Zeugnisse

Zeugnis is a German noun that refers to a document that attests a fact, achievement, or status. In everyday use, Zeugnis can denote a certificate, diploma, or testimonial, as well as a witness statement. The plural Zeugnisse indicates multiple such documents. The term carries a sense of evidence and written proof.

The word derives from Zeuge, witness, with the noun-forming suffix -nis, reflecting its origin as evidence or proof.

In education, a Schulzeugnis is the formal report card or diploma listing subjects and grades. It may be issued at the end of a term or upon graduation and can include attendance, remarks, and the overall average. These documents are commonly required for university applications or job prospects. Variants include Versetzungszeugnis (promotion certificate) and Abschlusszeugnis (final certificate).

In employment contexts, an Arbeitszeugnis is a written attestation of a worker's duties, performance, and conduct. Employees typically request it when leaving a position; employers must provide a truthful, fair, and legally compliant Zeugnis, which may be neutral or favorable depending on circumstances.

In legal and civil use, Zeugnis also means testimony or evidence, as in Zeugenaussage or eidesstattliches Zeugnis. A witness provides a Zeugnis in court, and documents can serve as Zeugnisse in disputes or administrative procedures.