Losing your HAWK degree certificate can feel overwhelming, especially when you need it for a job application or further studies abroad. The big question on your mind is probably: “How can I get a replacement for my lost HAWK Urkunde quickly without running into endless paperwork?” HAWK Urkunde , HAWK Degree
Do not worry. German universities have a well-established process for this. Let me walk you through exactly how to secure your Zweitschrift – your official duplicate certificate.
🏛️ “What Is a HAWK Urkunde and Why Is It Important?”
What is the official name of HAWK graduation documents? When you graduate from HAWK Hochschule Hildesheim/Holzminden/Göttingen, you receive an Urkunde (degree certificate), a Zeugnis (transcript), and a Diploma Supplement. The Urkunde is your official legal proof of graduation. Without it, you cannot prove your qualification to employers or universities.
The good news? You can request a Zweitschrift (official duplicate) from HAWK. A Zweitschrift carries the same legal validity as the original document.
💡 Pro tip: If you only need to prove your graduation quickly while waiting for your replacement, ask HAWK’s Examination Office for a certified copy of your degree. Many schools provide these at low cost or even for free alongside the original certificate.
📋 “What Is a Zweitschrift and How Does It Differ from a Certified Copy?”
What is the difference between a duplicate and a certified copy? Understanding this distinction saves you time and money.
A Zweitschrift (duplicate) is an entirely newly issued document. It is not a simple photocopy. It includes a clear “Zweitschrift” watermark, the original signatories’ names (marked “gez.”), and a new issuance seal from the office handling the request. Legally, it is as valid as the original.
A beglaubigte Kopie (certified copy), on the other hand, is a photocopy of your original (or a scan) that an official certifies as a true copy with a stamp. Certified copies are cheaper and faster, but some institutions – especially those abroad – insist on seeing a full Zweitschrift.
💡 Pro tip: Always ask whether a certified copy will suffice before paying for a full Zweitschrift. It could save you both time and money.
📝 “How Do I Apply for a Lost HAWK Urkunde Replacement?”
What is the step-by-step process for requesting a Zweitschrift at HAWK? Follow this checklist:
Step 1 – Contact the Examination Office (Prüfungsamt). The Examination Office is responsible for issuing degree documents. Find the contact person for your specific degree programme on the HAWK website.
Step 2 – Submit a written application. German universities typically require a formal request. Provide the following information: your full name (as it appeared on your student records), student ID or matriculation number, degree programme and graduation date, and a clear statement that you have lost the original document.
Step 3 – Verify your identity. Submit a copy of your official photo ID (passport or national identity card). This step prevents anyone else from fraudulently obtaining your certificate.
Step 4 – Provide a “Verlusterklärung” (affidavit of loss). For lost documents, many German authorities require a sworn statement that the original is truly lost. You can usually make this declaration at your local Bürgeramt or with a notary. Some universities may waive this requirement if the loss was caused by fire, flood, or other documented disaster.
💡 Pro tip: If you have a scan or photo of your lost Urkunde, attach it to your application. This helps the office locate your archived records much faster.
💰 “How Much Does a Replacement HAWK Urkunde Cost in 2026?”
What are the Zweitschrift fees and processing times? While HAWK’s exact fees are not publicly listed, other German universities charge similar amounts:
-
TU Darmstadt: €55.00 per document (Urkunde, Zeugnis, or Transcript of Records)
-
Ruhr-Universität Bochum: €25.00 per duplicate copy
-
Hochschule RheinMain: €55.00 per duplicate
Expect to pay between €25 and €55 for a Zweitschrift at HAWK. You will typically pay by bank transfer after receiving a fee notice. Processing takes approximately 2 to 6 weeks, depending on how many departments are involved.
💡 Pro tip: Apply as early as possible. Processing always takes longer than you expect, especially during graduation seasons.
📬 “How Will I Receive My Replacement Certificate?”
Can I collect my Zweitschrift in person or have it mailed? You have options.
You can collect your Zweitschrift in person from the HAWK campus in Hildesheim. The Registration Office is located at Goschentor 1, 31134 Hildesheim. Visiting hours are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm.
Alternatively, you can request to have your duplicate mailed to you. If you are outside Germany, ask about international shipping options. HAWK can send your Zweitschrift to a postal address within Germany; for international addresses, you may need to arrange a courier or provide additional shipping instructions.
If you cannot collect the certificate yourself, you can authorise a third party using a power of attorney (Vollmacht) form. The authorised person must present their own ID along with your written authorisation.
💡 Pro tip: If you are no longer in Germany, contact the Examination Office to confirm international delivery arrangements before you pay the fee.
🌍 “Do I Need an Apostille for My Replacement HAWK Urkunde?”
How do I get my HAWK duplicate internationally recognised? Many countries require an apostille to confirm that your German degree certificate is authentic for use abroad.
An apostille is a separate certificate issued by a German authority (usually the local government office where the document was issued) that verifies the signature and seal on your document. The apostille itself does not certify the content of your degree – only that the signature and seal are genuine.
If your destination country is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, you will need full legalisation instead – a longer process involving the German Federal Office of Administration, the embassy, and local authorities.
💡 Pro tip: Before you pay for an apostille, check whether the receiving institution (employer, university, or immigration office) actually requires it. Many institutions accept a simple certified copy or the Zweitschrift itself without further authentication.
📞 “Who Do I Contact at HAWK for Urkunde Replacement?”
What are the HAWK Examination Office contact details? Reach the right people quickly.
Your first point of contact is the Registration Office (Immatrikulationsamt) at HAWK Hildesheim. The physical address is: Goschentor 1, 31134 Hildesheim, Room HIA_201.
Phone availability: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm; Friday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Online resources: Visit the HAWK website at www.hawk.de and navigate to the Registration Office page for downloadable forms and FAQs.
For degree programme‑specific inquiries, find the contact person for your programme on HAWK’s “Contact Persons” page.
💡 Pro tip: Before calling, have your student ID number and graduation year ready. This helps the office locate your records instantly.
✅ Your Action Plan for Replacing Your HAWK Urkunde
Here is your complete checklist:
-
Do not panic – German universities issue official duplicates called Zweitschriften that carry full legal validity.
-
Contact the Examination Office (Prüfungsamt) – find the person responsible for your degree programme on the HAWK website.
-
Submit a written application – include your full name, student ID, degree programme, graduation date, and a statement of loss.
-
Provide identity verification – submit a copy of your official photo ID (passport or national ID).
-
Prepare a Verlusterklärung (affidavit of loss) – if required by HAWK, make a sworn statement at your local Bürgeramt.
-
Pay the Zweitschrift fee – budget between €25 and €55, payable by bank transfer after receiving a fee notice.
-
Allow 2–6 weeks for processing – apply early, especially if you need the document by a specific deadline.
-
Collect your duplicate in person or by mail – Hildesheim campus address: Goschentor 1, 31134 Hildesheim.
-
Authorise a third party if needed – use a Vollmacht (power of attorney) form if someone else collects for you.
-
Request an apostille if required – for international use in Hague Convention countries, authenticate your Zweitschrift through German authorities.
Losing your HAWK Urkunde is stressful, but the replacement process is straightforward once you know the steps. Start by contacting your Examination Office today – your duplicate certificate will be in your hands sooner than you think.
📍 HAWK Hochschule Hildesheim/Holzminden/Göttingen, Hildesheim, Lower Saxony, Germany
🔗 Official website: www.hawk.de
