Graduation preparation: writing a Facharbeit and the Abitur project (Besondere Lernleistung)

Preparing for graduation in upper secondary school: writing a Facharbeit and the Abitur project (Besondere Lernleistung)

Introduction
In Germany’s upper secondary level, especially on the track leading to the Abitur, students are required to complete academic or research-based work that demonstrates their scholarly abilities. The two most important forms are:

• Facharbeit – a written academic paper in a specific subject

• Besondere Lernleistung (BLL) – an extended project that can be counted toward Abitur exam points

First: What is a Facharbeit?

Definition:
A Facharbeit is a short academic research paper written in Q1 or Q2 (the second-to-last year at a Gymnasium), in a subject chosen from the student’s core subjects.

Length and content:

Writing steps:

• choose the topic in coordination with the teacher

• formulate a clear research question (Fragestellung)

• collect information from reliable sources (books, articles, academic websites)

• write academically using a scientific methodology

• cite sources in MLA, APA, or Harvard style (depending on the school)

• submit on time + sometimes give an oral presentation

Second: What is a Besondere Lernleistung (BLL)?

Definition:
The Besondere Lernleistung (BLL) is a “special learning achievement” that can be counted as the fourth oral exam subject (4th Prüfungsfach) in the Abitur and can partially replace a final exam if formally submitted.

What does it include?

Difference between Facharbeit and BLL

Important tips for students

• choose a topic you like and that has available sources

• define the scope precisely (do not make it too broad)

• ask your teacher for feedback early

• follow academic rules—no copy-paste

• use tools such as Citavi or Zotero to organize sources

• review your work with a classmate or mentor before submission

Summary
Both the Facharbeit and the BLL are a unique opportunity to demonstrate a student’s abilities before graduation and are an important step toward higher education or professional life. Success does not require genius—only organization, passion, and commitment.

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