Državna Matura English
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ExploreAbout this exam
Državna matura English (DM Engleski jezik) is the English examination within Croatia's national secondary-school leaving certificate, the Državna matura. Candidates typically sit it at the end of gimnazija or four-year vocational programmes, and results are used for admission to Croatian university programmes and for some study and work applications abroad. The exam is offered at two levels, higher (viša) and basic (niža); the higher level is the one most selective faculties look at. It tests English as a foreign language across reading, listening, grammar and vocabulary in context, and written production, with tasks such as multiple choice, matching, short answer, cloze and guided or extended writing. The optional speaking component applies only where a school or programme requires it. Preparation works best as steady language work rather than last-minute memorisation: read authentic English texts of different registers, listen to interviews and lectures, and practise timed writing with clear paragraph structure. Reviewing grammar areas that Croatian speakers commonly find tricky (articles, tenses, prepositions, word formation) pays off in the Use of English section. The National Centre for External Evaluation of Education (NCVVO) publishes the current exam catalogue, task types, level descriptions and past papers, so check its site for the authoritative details of the sitting you are entering. This page is independent study material and is not affiliated with NCVVO or the Ministry of Science and Education.
What you'll study
About Državna Matura English preparation
What is the difference between the higher and basic level?
Both levels cover the same skill areas, but the higher level uses longer, more demanding texts, a wider vocabulary range and writing tasks that expect more developed argument. Check the NCVVO catalogue for the current level descriptions, since faculty admission requirements often specify which level they accept.
How long is the exam and how many points is it worth?
The official body publishes the current structure, timing and scoring for each sitting, and these can change between years. Do not rely on numbers from older preparation books; download the current catalogue and sample papers from the NCVVO website before you plan your practice timings.
How difficult is it compared with CEFR levels?
The basic level is generally aligned around B1 and the higher level around B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference, with some tasks reaching further. That means solid B2 reading speed, listening stamina and control of core grammar are the practical targets for the higher level.
Can I retake the exam if I am unhappy with my result?
Retake and improvement rules are set by the official body and can differ between exam sessions and candidate categories. Check NCVVO's current rules and deadlines for your situation rather than assuming you can simply resit the following year.
In what order should I prepare the sections?
Build vocabulary and grammar first, because they feed every other section. Then work on reading and listening under time pressure, and leave writing until you can produce a structured text quickly. Finish with full past papers under exam conditions so you practise switching between task types.
What are the most common reasons candidates lose marks?
Running out of time on reading, misreading instructions (for example, writing too many words or answering in the wrong language), weak paragraph structure in writing, and careless spelling in gap-fill tasks. Transferring answers incorrectly to the answer sheet is another frequent, avoidable loss.
How is the writing section assessed?
Writing is marked against published criteria covering task achievement, organisation and cohesion, range and accuracy of vocabulary and grammar. Read the criteria in the current catalogue and check your practice texts against them, rather than just counting mistakes.
Do I need to take the speaking component?
Speaking is optional and applies only where a school or programme requires it. Most candidates entering university admission do not sit it. Confirm with your school whether it applies to you before preparing for it.
Where can I find official past papers?
NCVVO publishes past papers, answer keys and marking schemes on its website, usually together with the exam catalogue. These are the best free practice material because they match the real task types, instructions and difficulty of the exam you will sit.