Matura German exam-day guide
Matura German · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Admission letter and photo ID
Bring the invitation/admission document issued by your school or examination board together with a valid official photo ID (passport or national ID card). The exact ID types accepted vary by Bundesland and school type, so confirm the accepted documents with your provider. needs_review
Knowledge of your chosen subjects and format
Matura German is typically taken as a written Klausur in Deutsch plus, in many schools, an oral component (mündliche Prüfung). Verify which parts apply to you, how long each lasts, and which texts or tasks are announced in advance. needs_review
Permitted dictionaries and reference works
Some schools allow a monolingual German dictionary (e.g. Duden) for the written exam, and some allow an annotated edition of set texts (Ganzschrift). Rules differ; ask your teacher in advance and bring only what is explicitly permitted. needs_review
Approved writing tools
Bring several blue or black ballpoint pens, a pencil and eraser for planning, and a ruler if you like to structure outlines. Avoid erasable pens if your school requires ink for corrections. needs_review
Watch or silent clock
A simple analogue or silent digital watch helps you manage time without relying on a wall clock you may not see. Smartwatches and phones are usually not allowed at the desk. needs_review
Water and a light snack
Written exams often run 3–5 hours depending on the subject and level. Bring a clear bottle of water and something easy to eat during any permitted break. Confirm the school's rules on food and drink in the exam room. needs_review
Read the task instructions carefully on the day
Check the expected text type (e.g. Interpretation, Analyse, Erörterung, Textgebundene Erörterung), the required length, and whether a choice of tasks is offered. Note how much weight each part carries. needs_review
Structure your response with a plan
Use the reading time or the first minutes to mark key passages, identify the task verb (analysieren, erläutern, vergleichen, bewerten), and outline your argument before writing.
Plan for time checkpoints
Divide the available time into reading, planning, writing, and revision. Leave at least 10–15 minutes to check spelling, grammar, and whether every sub-task is answered. Confirm the exact duration with your provider. needs_review
Know the location and arrival time
Confirm the room, building entrance, and required arrival time in advance. Arriving early reduces stress and covers delays in transport or security checks.
Leave prohibited devices at home or switched off
Mobile phones, smartwatches, and other electronic devices are normally not permitted in the exam room. Confirm the school's policy for storing them. needs_review
Prepare for the oral component if applicable
If you have an oral exam in German, prepare a short presentation or text discussion and practise speaking about the set topics aloud. Confirm the format, preparation time, and assessment criteria with your teacher. needs_review
Plan the day
Review the task types you are most likely to face (e.g. Gedichtinterpretation, Dramenanalyse, Erörterung, materialgestütztes Schreiben) and practise one full timed task. Re-read summaries and key passages of any set texts. Confirm the exam room, start time, and permitted materials with your school.
Consolidate your structure templates: introduction with theme and context, main analysis with quotes and interpretation, and a conclusion that answers the task. Practise quoting accurately from memory or from permitted texts.
Pack your bag: admission letter, photo ID, pens, pencil, eraser, watch, water, and permitted dictionary. Check transport and set two alarms. Avoid learning new material; a short review of key terms and structures is enough.
Eat a normal meal, avoid late-night cramming, and get a full night's sleep. Prepare clothes and breakfast so the morning is calm.
Eat breakfast, arrive well before the start time, and leave phones and smartwatches stored as instructed. Use the reading time to understand the tasks and choose your option if there is a choice.
Read all tasks first, plan briefly, then write. Watch the clock at agreed checkpoints. If you get stuck, move to another part and return later. Reserve time to check spelling, grammar, and completeness.
If you have an oral exam, use the remaining days to practise speaking aloud. Review feedback from your teacher and rehearse short, structured answers.
Rules to check
Bring your admission document and valid photo ID; without them you may be refused entry. Confirm the accepted ID types with your provider. needs_review
Electronic devices such as phones and smartwatches are generally not allowed in the exam room; switch them off and store them as instructed. Confirm the school's policy. needs_review
Use only permitted aids, such as a monolingual dictionary or an annotated set text if your school allows them. Unauthorized materials can lead to exclusion from the exam. needs_review
Follow the invigilator's instructions on start and end times, breaks, and leaving the room. Do not communicate with other candidates during the exam.
Breaks vary by school and exam length; ask in advance whether you may leave the room and whether food and drink are permitted. needs_review
Write in German unless the task explicitly allows otherwise, and observe the required text type and length. Confirm the marking criteria with your teacher. needs_review
Scoring and weighting differ by Bundesland and school type; ask your provider how the written and oral parts are weighted and what counts as a pass. needs_review
If you are ill on the day, follow your school's procedure for reporting illness and requesting a resit; do not sit the exam if you are unfit. Confirm the exact steps with your provider. needs_review