An entrance qualification and a degree come at different stages.
A school qualification can open the way to a degree programme. A university degree is earned after studying. This question asks about the first step: which school qualification is normally needed before starting at a university?
The general higher education entrance qualification is not confined to a particular subject. Nevertheless, an Abitur certificate is not an offer of a place on every desired programme. Selection or aptitude procedures may apply, depending on the course.
The other three answers
The incorrect answers name another qualification or a completely different legal authority.
a diploma
A diploma is not the usual school qualification asked about here. In higher education, a Diplom is a degree earned after studying, not the Abitur before entering university.
procuration
Procuration is extensive authority to represent a business. It is unrelated to a school qualification for university entry.
a journeyman's examination
A journeyman’s examination belongs to vocational training. It is not the Abitur. Vocational qualifications can, however, provide a separate route into higher education under additional conditions.
Studying without the Abitur is not generally ruled out.
Every federal state has entry routes for vocationally qualified applicants without a school-based higher education entrance qualification. Details differ; a master craftsperson qualification or equivalent advanced vocational training can, for example, provide such access.
Foreign educational qualifications must also be assessed under the applicable rules. The exam answer therefore identifies a usual German school qualification, not a complete list of every credential recognised in every case.
Abitur · University entry · Hochschulkompass ↗University + usual school qualification → Abitur.
Remember the word “normally”. It leaves room for other recognised routes without changing the correct exam answer.
Three words for this question
- die Hochschulreifehigher education entrance qualification
- A school-based qualification permitting entry to higher education.
- die Zulassungadmission
- Acceptance onto a particular degree programme under its applicable conditions.
- beruflich qualifiziertvocationally qualified
- Qualified through vocational training, further training or professional experience.