approbieren

Approbieren is a German verb meaning to officially authorize or to approve, particularly to grant a legally binding license to practice a regulated profession. The related noun Approbation denotes this license. The term comes from Latin approbatio and is chiefly used in the context of professional licensing in German-speaking countries.

In Germany and Austria, Approbation is the standard license to practice medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, or pharmacy. It is awarded by the competent state authority after completing the required professional training and passing the necessary examinations. Once granted, the Approbation authorizes the holder to practice the respective profession independently and without time-limited restrictions. For graduates whose qualifications come from abroad, recognition procedures may be required; until those are completed, a temporary permit (Berufserlaubnis) can allow limited practice.

While medicine is the most prominent domain, similar licensing processes exist for other regulated professions, and the term is used in those contexts as well. In practice, the act of granting such a license is often described as the authority approbating the applicant. Beyond licensing, approbation can also refer to the formal approval of a proposal, document, or measure by an official body, though this usage is broader and less specific to professional credentials.

Historically, approbation reflects formal legal authorization; in English-language contexts the related word approbation is largely archaic, with approval or licensing being the contemporary equivalents.