Wie heißt "Abitur" auf Englisch?

Das ist ein weites Feld...

Each country has it's own education system. It seems that the two ends of the spectrum are the most internationally similar. The first 4 years and then the increasingly during graduate studies.

So how should a German communicate this big achievement - ABITUR - to the outside to the international community?

Some call it "finishing high school" - which doesn't even capture the American relevance of this big day.

Let's start from the beginning.

In the USA, there is only one school system. It starts at grade K (kindergarten - and yes! That is a REAL grade) and goes up to grade 12. Everyone goes to the same school and within the school there are variations to show above average achievement, these are sometimes called "honors classes".

Graduation from high school is still a really important celebration in the USA! It is a "coming of age".

So how DO you express it?

Basically I have three answers:

1. When I am speaking to people familiar with German culture - I use the word "Abitur".

2. When I am talking to people unfamiliar with German culture, but I really want to explain the importance of the accomplishment, I take a little bit of time and explain the meaning.

3. If I am talking to someone on a superficial level and they don't really care that much about the details...then I say: High School Diploma. This leaves me personally a little unsatisfied, but that's how it goes sometimes when you are communicating internationally. The bright side is: it can also be a great conversation starter.

What about you?

Have you ever had trouble telling others about a position, degree or the like to others in another culture? Tell us about it in the comments!