die
Gesellenprüfung
🎓 What does "die Gesellenprüfung" mean?
Die Gesellenprüfung is the final examination at the end of an apprenticeship (betriebliche Berufsausbildung) in a recognized trade in Germany, particularly in skilled crafts (Handwerk). By passing this exam, the apprentice proves that they have acquired the necessary professional skills and knowledge to practice the profession.
After successful completion, the candidate receives the Gesellenbrief (journeyman's certificate) and becomes a Geselle (male journeyman) or Gesellin (female journeyman) (or a Facharbeiter/in - skilled worker - in non-craft professions). The exam typically consists of a theoretical and a practical part.
⚠️ Important: The term is primarily used in the context of skilled crafts (Handwerk). In other sectors (e.g., industry and commerce), the equivalent exam is often called Abschlussprüfung (final examination) or Facharbeiterprüfung (skilled worker examination).
Article rules for der, die, and das
-ung → always feminine.
There are many -ung words, we won't list them all. There are only a few exceptions.
🧐 Grammar in Detail: Die Gesellenprüfung
The word "Gesellenprüfung" is a feminine noun. The article is always die.
Declension
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | die | Gesellenprüfung |
| Genitive (Possessive) | der | Gesellenprüfung |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | der | Gesellenprüfung |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | die | Gesellenprüfung |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Gesellenprüfungen |
| Genitive | der | Gesellenprüfungen |
| Dative | den | Gesellenprüfungen |
| Accusative | die | Gesellenprüfungen |
Example Sentences
- Morgen findet die Gesellenprüfung für die Tischler statt.
(Tomorrow, the journeyman exam for the carpenters takes place.) - Er bereitet sich intensiv auf die Gesellenprüfung vor.
(He is preparing intensively for the journeyman exam.) - Das Ergebnis der Gesellenprüfung wird nächste Woche bekannt gegeben.
(The result of the journeyman exam will be announced next week.) - Nach bestandener Gesellenprüfung erhielt sie ihren Gesellenbrief.
(After passing the journeyman exam, she received her journeyman's certificate.)
🛠️ When to use "die Gesellenprüfung"?
The term "Gesellenprüfung" is specifically used within the context of the dual vocational training system (duale Berufsausbildung) in Germany, especially in skilled craft trades (Handwerksberufe) such as baker, carpenter, hairdresser, electrician, mason, etc.
- Context: Vocational education, skilled crafts, completion of an apprenticeship (Lehre).
- Meaning: It marks the successful completion of the training period and the transition from the status of an apprentice (Auszubildender or Lehrling) to a journeyman (Geselle).
- Distinction: It should not be confused with the Meisterprüfung (master craftsman examination), which is an advanced qualification pursued after the Gesellenprüfung, or the Zwischenprüfung (intermediate examination) taken during the apprenticeship. In industrial and commercial professions, the corresponding exam is often simply called Abschlussprüfung (final examination).
🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids
Article Mnemonic: Words ending in "-ung" in German are almost always feminine. Think of: die Prüfung (the exam), die Ausbildung (the training), die Bewertung (the evaluation)... therefore, it's die Gesellenprüfung. 👩🔧
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine you have to pass a major Prüfung (exam) to finally become a fully-fledged Geselle (journeyman craftsman) and create your own masterpiece. That's the Gesellenprüfung! 🔨📜
🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
- Abschlussprüfung (im Handwerk): More general term (final exam), but often used synonymously in the crafts context.
- Facharbeiterprüfung: Skilled worker exam, more common in industrial trades, but sometimes overlapping.
Antonyms (Opposites/Contrast)
- Zwischenprüfung: Intermediate exam during the apprenticeship.
- Meisterprüfung: Master craftsman exam, a higher qualification after the journeyman period.
- Ausbildungsbeginn: The start of the apprenticeship.
Similar, but different terms:
- Kammerprüfung: General term for exams conducted by a chamber (e.g., Chamber of Industry and Commerce - IHK, Chamber of Crafts - HWK).
- Staatsexamen: State examination for certain academic or state-regulated professions (e.g., doctor, teacher, lawyer).
😄 A Little Joke
Fragt der Prüfer den Bäckerlehrling bei der Gesellenprüfung: "Geselle, was ist der Unterschied zwischen einem Teig und einem Politiker?"
Der Lehrling überlegt kurz und sagt: "Keine Ahnung?"
Prüfer: "Sehr gut! Den Teig kann man noch retten!" 😂
Translation:
The examiner asks the baker apprentice during the journeyman exam: "Journeyman, what's the difference between dough and a politician?"
The apprentice thinks for a moment and says: "No idea?"
Examiner: "Very good! The dough can still be saved!" 😂
📜 A Poem about the Exam
Die Lehrzeit lang, das Ziel so nah,
die Werkstatt war dein Daheim, ja.
Nun kommt der Tag, es wird ganz ernst,
dass du dein Handwerk gut erlernst,
musst du beweisen, mit Kopf und Hand,
bei der Gesellenprüfung hier im Land.
Drum zeig dein Können, sei geschwind,
dann weht bald frischer Gesellenwind!
Translation:
The apprenticeship long, the goal so near,
The workshop was your home, oh dear.
Now comes the day, it gets quite real,
That you've learned your craft with zeal,
You must now prove, with head and hand,
At the journeyman exam in this land.
So show your skills, be swift and keen,
A fresh journeyman's wind will soon convene!
🧩 Who or What am I?
Ich komme am Ende der Lehrzeit daher,
mach' manchen Azubi das Herz recht schwer.
Ich teste Wissen, prüf' die Fertigkeit,
danach beginnt die Gesellenzeit.
Im Handwerk bin ich sehr bekannt,
nach mir gibt's den Brief in die Hand.
Was bin ich?
Translation:
I arrive at the apprenticeship's end,
Making some trainees' hearts transcend
Their ease. I test knowledge, check the skill,
After me, the journeyman's time stands still
No more, it starts. In crafts, I'm well-known,
After me, the certificate is shown (given into the hand).
What am I?
➡️ Die Gesellenprüfung (The journeyman exam)
📌 More Interesting Facts
Word Composition:
The word "Gesellenprüfung" is a compound noun, composed of:
- Der Geselle: Originally 'housemate' or 'companion', later a craftsman who has completed their apprenticeship, often still living or working with the master craftsman. From Old High German 'gisellio' (companion).
- Die Prüfung: An exam or test to determine knowledge and skills.
Together, the meaning is: The exam one must take to achieve the status of a Geselle (journeyman).
Historical Context: The tradition of the Gesellenprüfung dates back to the medieval guild system (Zunftwesen), where apprentices had to pass an exam after their training to be recognized as full members of the guild.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Gesellenprüfung?
The noun "Gesellenprüfung" is feminine. The correct article is always die: die Gesellenprüfung (singular) and die Gesellenprüfungen (plural).