Etymology

Today it means: In Germany, the graduation not under the auspices of an educational institution but conditional on governmental interference regulating the admission to a profession; if immediately following education in an academic institution, successful completion of such an examination concludes academic studies and is equivalent to a level 7 academic degree, otherwise it usually immediately follows preparatory service for public office (Referendariat), not mutually exclusively (undergoing two is regular for certain professions in all or some states). Full definition →