This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 noun #6,000 most common 13 min read

Attest

Top 6,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips Attest in 30 Seconds

Explanation Attest in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'das Attest' is a paper from the doctor. When you are sick ('krank'), you go to the doctor ('Arzt'). The doctor gives you an 'Attest'. You give this paper to your boss or your teacher. It says: 'This person is sick and cannot work.' You can say simple sentences like: 'Ich brauche ein Attest' (I need a certificate) or 'Hier ist mein Attest' (Here is my certificate). It is a neuter word, so we say 'das Attest' or 'ein Attest'. You don't need to know the long technical words yet. Just remember that in Germany, you often need this paper even for a small cold if you miss work. It is very important for the rules at work. If you don't have it, your boss might be angry. You should also know that 'Attest' sounds a bit like 'test' but it is different. A 'test' is an exam, but an 'Attest' is the doctor's note. Think of it as your 'sick note'. Doctors in Germany usually use a special yellow paper for this, though now it is often digital. As an A1 student, just focus on asking for it: 'Können Sie mir ein Attest geben?' (Can you give me a certificate?). This will help you survive your first sick days in a German-speaking country. You might also hear the word 'Krankschreibung', which means the same thing in a more casual way. But on the paper itself, or in formal emails, you will always see the word 'Attest'. Make sure to keep it safe, because it is an official document. If you lose it, you might have to go back to the doctor and ask for another one, which can be a lot of work. So, keep your Attest in a safe place!

At the A2 level, you should understand how to use 'Attest' in slightly more complex situations. You know that 'das Attest' is a neuter noun and you can use it with more verbs. For example, you can say 'Der Arzt hat mir ein Attest ausgestellt' (The doctor issued a certificate for me). The verb 'ausstellen' is very common here. You also learn that there are rules about when you must show the 'Attest'. Usually, it is after three days, but sometimes from the first day. You can say: 'Ich muss das Attest spätestens am Montag vorlegen' (I must present the certificate by Monday at the latest). Here, 'vorlegen' is a great verb to use with documents. You might also need an 'Attest' for other things, like the gym ('Fitnessstudio'). If you are injured and cannot go to the gym, you can show them an 'Attest' to stop paying for a while. You will also notice that 'Attest' is used in the accusative case most of the time: 'Ich habe ein Attest.' If you are talking about the certificate of someone else, you might use the genitive: 'Wegen des Attests von Maria...' (Because of Maria's certificate...). At this level, you should also be aware that an 'Attest' is a legal document. You cannot write it yourself, and it is illegal to change anything on it. If you have children, you will need an 'Attest' for them if they miss school for more than a few days. The teacher will say: 'Bitte bringen Sie ein Attest mit.' It is a very practical word that you will use many times if you live in Germany. It is also good to know that 'Attest' is pronounced with the stress on the last part: at-TEST. Practice saying it correctly so people understand you clearly at the doctor's office.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'Attest' fluently in professional and academic contexts. You understand that 'Attest' is the general term for a medical certificate, but you also encounter the term 'Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung' (AU). You should know that while 'Attest' is used in conversation, 'AU' is the term used by HR departments and insurance companies. You can now form conditional sentences: 'Wenn ich kein Attest einreiche, bekomme ich kein Geld' (If I don't submit a certificate, I won't get any money). You also learn about 'Attestpflicht' (the obligation to provide a certificate). This is a common word in employment contracts. For example: 'In meinem Vertrag steht, dass ab dem ersten Tag Attestpflicht besteht.' You also understand the cultural nuance: in Germany, the 'Attest' protects the employee. The employer is not allowed to ask what illness you have; the 'Attest' only confirms that you cannot work. This is a very important part of German labor law. You might also use 'Attest' when discussing university life. If you miss an exam ('Prüfung'), a simple note is not enough; you need a 'ärztliches Attest' that specifically mentions 'Prüfungsunfähigkeit'. You should be able to explain this to a doctor: 'Ich brauche ein Attest für die Universität, weil ich heute eine Prüfung habe, aber sehr krank bin.' At B1, you also start using prepositions that require the genitive case, like 'trotz' or 'wegen'. For example: 'Trotz des ärztlichen Attests gab es Probleme mit dem Arbeitgeber.' This shows a higher level of grammatical control. You are also aware of the digital change: the 'eAU' (elektronische Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung). You can discuss how the doctor sends the 'Attest' directly to the 'Krankenkasse' (health insurance).

At the B2 level, you should be able to handle the nuances of 'Attest' in formal debates and complex legal or medical discussions. You understand the difference between a simple 'Attest' and a 'qualifiziertes Attest'. A qualified certificate might be required in court or for specific insurance claims, where the doctor must provide more detail about the limitations caused by the illness (though still usually without a specific diagnosis). You can discuss the legal implications of 'Gefälligkeitsatteste' (certificates of convenience). These are certificates given by doctors to healthy people just so they can stay home. You should be able to express your opinion on this: 'Ich finde es unverantwortlich, wenn Ärzte Gefälligkeitsatteste ausstellen, da dies das System belastet.' You also learn about the 'Beweiswert' (evidentiary value) of an 'Attest'. In German law, an 'Attest' has a very high evidentiary value, meaning a judge will usually believe the doctor unless there is strong evidence to the contrary. You can use terms like 'Erschütterung des Beweiswerts' (shaking the evidentiary value) if you are discussing legal cases. Furthermore, you can use the word in the context of 'Reiseunfähigkeit' (unfitness to travel) or 'Sportbefreiung' (exemption from PE). You should be able to write a formal letter to an insurance company: 'Anbei übersende ich Ihnen das geforderte Attest zur Prüfung meines Anspruchs auf Reiserücktrittskosten.' Your vocabulary should also include 'rückwirkendes Attest' (backdated certificate) and the strict regulations surrounding it. You know that a doctor can usually only backdate for up to two days, and only in exceptional cases. This level of detail shows that you understand not just the word, but the entire legal and social system built around it in German-speaking countries.

At the C1 level, your understanding of 'Attest' extends into the finer points of medical law and administrative theory. You can analyze the role of the 'Attest' as a document that balances the patient's right to privacy with the employer's right to verify labor capacity. You might discuss the 'Diagnose-Schlüssel' (ICD-10 codes) that appear on the copy for the insurance company but are absent from the copy for the employer. You can use advanced structures like: 'Es ist fraglich, inwieweit ein einfaches Attest den Anforderungen einer Hochschule an eine Prüfungsunfähigkeit genügt.' You also understand the historical development of the 'Attest' from a simple handwritten note to the modern 'elektronische Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung' (eAU) and can discuss the implications for data protection. You are comfortable using the word in abstract contexts, such as 'jemandem ein Armutszeugnis ausstellen' (which is an idiom related to certificates), or comparing the 'Attest' to other forms of expert testimony. You can distinguish between an 'Attest', a 'Gutachten' (a detailed expert report), and an 'ärztliche Stellungnahme' (a medical statement). In a professional setting, you can lead a discussion about 'Betriebliches Eingliederungsmanagement' (BEM) and how long-term 'Atteste' trigger certain company obligations. Your language is precise: you don't just say the doctor 'gave' a note, you might say 'Der Mediziner bescheinigte die vorübergehende Erwerbsunfähigkeit mittels eines formgerechten Attests.' This level of precision is expected in academic and high-level professional environments. You also understand the ethical dilemmas doctors face when patients pressure them for an 'Attest' and can articulate these complex social dynamics in fluent German.

At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of the term 'Attest' and its place within the German socio-legal fabric. You can critically evaluate the 'Attest-Kultur' in Germany compared to other countries, discussing whether the requirement for a medical certificate for short-term illnesses promotes or hinders productivity and public health. You can delve into the jurisprudence surrounding the 'Anscheinsbeweis' (prima facie evidence) provided by an 'Attest' and how this has been shaped by rulings from the 'Bundesarbeitsgericht' (Federal Labour Court). You are capable of reading and interpreting complex medical-legal texts where 'Attest' is used in conjunction with terms like 'substantiierte Darlegungslast' (burden of substantiated explanation). You can use the word with sophisticated irony or in literary contexts, perhaps discussing the 'Attest' as a symbol of the bureaucratic control over the human body. Your use of the word is flawless across all registers, from a quick 'Ich hol mir 'n Attest' in a casual conversation to a highly formal 'Die Vorlage eines fachärztlichen Attests ist unabdingbare Voraussetzung für die Gewährung des Nachteilsausgleichs' in a policy document. You understand the nuances of 'amtsärztliches Attest' (a certificate from a government-appointed doctor), which is often the ultimate authority in legal disputes. You can also discuss the linguistic evolution of the word from its Latin roots (*attestari*) and how its meaning has specialized in the German legal context to specifically denote medical certification. At this level, you don't just know the word; you possess a deep, multi-dimensional understanding of the document's power, its limitations, and its central role in the German concept of the 'Sozialstaat' (welfare state).

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

Attest in 30 Seconds

An Attest is a formal medical certificate issued by a doctor to prove illness or health status in German-speaking countries.
It is legally required for missing work (usually after 3 days) or school, and is central to the German labor system.
The document is neuter (das Attest) and is commonly used with verbs like 'ausstellen' (issue) and 'vorlegen' (present).
In modern Germany, it is increasingly digital (eAU), though paper copies are still common for personal records.

In the German-speaking world, the term Attest refers to a formal, written statement issued by a licensed medical professional. It serves as official proof of a person's health status, most commonly used to justify an absence from work or school due to illness. Unlike a casual note, an Attest carries legal weight and is a fundamental component of the German social security and labor system. When a German employee is unable to work, they are generally required by the Entgeltfortzahlungsgesetz (Continued Remuneration Act) to provide this document to their employer, typically after the third day of illness, though many employment contracts require it from the very first day. This cultural emphasis on documentation reflects the broader German value of Ordnung (order) and formal verification in administrative processes.

Official Designation: The technical term often used on these documents is Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung (Certificate of Incapacity for Work), but in daily life, everyone simply calls it an Attest.

Der Arzt stellte mir ein Attest für die gesamte Woche aus, da ich eine schwere Grippe habe.

The use of an Attest is not limited to the workplace. In the context of education, specifically during university examinations, a standard doctor's note might not suffice. Students often require a qualifiziertes Attest or a Prüfungsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung, which requires the doctor to describe the physical or mental symptoms (without necessarily naming the diagnosis) so that the examination board can decide if the student is truly unable to take the exam. This distinction is crucial for students to understand, as failing to provide the correct level of documentation can result in a failed grade. Furthermore, the Attest is central to the healthcare system's billing; it proves to health insurance providers that the patient was indeed treated and required time off, which triggers the payment of Krankengeld (sick pay) if the illness lasts longer than six weeks.

Legal Requirement: Employers have the legal right to demand an Attest from the very first day of illness, even if the general law suggests a three-day grace period.

Ohne ein gültiges Attest kann der Arbeitgeber das Gehalt für die Fehltage kürzen.

Beyond the workplace and school, an Attest is also used in legal contexts, such as proving one is unfit to travel, unfit to stand trial, or requires specific accommodations due to a disability. It is a document of high trust; doctors who issue false certificates (Gefälligkeitsatteste) face severe legal consequences, including the loss of their medical license and potential prison time. This high stakes environment ensures that when someone presents an Attest in Germany, it is usually accepted without question as a definitive statement of truth. Understanding the gravity of this document is essential for anyone living or working in a German-speaking country, as it bridges the gap between private medical health and public administrative obligation.

Variety of Use: While primarily for sickness, an Attest can also confirm fitness for sports, the need for a specific diet, or the necessity of orthopedic equipment.

Für die Teilnahme am Marathon verlangte der Veranstalter ein sportärztliches Attest.

Ich muss heute zum Arzt, nur um ein Attest für meine Abwesenheit gestern zu holen.

Das Attest muss spätestens am vierten Kalendertag beim Arbeitgeber vorliegen.

Using the word Attest correctly involves understanding its grammatical gender (neuter: das Attest) and the specific verbs that typically accompany it. In a professional or academic setting, you don't just 'get' an Attest; you einreichen (submit), vorlegen (present), or benötigen (require) one. The doctor, on the other hand, stellt aus (issues) the document. Because it is a neuter noun, you will see it change in different cases: des Attests (genitive), dem Attest (dative), and das Attest (accusative). Using the plural form die Atteste is less common unless discussing multiple documents or historical records of illness.

The Verb 'Ausstellen': This is the most common verb used by medical professionals. It means to officially create and sign the document.

Könnten Sie mir bitte ein Attest für meinen Arbeitgeber ausstellen?

When you are talking to your boss or HR department, you use vorlegen or nachreichen. Vorlegen implies showing or submitting it for inspection, while nachreichen is used when you were sick, returned to work, and are now providing the document after the fact. It is also important to use the correct adjectives to specify the type of certificate. An ärztliches Attest is a general medical certificate, while a psychatrisches Attest might be needed for mental health leaves. If you are a student, you might say, 'Ich brauche ein Attest, um die Prüfung zu verschieben' (I need a certificate to postpone the exam). Note how the word functions as a direct object in the accusative case here.

The Verb 'Einreichen': This verb is used for the act of formally submitting the document to an authority or office.

Ich habe mein Attest bereits digital bei der Personalabteilung eingereicht.

In more complex sentences, you might find Attest used in prepositional phrases. For example, 'Wegen eines fehlenden Attests wurde die Entgeltfortzahlung eingestellt' (Payment was stopped because of a missing certificate). Here, 'wegen' triggers the genitive case 'eines fehlenden Attests'. Another common structure is 'auf Basis eines Attests' (on the basis of a certificate). These structures are common in legal and formal correspondence. If you are describing a requirement, you might say 'Attestpflicht besteht ab dem ersten Tag' (The obligation to provide a certificate exists from the first day). This compound noun Attestpflicht is very common in German employment contracts and school regulations.

The Verb 'Verlangen': Used when an authority figure (boss, teacher) demands the document from you.

Der Professor verlangt bei jeder verpassten Vorlesung ein Attest.

Trotz des Attests wollte der Chef, dass ich von zu Hause aus arbeite.

Das Attest bestätigt, dass der Patient für drei Wochen reiseunfähig ist.

You will encounter the word Attest in several distinct environments in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The most common location is the Arztpraxis (doctor's surgery). Upon finishing an examination, the doctor or the receptionist might ask, 'Brauchen Sie ein Attest für die Arbeit?' (Do you need a certificate for work?). This is a standard part of the patient check-out process. In this context, the word is used as a functional tool to manage your professional obligations. You might also hear it in the waiting room, as other patients discuss their need for a Krankschreibung, which is the more colloquial term for the act of being signed off, while the physical paper they receive is the Attest.

At the Workplace: HR departments frequently use this word in emails or during onboarding. They might say, 'Wir benötigen Ihr Attest bis spätestens Freitag.'

Haben Sie das Attest schon in das Online-Portal hochgeladen?

In schools and universities, Attest is a word that causes a lot of stress. During exam periods, the Prüfungsamt (examination office) will strictly monitor the submission of Atteste. You will hear students asking each other, 'Hat der Arzt dir ein Attest gegeben?' or complaining about the difficulty of getting a 'rückwirkendes Attest' (backdated certificate), which many doctors are legally prohibited from issuing for more than two days in the past. The word is often linked with the concept of 'Entschuldigung' (excuse), but Attest is the formal version required for high-stakes absences. If a student misses a final exam without a valid Attest, they are usually given a grade of 5.0 (fail).

In the Media: News reports often mention Atteste in stories about public figures who miss court dates or politicians who take sick leave during scandals.

Der Angeklagte ließ durch seinen Anwalt ein medizinisches Attest vorlegen.

Another place you might hear this word is at the gym or a sports club. If you have a long-term contract but get injured, you can often pause or cancel your membership by providing a Sportunfähigkeitsattest. The staff might tell you, 'Wir können den Vertrag nur mit einem ärztlichen Attest ruhen lassen.' This shows how the word permeates various contractual relationships in German society. Finally, in travel contexts, if you have travel insurance and need to cancel a flight, the insurance company will insist on a Reiseunfähigkeitsattest. Everywhere you go, the Attest serves as the essential 'key' that unlocks contractual exceptions due to health reasons.

Insurance Context: Insurance adjusters will use the word when discussing claims related to health or accidents.

Ohne Attest zahlt die Reiserücktrittsversicherung keinen Cent.

Das Attest ist zwei Wochen lang gültig.

Der Lehrer akzeptiert das Attest nur im Original.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when learning German is confusing Attest with related but distinct words like Rezept or Zeugnis. In English, we might broadly say 'doctor's note' or 'prescription' in various ways, but German is very precise. A Rezept is strictly for medication—it is the piece of paper you take to the pharmacy. If you tell your boss you have a 'Rezept' for your absence, they will be very confused, as that implies you are trying to give them your medication instructions rather than proof of illness. Similarly, don't confuse Attest with Zeugnis (report card/certificate of achievement). While both are certificates, a Zeugnis refers to grades or job performance.

Attest vs. Rezept: An Attest proves you are sick; a Rezept gets you medicine. Never swap these!

Falsch: Ich habe ein Rezept für meine Abwesenheit. Richtig: Ich habe ein Attest.

Another mistake involves the timing of the Attest. Many learners assume they only need one if they are 'really' sick for a long time. However, as mentioned before, many German employers require an Attest from the first day. Thinking you have three days by default is a common trap. Furthermore, learners often struggle with the verb krankschreiben. While you can say 'Der Arzt hat mich krankgeschrieben' (The doctor signed me off sick), you cannot say 'Ich habe ein Krankschreiben'. The noun form is Krankschreibung or, more formally, Attest. Using 'Krankschreiben' as a noun is a grammatical error that marks you as a non-native speaker.

Timing Issues: Trying to get an Attest a week after you were sick is usually impossible. Doctors are strict about the 'rückwirkend' (backdated) rules.

Man kann ein Attest nicht beliebig rückwirkend ausstellen lassen.

Lastly, be careful with the word 'Test'. In English, you might 'take a test' at the doctor's, but in German, a Test is an examination of knowledge or a lab analysis (like a Blood Test - Bluttest). An Attest is the resulting document of an evaluation. If you say 'Ich brauche einen Test für die Schule', the teacher will think you want to take an exam, not that you are sick. Always ensure the 'A-' is at the beginning of the word when you want the medical note. Also, pay attention to the plural: Atteste. Some learners try to say 'Attesten' in the nominative plural, which is incorrect; 'Attesten' is only for the dative plural.

Attest vs. Test: A 'Test' is a process; an 'Attest' is a piece of paper confirming a state of health.

Ich habe den Corona-Test gemacht und danach ein Attest bekommen.

Das Attest ist kein Freifahrtschein für Urlaub.

Ohne Attest gilt die Abwesenheit als unentschuldigt.

While Attest is the most versatile and commonly used term, German has a rich vocabulary for medical documentation depending on the context and formality level. The most formal and technical term is Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung (often abbreviated as AU). This is what you will see printed at the top of the official 'yellow slip'. It literally translates to 'Incapacity for Work Certificate'. In everyday conversation, however, Germans almost never say this mouthful. They prefer Krankschreibung. If a friend asks why you aren't at the party, you would say, 'Ich habe eine Krankschreibung,' rather than 'Ich habe ein Attest,' which sounds slightly more bureaucratic.

Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung (AU): The formal, legal term for a sick note used for employment and insurance purposes.

Die elektronische Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung (eAU) ist nun Standard.

Another alternative is ärztliches Zeugnis. This is often used in Swiss German or in very formal legal texts. It carries the same meaning as Attest but emphasizes the 'testimony' (Zeugnis) of the doctor. In school contexts, you might hear Entschuldigungsheft (excuse booklet) or ärztliche Bescheinigung. A Bescheinigung is a general word for any certificate or confirmation. Therefore, an Attest is a specific type of Bescheinigung. If you lose your Attest, you might ask for a Zweitschrift (duplicate). If the certificate is specifically for a disability or long-term condition, it might be called a Gutachten (expert opinion/report), which is much more detailed than a simple Attest.

Gesundheitszeugnis: A 'Health Certificate' often required for people working in the food industry to prove they don't have contagious diseases.

Für den Job in der Küche brauche ich ein Gesundheitszeugnis vom Amt.

Lastly, consider the word Befund. While an Attest is the document you give to your employer, the Befund is the actual medical finding or result of a test (e.g., 'The X-ray finding'). You wouldn't give your Befund to your boss because it contains private medical data that they are not legally allowed to see. The Attest is designed to protect your privacy by only stating that you are 'incapable of work' without revealing the specific illness. In summary, use Attest as your go-to word for the official note, but be aware that Krankschreibung is its friendlier, more common cousin in spoken German.

Summary of Alternatives

Krankschreibung: Colloquial, common.
AU-Bescheinigung: Technical, for HR/Insurance.
ärztliche Bestätigung: General, neutral.
Befund: Medical result (private).

Das Attest ist die offizielle Bestätigung Ihrer Arbeitsunfähigkeit.

Ein Attest vom Psychologen wird ebenfalls anerkannt.

Die Schule verlangt ab dem dritten Fehltag ein Attest.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The word entered German in the 18th century, primarily in legal and administrative contexts, before becoming specialized in the medical field.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /aˈtɛst/

US /əˈtɛst/

Second syllable (at-TEST)

Rhymes With

Fest Rest Nest Best West Protest Arrest Asbest

Common Errors

Stressing the first syllable (AT-test) like the English verb.
Pronouncing the 's' as a 'z' sound.
Making the final 't' silent.
Confusing the pronunciation with the English word 'atlas'.
Using a long 'e' sound in 'test'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize, looks like 'attest' in English, though the meaning is more specific.

Writing 3/5

Need to remember it's neuter and ends with double 't'.

Speaking 3/5

The stress on the second syllable is important for being understood.

Listening 2/5

Clearly pronounced in most contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Arzt krank Papier geben Arbeit

Learn Next

Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung Krankenkasse Versicherung Gesundheitsamt Rezept

Advanced

Prüfungsunfähigkeit Beweiswert Gefälligkeitsattest eAU Entgeltfortzahlung

Grammar to Know

Nouns ending in -est are usually neuter.

das Attest, das Fest, das Nest.

Preposition 'wegen' requires the genitive case in formal German.

Wegen des Attests.

Compound nouns take the gender of the last word.

Die Attestpflicht (die Pflicht).

Verbs with 'aus-' (ausstellen) are separable.

Er stellt das Attest aus.

Dative plural of 'Attest' ends in -en.

Mit den Attesten gab es keine Probleme.

Examples by Level

Ich bin krank und brauche ein Attest.

I am sick and need a medical certificate.

Neuter noun, accusative case ('ein Attest').

Der Arzt gibt mir ein Attest.

The doctor gives me a certificate.

Simple Subject-Verb-Indirect Object-Direct Object structure.

Hier ist mein Attest für die Schule.

Here is my certificate for the school.

Possessive pronoun 'mein' matches the neuter gender of 'Attest'.

Das Attest ist für drei Tage.

The certificate is for three days.

Preposition 'für' followed by the duration.

Hast du ein Attest?

Do you have a certificate?

Question form with 'haben'.

Ich bringe das Attest morgen mit.

I will bring the certificate tomorrow.

Separable verb 'mitbringen'.

Mein Chef möchte ein Attest sehen.

My boss wants to see a certificate.

Modal verb 'möchte' with infinitive 'sehen'.

Das Attest liegt auf dem Tisch.

The certificate is lying on the table.

Dative case after 'auf' (position).

Der Arzt hat mir gestern ein Attest ausgestellt.

The doctor issued a certificate for me yesterday.

Perfekt tense with 'hat ausgestellt'.

Ich muss das Attest heute noch abschicken.

I still have to send the certificate today.

Modal verb 'muss' with 'abschicken'.

Ohne Attest darf ich nicht zu Hause bleiben.

Without a certificate, I am not allowed to stay home.

Preposition 'ohne' takes the accusative.

Können Sie mir ein Attest für den Sportverein geben?

Can you give me a certificate for the sports club?

Polite request with 'Können Sie'.

Das Attest sagt, dass ich eine Woche Ruhe brauche.

The certificate says that I need one week of rest.

Subordinate clause starting with 'dass'.

Ich habe mein Attest leider verloren.

Unfortunately, I lost my certificate.

Perfekt tense of 'verlieren'.

Das Attest ist nur bis Freitag gültig.

The certificate is only valid until Friday.

Adjective 'gültig' (valid).

Bringen Sie bitte das ärztliche Attest mit.

Please bring the medical certificate with you.

Imperative form with 'bitte'.

Wegen der Grippe hat mir der Arzt ein Attest für fünf Tage gegeben.

Because of the flu, the doctor gave me a certificate for five days.

Genitive preposition 'wegen' followed by 'der Grippe'.

In meinem Arbeitsvertrag steht, dass ich ab dem ersten Tag ein Attest vorlegen muss.

My employment contract states that I must present a certificate from the first day.

Complex sentence with a 'dass' clause.

Ich habe das Attest digital an die Personalabteilung gesendet.

I sent the certificate digitally to the HR department.

Dative object 'an die Personalabteilung'.

Wenn man länger als drei Tage krank ist, benötigt man ein Attest.

If you are sick for more than three days, you need a certificate.

Conditional 'wenn' clause.

Der Professor verlangt ein Attest, wenn man eine Prüfung verpasst.

The professor demands a certificate if you miss an exam.

Verb 'verlangen' (to demand).

Das Attest muss spätestens am vierten Tag beim Arbeitgeber sein.

The certificate must be with the employer by the fourth day at the latest.

Superlative 'spätestens'.

Könnten Sie das Attest bitte auch an meine Krankenkasse schicken?

Could you please also send the certificate to my health insurance?

Konjunktiv II 'könnten' for politeness.

Ich habe ein Attest bekommen, aber ich fühle mich eigentlich schon besser.

I got a certificate, but I actually feel better already.

Conjunction 'aber' connecting two main clauses.

Die Vorlage eines Attests ist für die Rückerstattung der Reisekosten zwingend erforderlich.

Presenting a certificate is mandatory for the reimbursement of travel costs.

Genitive construction 'eines Attests'.

Der Arzt weigerte sich, ein rückwirkendes Attest für die letzte Woche auszustellen.

The doctor refused to issue a backdated certificate for last week.

Reflexive verb 'sich weigern' with infinitive construction.

Ein Attest darf keine Diagnose enthalten, es sei denn, der Patient wünscht es.

A certificate must not contain a diagnosis unless the patient wishes it.

Negative modal 'darf keine' and 'es sei denn'.

Trotz des ärztlichen Attests zweifelte der Arbeitgeber an der Arbeitsunfähigkeit.

Despite the medical certificate, the employer doubted the incapacity for work.

Preposition 'trotz' with genitive 'des ärztlichen Attests'.

Für die Teilnahme am Marathon ist ein sportärztliches Attest vorgeschrieben.

A sports medical certificate is mandatory for participating in the marathon.

Participle 'vorgeschrieben' as an adjective.

Das Attest bescheinigt ihm eine dauerhafte Einschränkung der Belastbarkeit.

The certificate confirms a permanent limitation of his resilience.

Verb 'bescheinigen' takes dative (ihm) and accusative (Einschränkung).

Ohne ein qualifiziertes Attest wird der Antrag auf Nachteilsausgleich abgelehnt.

Without a qualified certificate, the application for disadvantage compensation will be rejected.

Passive voice 'wird abgelehnt'.

Er reichte ein Attest ein, um seine Abwesenheit während der Verhandlung zu rechtfertigen.

He submitted a certificate to justify his absence during the trial.

Infinitive clause with 'um... zu'.

Die Glaubwürdigkeit des Attests wurde durch widersprüchliche Aussagen erschüttert.

The credibility of the certificate was shaken by contradictory statements.

Genitive 'des Attests' and passive voice.

Ein amtsärztliches Attest kann in Zweifelsfällen vom Arbeitgeber angefordert werden.

A public health officer's certificate can be requested by the employer in cases of doubt.

Modal passive 'kann angefordert werden'.

Die rechtlichen Anforderungen an ein Attest zur Prüfungsunfähigkeit sind sehr hoch.

The legal requirements for a certificate of unfitness for examination are very high.

Prepositional object 'an ein Attest'.

Es ist unzulässig, ein Attest ohne vorherige persönliche Untersuchung auszustellen.

It is inadmissible to issue a certificate without a prior personal examination.

Adjective 'unzulässig' with infinitive construction.

Der Beweiswert eines Attests ist im deutschen Arbeitsrecht von zentraler Bedeutung.

The evidentiary value of a certificate is of central importance in German labor law.

Noun-noun compound 'Beweiswert'.

Ein Gefälligkeitsattest kann für den ausstellenden Arzt strafrechtliche Konsequenzen haben.

A certificate of convenience can have criminal consequences for the issuing doctor.

Adjective 'strafrechtliche' (criminal law related).

Das Attest dient als Nachweis für die Notwendigkeit einer Kurmaßnahme.

The certificate serves as proof of the necessity of a spa treatment.

Verb 'dienen als' (to serve as).

Inwieweit ein Attest per Videosprechstunde rechtssicher ist, bleibt umstritten.

To what extent a certificate via video consultation is legally secure remains controversial.

Indirect question with 'inwieweit'.

Die inflationäre Verwendung von Attesten führt zu einer zunehmenden Skepsis seitens der Arbeitgeberverbände.

The inflationary use of certificates leads to increasing skepticism on the part of employer associations.

Complex noun phrase with genitive plural 'von Attesten'.

Ein Attest entfaltet seine befreiende Wirkung erst mit dem Zugang beim Adressaten.

A certificate only unfolds its liberating effect upon receipt by the addressee.

Legal terminology 'entfaltet Wirkung' and 'Zugang'.

Die ärztliche Schweigepflicht kollidiert hierbei oft mit der Offenbarungspflicht im Rahmen eines qualifizierten Attests.

Medical confidentiality often conflicts here with the duty of disclosure within a qualified certificate.

Abstract verb 'kollidieren' (to collide/conflict).

Manche Kritiker sehen im Attestwesen eine Pathologisierung alltäglicher Befindlichkeitsstörungen.

Some critics see in the system of medical certificates a pathologization of everyday minor ailments.

Complex abstract nouns like 'Pathologisierung'.

Das Attest fungiert als biopolitisches Instrument zur Regulierung der Erwerbsbevölkerung.

The certificate functions as a biopolitical instrument for regulating the working population.

Academic register using 'fungieren als'.

Die Rechtsprechung hat die Anforderungen an die Erschütterung des Beweiswerts eines Attests präzisiert.

Case law has clarified the requirements for shaking the evidentiary value of a certificate.

Double genitive construction.

Ein Attest, das ohne hinreichende medizinische Grundlage erstellt wurde, ist als Scheinbeweis zu werten.

A certificate created without sufficient medical basis is to be considered sham evidence.

Relative clause and 'zu + infinitive' construction.

Die Digitalisierung des Attests markiert einen Paradigmenwechsel in der Kommunikation zwischen Arzt und Patient.

The digitalization of the certificate marks a paradigm shift in the communication between doctor and patient.

Metaphorical use of 'markieren' and 'Paradigmenwechsel'.

Common Collocations

ein Attest ausstellen

ein Attest vorlegen

ärztliches Attest

ein Attest einreichen

ein Attest fälschen

Attestpflicht

ein Attest verlangen

rückwirkendes Attest

qualifiziertes Attest

auf Basis eines Attests

Common Phrases

Brauchen Sie ein Attest?

— A standard question from a doctor or receptionist asking if you need a sick note.

Am Ende der Untersuchung fragte die Helferin: 'Brauchen Sie ein Attest?'

Ein Attest nachreichen

— To provide the certificate later, after the absence has already begun.

Ich werde das Attest morgen nachreichen.

Vom Sport befreit sein (per Attest)

— To be excused from physical education classes via a medical note.

Wegen meines Asthmas bin ich per Attest vom Sport befreit.

Ein Attest für die Versicherung

— A certificate specifically for insurance claims (e.g., travel cancellation).

Ich benötige ein Attest für die Versicherung.

Das Attest gilt ab heute

— The certificate is valid starting from today's date.

Das Attest gilt ab heute für drei Werktage.

Ein Attest anfordern

— To request a certificate from a doctor or a patient.

Die Versicherung wird ein Attest anfordern.

Ein Attest beifügen

— To attach a certificate to a letter or application.

Bitte fügen Sie das Attest Ihrem Antrag bei.

Ein Attest akzeptieren

— To accept a certificate as valid proof.

Die Universität akzeptiert das Attest nur im Original.

Ein Attest benötigen

— To need or require a certificate.

Benötigen Sie ein Attest für Ihren Arbeitgeber?

Ein Attest unterschreiben

— To sign a certificate (usually referring to the doctor).

Der Arzt muss das Attest noch unterschreiben.

Often Confused With

Attest vs Rezept

A Rezept is for medicine; an Attest is for proving illness.

Attest vs Zeugnis

A Zeugnis is a report card or diploma; an Attest is a medical note.

Attest vs Befund

A Befund is the specific medical finding; an Attest is the official note for the employer.

Idioms & Expressions

"Jemandem ein Armutszeugnis ausstellen"

— While not using 'Attest', this uses 'Zeugnis' (certificate) to say someone's behavior is a poor reflection of them.

Sein Verhalten ist ein Armutszeugnis.

figurative

"Ein Attest ist kein Freibrief"

— A certificate doesn't give you permission to do whatever you want (like going on vacation while 'sick').

Denk dran, ein Attest ist kein Freibrief zum Feiern.

informal

"Blau machen"

— To skip work/school without being sick (often the reason people want a 'Gefälligkeitsattest').

Er hat blau gemacht und sich ein Attest besorgt.

informal

"Auf dem gelben Schein sein"

— To be on sick leave (referring to the traditional yellow color of the Attest).

Er ist diese Woche auf dem gelben Schein.

informal

"Sich krankmelden"

— The act of calling in sick, which usually precedes getting the Attest.

Ich muss mich erst krankmelden und dann zum Arzt für das Attest.

neutral

"Ein Gefälligkeitsattest"

— A certificate given as a favor, not because of real illness (illegal).

Der Arzt ist bekannt für seine Gefälligkeitsatteste.

neutral/critical

"Attest-Tourismus"

— Going to multiple doctors to find one who will give you an Attest.

Die Krankenkassen warnen vor Attest-Tourismus.

critical

"Den gelben Urlaub nehmen"

— Sarcastic term for faking illness to get time off work.

Hat er wieder den gelben Urlaub genommen?

slang/ironic

"Ein Attest 'schinden'"

— To try hard to get a doctor to give you a certificate you don't really deserve.

Er hat versucht, sich ein Attest zu schinden.

informal

"Attest-Zwang"

— Colloquial for 'Attestpflicht' (the pressure/obligation to provide a note).

In dieser Firma herrscht ein richtiger Attest-Zwang.

informal

Easily Confused

Attest vs Test

Sounds similar.

A 'Test' is an exam or a procedure; an 'Attest' is the resulting document of a medical evaluation.

Ich mache einen Coronatest, um ein Attest zu bekommen.

Attest vs Bestätigung

Both are confirmations.

A 'Bestätigung' is general; an 'Attest' is specifically medical and formal.

Das Attest ist eine Bestätigung meiner Krankheit.

Attest vs Entschuldigung

Both explain absences.

An 'Entschuldigung' can be written by a parent; an 'Attest' must be written by a doctor.

Für die Schule reicht oft eine Entschuldigung, für die Prüfung braucht man ein Attest.

Attest vs Gutachten

Both are medical documents.

A 'Gutachten' is a long, expert report; an 'Attest' is a short, standard certificate.

Für die Rente braucht man ein Gutachten, nicht nur ein Attest.

Attest vs Protest

Rhymes with Attest.

A 'Protest' is an objection; an 'Attest' is a certificate.

Trotz des Protests der Schüler wurde das Attest verlangt.

Sentence Patterns

Ich habe ein Attest.

Ich habe ein Attest für die Schule.

Der Arzt stellt ein Attest aus.

Der Arzt stellt mir ein Attest aus.

Ich muss ein Attest vorlegen.

Ich muss das Attest morgen vorlegen.

Wegen [Genitive] brauche ich ein Attest.

Wegen meiner Krankheit brauche ich ein Attest.

Das Attest bescheinigt [Dative] [Accusative].

Das Attest bescheinigt ihm die Arbeitsunfähigkeit.

Ohne [Accusative] kann man nicht [Verb].

Ohne ein Attest kann man nicht fehlen.

Die Vorlage eines Attests ist [Adjective].

Die Vorlage eines Attests ist obligatorisch.

Inwieweit das Attest [Verb], ist [Adjective].

Inwieweit das Attest rechtssicher ist, ist fraglich.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in work and school contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 'der Attest' → das Attest
'Attest' is a neuter noun. Using masculine articles will lead to incorrect adjective endings.
Confusing 'Attest' with 'Rezept' → Attest (for sickness), Rezept (for medicine)
Giving your boss a 'Rezept' means you are giving them your prescription, which is wrong.
Asking for a 'sick note' as 'kranke Notiz' → Attest or Krankschreibung
'Kranke Notiz' is a literal translation that doesn't exist in German.
Stressing the first syllable: AT-test → at-TEST
The stress in German is on the second syllable. The English stress pattern sounds wrong in German.
Thinking 'Attest' means 'Test' → Attest is the certificate; Test is the examination.
If you say you have a 'Test' for work, they think you are being examined for skills.

Tips

Visit the doctor early

Go to the doctor on the first day of illness if your contract requires an Attest from day one. Backdating is difficult and often refused.

Remember 'Das'

It is always 'das Attest'. Using the wrong gender is a common mistake for learners. Practice 'mein Attest', 'ein Attest'.

The Yellow Slip

Even though it's digital now, people still call it 'der gelbe Schein'. Knowing this term will help you understand casual office talk.

Check your contract

Read your 'Arbeitsvertrag' carefully. Look for the word 'Attestpflicht' to see if you need a note on day 1 or day 4.

University Rules

Universities are stricter than employers. Always check the 'Prüfungsordnung' for specific Attest requirements during exams.

Use 'Krankschreibung'

In spoken German, 'Krankschreibung' sounds more natural when talking to friends. Save 'Attest' for the boss and formal settings.

Take a photo

Always take a photo of your paper Attest before sending it by mail. Documents can get lost, and you need proof.

Ask for copies

Usually, you get three copies: one for the insurance, one for the employer, and one for yourself. Make sure you know which is which!

Digital Submission

If your company uses a portal, upload the Attest immediately. Speed is appreciated by German HR departments.

Travel Insurance

If you are too sick to fly, ask for a 'Reiseunfähigkeitsbescheinigung' specifically. A normal Attest might not be enough for a refund.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'A Test'. A doctor gives you 'A-test' (Attest) to prove you passed the 'sick test'.

Visual Association

Imagine a bright yellow slip of paper with a large red cross and a doctor's signature on it.

Word Web

Arzt Krank Arbeit Papier Unterschrift Bescheinigung Chef Schule

Challenge

Try to use 'Attest' in three different cases: 'Das Attest ist neu', 'Ich sehe das Attest', and 'Wegen des Attests'.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin verb 'attestari', which means 'to bear witness' or 'to confirm'.

Original meaning: A formal testimony or confirmation of a fact.

Indo-European (Latin branch)

Cultural Context

Never ask a colleague what their Attest is for; it is considered a major breach of privacy in German culture.

In the US or UK, 'doctor's notes' are often less formal and can sometimes be written on simple prescription pads. In Germany, the form is standardized.

The 'Gelber Schein' is a cultural icon in Germany, often mentioned in comedy sketches about laziness. Legal dramas in Germany often hinge on a 'falsches Attest'. The movie 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' would have been much harder in Germany due to Attestpflicht!

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Doctor's Office

Könnten Sie mir ein Attest ausstellen?
Ich brauche ein Attest für meinen Arbeitgeber.
Bis wann gilt das Attest?
Können Sie das Attest digital versenden?

At the Workplace

Ich reiche mein Attest morgen nach.
Muss ich ab dem ersten Tag ein Attest vorlegen?
Hier ist mein ärztliches Attest.
Mein Attest wurde verlängert.

At School/University

Ich war krank und habe hier das Attest.
Akzeptieren Sie ein Attest vom Hausarzt?
Ich brauche ein Attest wegen Prüfungsunfähigkeit.
Das Attest muss im Original vorliegen.

With Insurance

Die Versicherung verlangt ein Attest.
Reicht dieses Attest für die Rückerstattung?
Ich habe das Attest beigefügt.
Das Attest bestätigt meine Reiseunfähigkeit.

At the Gym

Kann ich meinen Vertrag mit einem Attest pausieren?
Hier ist das Attest für meine Sportunfähigkeit.
Wie lange muss das Attest gültig sein?
Reicht ein einfaches Attest aus?

Conversation Starters

"Hast du schon dein Attest beim Chef abgegeben?"

"Weißt du, ob man hier ab dem ersten Tag ein Attest braucht?"

"Mein Arzt wollte mir kein rückwirkendes Attest geben, was soll ich jetzt tun?"

"Glaubst du, der Lehrer akzeptiert dieses Attest?"

"Wie lange ist dein Attest eigentlich noch gültig?"

Journal Prompts

Beschreibe deinen letzten Besuch beim Arzt und wie du nach einem Attest gefragt hast.

Warum ist das Attest in Deutschland so wichtig für die Arbeitswelt?

Was hältst du von der neuen elektronischen Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung (eAU)?

Hattest du schon einmal Probleme, weil ein Attest gefehlt hat?

Vergleiche das System mit den ärztlichen Bescheinigungen in deinem Heimatland.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Das hängt von Ihrem Arbeitsvertrag ab. Gesetzlich ist es meist nach drei Kalendertagen nötig, aber viele Arbeitgeber verlangen es ab dem ersten Tag. Fragen Sie am besten in Ihrer Personalabteilung nach, um sicherzugehen.

Nein, Ihr Arbeitgeber hat kein Recht auf die Diagnose. Das Attest bestätigt lediglich, dass Sie arbeitsunfähig sind und wie lange dies voraussichtlich dauern wird. Ihre Privatsphäre ist gesetzlich geschützt.

Ein rückwirkendes Attest wird für Tage ausgestellt, die vor dem Arztbesuch liegen. Ärzte dürfen dies in der Regel nur für maximal zwei bis drei Tage tun und auch nur, wenn die Krankheit offensichtlich schon vorher bestand.

Wenn Sie trotz Verpflichtung kein Attest vorlegen, kann der Arbeitgeber die Lohnzahlung für diese Tage verweigern. Zudem riskieren Sie eine Abmahnung oder im Wiederholungsfall sogar eine Kündigung.

Ein Standard-Attest für den Arbeitgeber (AU-Bescheinigung) ist für gesetzlich Versicherte kostenlos. Atteste für andere Zwecke, wie Sportvereine oder Versicherungen, können jedoch eine Gebühr kosten.

Ein qualifiziertes Attest enthält detailliertere Informationen über die Art der Beeinträchtigung, ohne die Diagnose zu nennen. Es wird oft von Universitäten verlangt, um die Prüfungsunfähigkeit genau zu beurteilen.

Ja, auch Zahnärzte können ein Attest (AU-Bescheinigung) ausstellen, wenn die zahnmedizinische Behandlung oder die damit verbundenen Schmerzen eine Arbeitsunfähigkeit verursachen.

Ja, Atteste aus dem Ausland werden in der Regel akzeptiert, müssen aber oft übersetzt werden oder bestimmte Mindestanforderungen erfüllen. Informieren Sie Ihre Krankenkasse und Ihren Arbeitgeber sofort.

Die eAU ist die elektronische Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung. Seit 2023 übermittelt der Arzt die Daten digital an die Krankenkasse, und der Arbeitgeber ruft sie dort ab. Der Patient bekommt meist noch einen Papierausdruck.

Ja, ein Attest ist kein Arbeitsverbot, sondern eine ärztliche Prognose. Wenn Sie sich früher gesund fühlen, dürfen Sie theoretisch wieder arbeiten, sofern keine Gefährdung für Sie oder andere besteht.