Zeugnis

reference letter

noun TSOYK-nis Rare

Origin: from Zeuge (witness)

Also means

school report

Usage Note

Zeugnis spans two senses: a school or university report card, and an employment reference (Arbeitszeugnis) which by law must be benevolent yet truthful, fostering a coded language of praise. From Zeuge (witness). Plural Zeugnisse. Context distinguishes the academic from the work meaning.

Examples

"Sein Arbeitszeugnis fiel ausgezeichnet aus."

Natural Translation

His reference letter turned out excellent.

Literal Translation

His work-reference fell excellent out.

Related Words

Explore German by topic

GermanNow

German Umlauts & ß: Sounds and Typing

Pronounce ä, ö, ü with the front-tongue, rounded-lips rule, master the ß vs ss spelling, and type every German umlaut on Mac, Windows, and phone.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

Weil vs Denn vs Da: "Because" in German

Weil and da send the verb to the end; denn keeps it in second position. Here's how to pick the right German "because" and place the verb correctly.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

German Separable Verbs: When the Prefix Splits

German separable verbs split in two: the verb stays near the front and the prefix flies to the end. Learn the stress test and where every piece goes.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

GermanNow

German Compound Words: How to Read Any Long Word

Read any long German word by working right-to-left: the last noun sets the meaning and gender, and the small linking letters are just glue. Here's the drill.

June 9, 2026 6 min read