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
synonym · confusable
Hochschulreife vs Abitur
Abitur
'das Abitur' and 'die Hochschulreife' are very closely related because both allow access to university studies. 'Abitur' is the normal name for the highest school-leaving qualification in Germany. 'Hochschulreife' is the more general and more formal term for the right to study at a higher education institution. The words can be confused because the Abitur is one form of university entrance qualification. In everyday life, 'Abitur' sounds more natural; in official texts or applications, 'Hochschulreife' is often more appropriate.
Hochschulreife
Für diesen Studiengang braucht man die allgemeine Hochschulreife.
For this degree program, you need the general university entrance qualification.
Abitur
Nach dem Abitur möchte Lisa ein Jahr reisen.
After the Abitur, Lisa wants to travel for a year.
