DiplIng

Diplom-Ingenieur, commonly abbreviated Dipl.-Ing., is a traditional German-language academic title and degree awarded to graduates of engineering programs at universities or technical universities in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and other German-speaking regions. The Diplom-Ingenieur credential originated in the 19th and early 20th centuries as a formal, research-oriented engineering qualification and was broadly equivalent to what is now called a Master of Science in engineering in many jurisdictions. Diplom programs generally lasted several years and included coursework across engineering disciplines, culminating in a diploma thesis or major project.

With the Bologna Process and the introduction of Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, many institutions replaced the Diplom with modern degree structures. In countries where the Diplom program continues, graduates may still use Dipl.-Ing. as a post-nominal to denote their education. Even where the Diplom is no longer the standard degree, the Dipl.-Ing. title remains a recognized credential in professional contexts, signaling completion of university-level engineering studies.

The use of Dipl.-Ing. is common in professional correspondence, job advertisements, and publications. It may accompany various fields of engineering, including civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, and industrial disciplines. The Diplom-Ingenieur is an academic title, not a licensing body; professional licensure and registration requirements for engineers vary by country and are enforced separately from the degree.