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Ελληνικά📚 Glossary — 220 German official terms explained
220 German official terms — simply explained
14 terms found
Anerkennung (ausländischer Abschlüsse) (recognition of qualifications)
Procedure to verify whether a foreign professional qualification is equivalent to a German one — responsible bodies: IHK, Chamber of Crafts or ZAB.
The recognition of my Polish nursing degree took 4 months.
Education
Ausbildung (vocational training)
Dual vocational training — combination of practical work in a company and theory in vocational school (2–3.5 years).
Apprenticeship as a mechatronics technician lasts 3.5 years.
Education
BAföG (Student support)
Federal Training Assistance Act — state-funded education financing, awarded half as a grant and half as an interest-free loan.
With BAföG, I was able to finance my studies without having to work on the side.
Education
Berufsschule (vocational school)
School that provides the theoretical component of dual vocational training — 1–2 days per week alongside work at the company.
I learn the theory at vocational school and gain practical experience at the company.
Education
Bildungsgutschein (education voucher)
Support from the employment agency for vocational further education or retraining — course fees are covered.
With the education voucher, I was able to complete free retraining as an IT specialist.
Education
DAAD (DAAD)
German Academic Exchange Service — the world's largest funding organization for international exchange of students and scientists.
I received a DAAD scholarship for my master's studies in Germany.
Education
Feststellungsprüfung (assessment exam)
Final examination at the preparatory college — prerequisite for university admission if foreign school certificate is not directly recognized.
After 2 semesters at the preparatory college, I passed the assessment examination.
Education
Freiwilliges Soziales Jahr (FSJ) (voluntary social year)
Voluntary social service (6–18 months) in social institutions — pocket money, accommodation, and meals are provided.
Before university, I did a voluntary social year in a hospital.
Education
Integrationskurs (Integration course)
Language and orientation course subsidized by BAMF (600 hours German + 100 hours civics) for new immigrants.
In the integration course, I learned German up to level B1.
Education
Schulpflicht (compulsory education)
Legal obligation to attend school — in most federal states 9–10 years of full-time compulsory education from age 6.
In Germany, school attendance is mandatory even for children of refugees.
Education
Studienkolleg (Studienkolleg)
Preparatory course for international students whose school diploma does not directly qualify them for university studies in Germany.
At the Studienkolleg I studied mathematics, physics, and German for 2 semesters.
Education
TestDaF (TestDaF)
German language proficiency test for university admission — Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache at levels B2–C1.
To study at a German university, I have to pass the TestDaF.
Education
Volkshochschule (VHS) (adult education centre)
Municipal educational institution with affordable courses — German language courses, integration courses, vocational training, hobby courses.
At the Volkshochschule, I took a B2 German course for just 200 €.
Education
Zeugnisbewertung (certificate evaluation)
Recognition of foreign qualifications by the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) or competent chamber.
For the application, I needed an evaluation of my Ukrainian diploma.
Education