAMPLE

Er hat seine Hochschulreife an einem Abendgymnasium erworben.

He obtained his university entrance qualification at an evening grammar school.

Compare with

Abitur

confusable

Hochschulreife vs Abitur

Abitur

Abitur and Hochschulreife both qualify someone to attend university. Abitur usually refers to the general university entrance qualification and also to obtaining it, while Hochschulreife is the broader formal status, which can also include the subject-specific university entrance qualification. In everyday use, Abitur is usually more appropriate; Hochschulreife is more common in formal statements.

Hochschulreife

Die Bescheinigung weist eine fachgebundene Hochschulreife für bestimmte Studienfächer aus.

The certificate states that she has a subject-specific university entrance qualification for certain degree programs.

Abitur

Nach dem Abitur möchte Lena an einer Universität studieren.

After completing his Abitur, Lena wants to study at a university.

Open full word page: Abitur

In real life

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