261. A man, at age 30, wants to obtain the Abitur in Germany later in life. Where can he do this? At a …

Answer options

1. a higher education institution (Hochschule)
2. an Abendgymnasium (evening secondary school for adults)
3. a Hauptschule (lower secondary school)
4. a private university

Explanation

The correct venue is the Abendgymnasium, part of the “second educational pathway” enabling adults to obtain the general university entrance qualification (Abitur). Under Articles 30 and 70 of the Basic Law, education lies within the Länder’s cultural sovereignty; Abendgymnasien are established and regulated by state school acts and ordinances. Access is shaped by the equality clause (Art. 3 GG) and freedom of occupation (Art. 12 GG), while BAföG promotes equal opportunity consistent with the social state principle (Art. 20(1) GG). Universities/private universities are tertiary institutions and do not award school-leaving certificates; the Hauptschule does not lead to the Abitur.