The digital paper in the first German state examination differs from the handwritten version mainly in the device, the software and the rules on aids. Anyone who chooses it should know the procedure before exam day. This guide describes the process using Bavaria, whose state examination office describes the procedure on a dedicated page, and shows what to check in other states.
In short: In Bavaria you write the paper in the examination hall on an examination laptop without internet access. The software resembles a word processor and has no spell checker, no search function and no clock. You still bring permitted aids on paper. You choose between laptop and handwriting in the application for admission, and this choice is generally binding (as of November 2026).
The most important points
- The paper is still written in person in the examination hall.
- You receive an examination laptop with a screen of at least 15 inches. Private devices are not allowed.
- The software runs in a browser and has no spell checker, search function or clock.
- You bring permitted aids on paper, and the task text is also on paper.
- Staff from the service provider are present on site, and the text is saved automatically.
- You decide between laptop and handwriting in the application for admission, and the choice is generally binding.
How does the laptop paper work?
The process in Bavaria is described in detail. You sit in the examination hall as you would for the handwritten paper, but you write on a device. The E-Exam has been optional there since the 2026/2 cycle, with papers on 9 and 16 September 2026, and it is offered at all seven examination venues.
| Point | Rule in Bavaria | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Device | Examination laptop, at least 15 inches, private devices not allowed | State examination office of Bavaria |
| Network | No internet, connection through a local network to an examination server | State examination office of Bavaria |
| Software | Runs in a browser, similar to a word processor, no spell checker, search or clock | State examination office of Bavaria |
| Aids | Permitted aids on paper, task text on paper, draft paper provided | State examination office of Bavaria |
| Input | Mouse provided, own keyboard only in two approved models, mouse mat and wrist rest allowed | State examination office of Bavaria |
| Not allowed | USB hubs and laptop stands | State examination office of Bavaria |
What happens if a device fails?
Staff from the service provider are on site throughout the examination. The text is saved automatically, so if a device fails you can continue writing on a replacement. This removes the fear of losing your work, but it does not replace preparation with the device.
Preparation therefore matters. According to the state examination office, the software has a demo portal. Try it before you make your choice in the application, so you become familiar with the keyboard, the mouse and the flow of the text.
How does the procedure differ in Saxony-Anhalt?
Saxony-Anhalt has offered an E-Exam for the second state examination since 2019. According to information from the state examination office of January 2024, the examination takes place at the examination centre of Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. The tasks are the same as in the handwritten version, and the working time is five hours.
According to the same information, the compulsory subject examination was planned to start from August 2024. There too you may switch until two weeks before the examination if you change your mind. The comparison shows that the procedure can be similarly structured, while the details vary considerably between states.
What is different for the second examination in Baden-Württemberg?
Baden-Württemberg has introduced the digital second examination, with its debut on 3 December 2024. The justice ministry stated that more than 85 percent of the 490 participants chose electronic work. For the first examination the press release names a start only as a plan, depending on the budget. Knowing your state and your examination is therefore decisive for preparation.
How do you prepare in practice?
Preparation has two levels: the technical side and the strategic side. The technical side covers keyboard, mouse, text editing without aids and dealing with device failures. The strategic side covers time planning and how you organise outlines and references without a search function. Both can be practised before the date, ideally with the state demo portal where one exists.
- Determine which examination and which state apply to you.
- Read the rules of the state examination office and note the approved devices and aids.
- Choose laptop or handwriting in the application for admission and remember that the choice is binding.
- Practise with the demo portal and a comparable keyboard before you sit the examination.
What do you bring on exam day?
You bring the permitted aids in paper form, as you would for the handwritten paper. The Bavarian page also lists the devices and accessories you may or may not use.
- Permitted aids on paper. The task text is also provided on paper.
- Your own keyboard only in the two approved models, CHERRY KC 1000 or Logitech K280e.
- A mouse mat and a wrist rest, which are expressly allowed.
- Draft paper, which the examination office provides.
- No USB hubs and no laptop stands, which are prohibited.
What should you clarify before the date?
Ask the responsible state examination office whether the E-Exam is offered for your examination, which deadline applies in the application, whether your own keyboard is permitted and how compensation of disadvantages is handled in case of technical problems. Answers are often on the office website, but they are not always complete, so a written question is worth the effort.
Frequently asked questions
May I bring my own laptop?
Not in Bavaria. There you receive an examination laptop, and private devices are not allowed. Your own keyboard is permitted only in the two approved models. Ask the responsible authority whether other states allow private devices.
Can I look things up on the internet during the paper?
No. In Bavaria the examination laptop has no internet access and is connected through a local network to the examination server. You still bring the permitted aids on paper.
What happens if I change my mind later?
In Bavaria the choice is binding. A change is possible only in case of illness under the rules for compensation of disadvantages. In Saxony-Anhalt you may switch until two weeks before the examination. Check the deadline in your state.
Are there rules on compensation of disadvantages for laptop papers?
In Bavaria, compensation of disadvantages is expressly mentioned as a ground for changing the form in case of illness. The exact requirements and the evidence needed must be clarified with the state examination office. Our guide on compensation of disadvantages in the state examination (in German) gives an overview of the procedure.
Related articles
- Staatsexamen and Referendariat: Reforms, Deadlines and Rules at a Glance, the hub for this topic group.
- E-Exam Law 2026: Which German States Introduce the Digital Exam, with the status of each state.
- Repeating the State Examination: What Federal and State Law Allow.
- Free Attempt in the State Examination: What Counts and Where the Deadlines Are.
- Compensation of Disadvantages in the State Examination.
Sources: State examination office of Bavaria, E-Exam in the first state examination, page without a date, retrieved 2 November 2026, latest date mentioned: contract award to the service provider at the end of November 2025; State examination office of Saxony-Anhalt, E-Exam information, status January 2024; State justice ministry of Baden-Württemberg, press release, 6 November 2024 (in German).
Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
