The school-leaving certificate that one receives in Germany after successfully completing 10th grade at a Realschule. It is also referred to as 'Mittlere Reife' (intermediate school-leaving certificate) and qualifies someone to begin vocational training or attend further schools.
example
Mit einem guten Realschulabschluss hat sie viele Möglichkeiten für ihre berufliche Zukunft.
With a good Realschule certificate, she has many options for her professional future.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is composed of 'Realschule' (a type of secondary school) and 'Abschluss' (certificate / completion). So it literally refers to the certificate one receives at the end of Realschule.
EXAMPLE
Für diese Ausbildung ist ein Realschulabschluss erforderlich.
A Realschule certificate is required for this training program.
Typical verbs
In connection with 'Realschulabschluss' (Realschule certificate), the verbs 'machen' (to do / complete), 'haben' (to have), 'erwerben' (to obtain), or 'nachholen' (to make up / obtain later) are often used.
EXAMPLE
Er möchte seinen Realschulabschluss an einer Abendschule nachholen.
He wants to obtain his Realschule certificate later at an evening school.
Cultural context
The 'Realschulabschluss' (Realschule certificate) is an important intermediate educational qualification in the German school system. It is the central prerequisite for many qualified vocational training programs in the dual system.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Realschulabschluss begann sie eine Lehre als Bankkauffrau.
After her Realschule certificate, she began an apprenticeship as a bank clerk.
Compare with
confusable
Realschulabschluss vs Abitur
Abitur
'das Abitur' and 'der Realschulabschluss' are both school-leaving qualifications in Germany. They can be confused because both are earned after several years of school and open up further paths. However, the Abitur is the highest school-leaving qualification and directly qualifies someone to study at a university. The Realschulabschluss is earned after 10th grade and is also called 'Mittlere Reife' (intermediate school-leaving certificate). It is important for many vocational training programs or for attending a further school. For direct university study, you normally need the Abitur, not just the Realschulabschluss.
Realschulabschluss
Nach dem Realschulabschluss möchte Maria eine Ausbildung im Büro beginnen.
After the Realschulabschluss, Maria wants to start vocational training in an office.
Abitur
Tom macht nächstes Jahr das Abitur und sucht schon nach einem Studienplatz.
Tom is taking the Abitur next year and is already looking for a university place.
