das  Attest

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/atɛst/

📜 What exactly is 'das Attest'?

The German word das Attest (noun, neuter) refers to a written certificate, usually from an official or expert body (like a doctor or an authority), confirming a specific fact. It's most commonly used in a medical context.

• Ärztliches Attest: A medical certificate confirming illness, inability to work, or a health condition.
• Amtliches Attest: An official certificate from an authority regarding a specific status or fact.

It serves as official proof.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: das Attest

The word "Attest" is a neuter noun. Therefore, the correct article is always das.

Declension of 'das Attest'

Example Sentences

1. Für die Prüfung benötigst du ein ärztliches Attest.
   (For the exam, you need a medical certificate.)
2. Der Arbeitgeber verlangte ein Attest für die Krankheitstage.
   (The employer demanded a doctor's note for the sick days.)
3. Kannst du bitte das Attest vom Arzt holen?
   (Can you please get the certificate from the doctor?)
4. Die Schule akzeptiert nur offizielle Atteste.
   (The school only accepts official certificates.)

💡 When do you need 'ein Attest'? (Usage)

An Attest is typically required in the following situations:

• Krankmeldung (Sick note): As proof of incapacity for work to the employer or school/university. Often required only from the third day of illness onwards in Germany.
• Prüfungsunfähigkeit (Inability to take an exam): To prove that one cannot participate in an exam for health reasons.
• Sportbefreiung (Exemption from sports): Pupils often need a medical certificate to be excused from physical education classes.
• Behördliche Nachweise (Official proofs): Less common usage for official certifications, e.g., about specific skills or conditions (although more specific terms like "Zeugnis" or "Bescheinigung" are often used here).

Important Context: In everyday German, the term "Attest" almost always implies a medical certificate. If another type of certificate is meant, it's often specified (e.g., amtliches Attest).

Distinction from "Bescheinigung" and "Zeugnis":

• Bescheinigung: A more general term for a document that confirms something. An Attest is a specific type of Bescheinigung.
• Zeugnis: Usually refers to performance (school report card, work reference) or a testimony (witness testimony).

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

For the article (das): Think of das Papier (the paper) or das Dokument (the document) on which the Attest is written. It's a neutral piece of paper, hence das Attest.

For the meaning: Imagine you need to get something attested to (like your health), and you receive a confirmation – that's an Attest. It sounds similar to the English word 'attest'.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Similar but Different Words

• Testament (das): A person's last will. Sounds somewhat similar, but completely different meaning.
• Attentat (das): An assassination attempt or attack. Do not confuse!

😂 A Little Joke about 'das Attest'

DE: Warum hat der Computer ein Attest bekommen? – Er hatte einen Virus!

EN: Why did the computer get a doctor's note (Attest)? – It had a virus!

✍️ Poem about 'das Attest'

DE:
Der Kopf tut weh, die Glieder schwer,
zur Arbeit gehen? Das fällt nun schwer.
Zum Doktor schnell, was muss, das muss,
er gibt zum Glück den Krankheitsgruss.
Ein Zettel klein, ganz offiziell,
das Attest, es hilft ganz schnell.
Dem Chef gezeigt, der Schule auch,
so ist's nun mal im deutschen Brauch.

EN Translation:
My head aches, my limbs feel heavy,
Going to work? That's hard now, ready?
To the doctor fast, what must be done,
He gives, thankfully, the sickness bun [greeting].
A little paper, quite official,
das Attest, it helps, beneficial.
Shown to the boss, the school as well,
That's just the German custom's spell.

❓ Riddle Time

DE:
Ich bin ein Papier, vom Doktor oft,
auf meine Ankunft wird gehofft,
wenn Krankheit plagt und Arbeit ruht,
ich sag' offiziell: "Dir geht's nicht gut!"
Was bin ich?

EN:
I am a paper, often from the doc,
My arrival is hoped for 'round the clock,
When illness strikes and work must cease,
I say officially: "You're not at ease!"

What am I?
Solution: das Attest

🤓 Other Interesting Facts

Word Origin (Etymology):

The word "Attest" comes from the Latin verb attestārī, meaning "to attest" or "to certify". It is composed of ad ("to", "at") and testārī ("to bear witness", related to testis for "witness"). The meaning of written certification has survived to this day.

Did you know? While in some countries or contexts other documents might be called an "Attest", in German, the medical certificate is by far the most common meaning in everyday language.