NARIC guide on Higher Education Systems in the European Union

II. Examinations and academic degrees
In the case of degree examinations there is a need to distinguish between purely academic examinations
(Hochschulprüfungen), State examinations (Staatsprüfungen) and, less often, ecclesiastical examinations (Kirchliche
Prüfungen). The degrees these examinations lead to generally constitute a professional qualification. There are the following
kinds of academic examinations, all of which are connected with the conferring of an academic degree:
the Diplom examination involving the conferring of the Diplom degree (e.g. Diplom-Ingenieur, Diplom-Kaufmann); the
Diplom degrees conferred by Fachhochschulen are marked by an additional ‘FH’ in brackets;
the Magister examination involving the conferring of the Magister degree (e.g. Magister Artium);
the Lizentiat examination involving the conferring of the Lizentiat degree (e.g. Licentiatus theologiae).
The awarding of a degree is connected with the right to use the respective title in connection with the holder’s name in legal
transactions and socially. Under German law these degrees enjoy special protection against abuse and confusion. Abusive use
of academic titles is punishable.
A number of study courses leading to occupations in which the public have a special interest are concluded with a State
examination (Staatsprüfung). This is so in the case of medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, law, food chemistry
and teaching careers. For persons with law and teaching degrees, the first State examination degree certificate provides access
to a further phase of training known as preparatory service (Vorbereitungsdienst). This period of preparatory service is
concluded with a further State examination. This second State examination qualifies the holder for the profession in question
(e.g. lawyer or teacher).
Successful completion of the above examinations constitutes a formal prerequisite for admission to doctoral programmes (see
Section II.9); special provisions apply in the case of Fachhochschule graduates.
With the Council Directive of 21 December 1988 on a general system for the recognition of higher education diplomas
awarded on completion of professional education and training of at least three years’ duration (Official Journal of the
European Communities L 19/16, of 24 January 1989) the European Communities agreed a regulation which does not apply to
a specific occupation but covers higher education qualifications gained after at least three years of study. It must be
emphasised that the directive applies to what are known as the ‘regulated professions’.
II.1. Diplom degree
II.1.1. General characteristics
The Diplom examination constitutes a qualification entitling holders to enter a profession. The Diplom examination is
designed to establish whether the candidate has a grasp of the interrelationship of aspects of the subject, has the ability to use
scientific methods and findings, and has acquired the thorough knowledge of the subject necessary in professional practice.
The Diplom degree is awarded by universities to candidates who have passed the Diplom examination. Courses in the engineering
sciences, natural sciences, economics and social sciences lead to the Diplom degree, as do cultural and humanities
courses and artistic degree programmes. Diplom degrees at universities and equivalent institutions of higher education are
acquired after completion of a broad-reaching course of academic and theoretical study. Fachhochschulen award Diplom
degrees following successful completion of a practice-oriented academically-based training course.
Diplom degree courses are characterised by concentration on the broad range of the main subject. The purpose of this is to
prevent bias towards one area and to encourage professional flexibility. In contrast to
non-German degrees, the German Diplom degree entitles the holder to practise the respective profession (effectus civilis).