einen Abschluss machen
To graduate
Literally: to make a conclusion / to make a completion
In 15 Seconds
- Used for graduating from school or university.
- Combines the noun 'Abschluss' with the verb 'machen'.
- Essential for resumes and talking about education.
Meaning
This phrase describes the act of successfully finishing school, college, or university and receiving your degree or diploma. It is that big 'I am finally done' moment in your educational journey.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking to a family member
Ich mache nächstes Jahr meinen Abschluss.
I am graduating next year.
In a formal job interview
Ich habe meinen Abschluss in Informatik an der TU München gemacht.
I did my degree in computer science at the TU Munich.
Texting a friend after the final exam
Endlich den Abschluss in der Tasche!
Finally got the degree in the bag!
Cultural Background
The 'Abitur' is the most famous 'Abschluss'. It is the only one that allows you to go to university directly. It is often called 'Abi' for short. In Austria, the high school graduation is called 'Matura'. You don't say 'Abitur machen', you say 'Matura machen'. Similar to Austria, the Swiss also call it 'Matura' or 'Matur'. The vocational system is extremely strong here. Germans love certificates. Even for small skills, people expect an 'Abschluss' or a 'Zertifikat'. It is a very 'formal' culture regarding qualifications.
Use 'meinen'
When talking about yourself, always say 'meinen Abschluss'. It sounds more natural than 'einen Abschluss'.
Don't say 'graduieren'
Even though it looks like 'graduate', Germans almost never use this word unless they are in a very specific academic context.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for graduating from school or university.
- Combines the noun 'Abschluss' with the verb 'machen'.
- Essential for resumes and talking about education.
What It Means
This phrase is your golden ticket in the world of German education. It means you have successfully finished your studies. You did not just attend classes. You passed the final exams and earned the official paper. It covers everything from finishing high school to getting a PhD. It is a very satisfying thing to say. It feels like you have finally built something complete.
How To Use It
You use the verb machen which means 'to make'. It sounds a bit like you are crafting your own success. You can specify what kind of degree you are getting. Just put the type of degree before the word Abschluss. For example, you can say einen Master-Abschluss machen. If you want to mention where you studied, use the preposition an. You might say: Ich mache meinen Abschluss an der Universität. It is simple and direct.
When To Use It
Use this phrase when talking about your future career plans. It is perfect for job interviews. Use it when chatting with family at dinner. They always want to know when you will finish. It is also great for social media captions. Post a photo in your graduation gown. Write: Endlich den Abschluss gemacht! It works in any situation involving formal education milestones.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for small, everyday tasks. If you finish a book, do not use this phrase. If you finish a workout, use fertig sein. Abschluss is strictly for formal education or professional certifications. Do not say you 'made an Abschluss' with your lunch. That would sound very strange to a German speaker. Keep it for the big academic wins.
Cultural Background
In Germany, degrees and titles carry a lot of weight. People often put their degrees on business cards. The German education system is very structured. There are many different types of school endings. The Abitur is for those heading to university. The Realschulabschluss is for vocational paths. Getting your Abschluss is a serious milestone. It is often celebrated with a big party called an Abiball or a nice family meal.
Common Variations
You might hear people say den Abschluss in der Tasche haben. This literally means having the degree 'in your pocket'. It implies you are officially safe and finished. Another variation is einen guten Abschluss hinlegen. This means you did exceptionally well. It suggests you performed with style. You can also use Schulabschluss specifically for high school.
Usage Notes
This phrase is extremely versatile and fits into almost any conversation about education. Just remember to pair it with the correct possessive pronoun, like `meinen` or `deinen`, to sound natural.
Use 'meinen'
When talking about yourself, always say 'meinen Abschluss'. It sounds more natural than 'einen Abschluss'.
Don't say 'graduieren'
Even though it looks like 'graduate', Germans almost never use this word unless they are in a very specific academic context.
The 'Tasche' Idiom
A very common way to say you've finished is: 'Ich habe den Abschluss in der Tasche' (I have the degree in my pocket).
Examples
6Ich mache nächstes Jahr meinen Abschluss.
I am graduating next year.
A common way to share your timeline with family.
Ich habe meinen Abschluss in Informatik an der TU München gemacht.
I did my degree in computer science at the TU Munich.
Standard way to state your educational background professionally.
Endlich den Abschluss in der Tasche!
Finally got the degree in the bag!
Uses the common idiom 'in der Tasche' for extra flair.
Ich mache meinen Abschluss in 'Kaffeetrinken' und 'Warten'.
I'm getting my degree in 'coffee drinking' and 'waiting'.
A humorous way to complain about student life.
Wir sind so stolz, dass du deinen Abschluss geschafft hast.
We are so proud that you managed to graduate.
Uses 'geschafft' (managed/made it) to add emotional weight.
Was willst du nach dem Abschluss machen?
What do you want to do after graduation?
A standard question for students nearing the end.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'machen' and the correct article/pronoun.
Ich bin so froh! Gestern habe ich ______ (my) Abschluss ______.
'Abschluss' is masculine accusative, so 'meinen'. The past tense of 'machen' is 'gemacht'.
Which sentence is correct?
A) Ich mache einen Abschluss an der Schule. B) Ich mache einen Abschluss von der Schule. C) Ich mache einen Abschluss bei der Schule.
The correct preposition for institutions of learning is 'an' + dative.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Was sind deine Pläne? B: Ich möchte nächstes Jahr ______ ______ ______.
You need the possessive pronoun and the correct masculine ending.
Match the degree to the situation.
Match: 1. Universität, 2. Gymnasium, 3. Ausbildung
These are the standard 'Abschlüsse' for these institutions.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch bin so froh! Gestern habe ich ______ (my) Abschluss ______.
'Abschluss' is masculine accusative, so 'meinen'. The past tense of 'machen' is 'gemacht'.
A) Ich mache einen Abschluss an der Schule. B) Ich mache einen Abschluss von der Schule. C) Ich mache einen Abschluss bei der Schule.
The correct preposition for institutions of learning is 'an' + dative.
A: Was sind deine Pläne? B: Ich möchte nächstes Jahr ______ ______ ______.
You need the possessive pronoun and the correct masculine ending.
Match: 1. Universität, 2. Gymnasium, 3. Ausbildung
These are the standard 'Abschlüsse' for these institutions.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes! You can say 'meinen Master-Abschluss machen'.
No, it's fine, but in a CV, you usually just list the date and the degree, or use 'Abschluss: [Titel]'.
The plural is 'Abschlüsse'. For example: 'Er hat zwei Abschlüsse gemacht.'
No. For a driver's license, you say 'den Führerschein machen'.
Yes, 'einen Abschluss machen' implies successful completion.
'Abschluss' is the general term for any degree. 'Diplom' is a specific type of degree that was common in Germany before the Bachelor/Master system.
You say: 'Ich mache bald meinen Abschluss.'
Yes, that is the most common way to say you are finishing high school.
'Schulabschluss' specifically refers to school, while 'Abschluss' can be school, university, or vocational.
Then you say: 'Ich habe das Studium abgebrochen' (I dropped out).
Related Phrases
das Abitur machen
specialized formTo finish the highest level of high school.
ein Studium abschließen
synonymTo finish university studies.
einen Abschluss haben
similarTo have a degree.
Schluss machen
contrastTo break up with someone.
