Das Abitur

Abitur, Das (Reife- or Abschlußprüfung), the German matriculation which qualifies candidates for university study. It was introduced in 1788 as part of the school reforms implemented by Freiherr K. A. von Zedlitz (1731-93), who served as minister under Friedrich II of Prussia and his successor. In 1787 he founded the Prussian grammar school (Oberschulkollegium); this as well as the Abitur was revised by W. von Humboldt.

The right of entry which the Abitur traditionally confers was modified by some Länder of the Federal Republic (see Bundesrepublik Deutschland) in 1970. The structure, number, and choice of subjects of the Abitur itself have remained under constant review.