NichtBestehen

Nichtbestehen is a German noun describing the state or act of not meeting a required standard, most commonly in examinations or official assessments. It literally means “not passing” and is used in formal as well as everyday contexts to indicate failure to achieve the minimum criteria, rather than voluntary withdrawal or other reasons for non-completion.

In educational contexts, Nichtbestehen refers to failing an exam, a course, or an assessment. It typically leads to consequences such as retaking the examination, repeating a course, or delaying graduation or progression. Education systems often provide retake opportunities, time limits, and remedial requirements for those who do not pass on the first attempt.

In professional contexts, Nichtbestehen can apply to certification or licensing exams, language tests, or other formal assessments required for practice. Additional attempts may be permitted, sometimes with conditions, fees, or waiting periods.

In administrative or legal language, the term may appear to denote that criteria or conditions have not been met, though more precise terms are often used depending on the jurisdiction and the document type.

Etymology and usage: besteht means “to pass” or “to exist” in related senses; nichtbestehen literally means “not to pass.” The term is relatively formal; colloquial synonyms include Durchfallen and Scheitern, used in less formal contexts. Nichtbestehen is common in official documents, policy texts, and formal reports.

See also: Durchfallen, Bestehen, Prüfungsordnung.