A plagiarism allegation often catches students unprepared, frequently shortly before a submission or after an examination notice. The key point is that a suspicion first opens a procedure. It is not yet a decision. This guide shows the typical stages, names your rights and explains where universities proceed differently.
Kurz beantwortet: In a plagiarism suspicion, the examiner reviews the work and prepares a report that goes to the examinations office. The University of Marburg then requests a written response with a deadline of 14 days, after which the examination committee decides. The statement of legal remedy in the notice governs any objection. Last updated: November 2026.
The most important points
- A plagiarism suspicion opens a procedure. It is not a grade.
- In the Marburg procedure, the report, the information of the bodies, the hearing and the decision by the examination committee follow one another.
- You receive the opportunity to respond in writing, in Marburg with a deadline of 14 days.
- The Marburg page does not cover access to files or the objection deadline, which follow from the notice and the regulations.
- The decision carries a statement of legal remedy, with which you can object within the period stated.
What is a plagiarism suspicion?
A plagiarism suspicion concerns the adoption of other people’s ideas or texts without adequate labelling. Whether a plagiarism actually exists is examined by the university in the procedure, not by the plagiarism software alone. A hit in software is an indication that must be checked. This also means that you need not be treated as having been caught at once.
Distinguish a plagiarism allegation from deception in an examination. Deception usually concerns unapproved aids during the exam. Plagiarism concerns the lack of labelling of foreign content in a text. Both procedures include a hearing and a decision, but the details follow the regulations of your university.
What stages does the procedure have?
The University of Marburg describes its procedure in a network version dated 13 July 2026. The table shows the stages in the order intended there. Other universities may involve other bodies or set other deadlines.
| Stage | What happens | Marburg example (as of 13 July 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Finding | The examiner assesses the performance as deception and prepares a report | The case is reported to the examinations office |
| 2. Information | The examinations office informs the dean of studies and the chair of the examination committee | Internal information of the bodies |
| 3. Hearing | Students are asked for a written response to the report | Deadline of 14 days |
| 4. Decision | The examination committee decides whether deception occurred | In case of deception, the exam is recorded with 0 points (TA) and a statement of legal remedy with an objection option is issued |
| 5. Further steps | After consultation in the committee, further consequences can follow | In repeated or serious cases, up to exclusion from all further exams in the programme |
The stages show that the hearing comes before the decision. This is your most important point of action, because at this stage you can set out the facts, present evidence and name errors in the report.
Which rights do you have in the procedure?
Your rights include the opportunity to respond. The Marburg page provides for it expressly. According to the guideline of the University of Mainz on suspected deception, the opportunity to respond must be granted before a decision is taken on whether deception occurred. A procedure without a hearing is therefore open to challenge.
Your rights also include the written statement of legal remedy in the notice. It names the deadline and the authority for an objection. The Mainz guideline names one month for an objection in its deception procedure. That period applies there and not automatically at your university, so check the notice and the regulations.
The Marburg page does not regulate access to files. Ask the examinations office in writing which documents you may inspect before you submit your response. A request protects you, because you can then answer the allegation on the basis of the documents.
How do you prepare your response?
- Read the report in full and mark the passages that are cited as the allegation.
- Document your sources with a bibliography, references and, where appropriate, copies of the originals.
- Keep drafts and versions of your file ready if they show your way of working.
- Note the deadline in your calendar and plan time for follow-up questions.
- Write factually. Explain what you took over and why the labelling is missing, if that is the case.
A response is stronger when it separates facts from assessments. Name the passage concretely and set out where it comes from. Blanket denials rarely help you.
Frequently asked questions
Is a plagiarism suspicion already a grade?
No. The suspicion opens a procedure in which you can respond. According to the Marburg procedure, the examination committee decides, not the examiner alone.
Can I have a deadline extended?
That is governed by your university’s regulations. Apply in good time before the deadline expires and document the reasons in writing. An application after the deadline often has poorer prospects.
What is the difference from a suspicion of deception?
Plagiarism concerns unlabelled foreign content in the text, while deception usually concerns unapproved aids during the exam. Both procedures follow similar principles, but the regulations decide the details. Our guide on suspected deception explains the hearing.
Must I hand in my work in its original form?
That depends on the regulations and the request. Ask the examinations office which documents you must submit, and keep your files with their version status.
How long does the procedure take?
The Marburg page does not state a fixed duration. The decision must still be taken promptly, so that you suffer no disadvantage if the allegation is not confirmed. Ask in writing about the status if there are delays.
Do I need legal advice?
Not every plagiarism allegation requires a lawyer. If the hearing is conducted factually and you can document the text properly, a detailed response is often enough. The picture changes if consequences go beyond the grade, such as exclusion from further exams or deregistration. Then keep to deadlines with particular care and seek legal advice before committing to a position. Advice at the examinations office does not replace a legal review of your case.
What to do now
- Read the notice or letter and note the date, the deadline and the contact person.
- Request the documents you need for your response.
- Write the response factually and submit it on time.
- Check the statement of legal remedy after the decision and decide on an objection in time.
Related reading
- Hub on examination regulations: Understanding examination regulations
- Avoiding plagiarism when writing (in German)
- Suspected deception: the clarifying talk
- A false declaration of authorship: possible consequences
- Attempted deception in an exam: consequences for your grade
Sources: University of Marburg, procedure on plagiarism or deception suspicion (network version 13 July 2026); University of Mainz, guideline on dealing with deception, version 4 (as of December 2025).
Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
