Zeugnis

Zeugnis is a German noun with several related meanings centered on testimony, evidence, and certification. The term comes from the word for witness (Zeuge) and describes something that attests to a fact, quality, or achievement. In use, Zeugnis can refer to a document or to a spoken or written testimony.

In educational and academic contexts, a Schulzeugnis is a school report that lists courses and grades, while an Abschlusszeugnis or Reifezeugnis denotes a diploma or certificate upon completion of a level of schooling. These certificates serve as formal proof of what a student has learned and achieved.

In the employment sphere, an Arbeitszeugnis (or Arbeitgeberzeugnis) is a reference letter or certificate of employment, describing job duties, performance, and conduct. In Germany and some other countries, such documents are commonly required when leaving a job, and they can be issued as a simple or a more detailed reference.

In legal and civic contexts, Zeugnis can mean a testimony or witness statement. A person may “Zeugnis ablegen” to give sworn testimony in court, and related terms include Zeugnisaussage (witness statement) and Führungszeugnis (certificate of conduct/criminal record). Medical and official documents may also be called Zeugnis, such as an ärztliches Zeugnis (medical certificate).

Beyond documents, Zeugnis is used more broadly to denote a personal or public testimony about beliefs, experiences, or outcomes, such as giving one’s personal Zeugnis of faith or life events. The word thus spans formal certificates, legal testimony, and personal declarations.