Statutory Declaration for Your Master's Thesis: Template and Guide

The statutory declaration — known as "Eidesstattliche Erklarung" in German — is a legally binding statement that you include in your master's thesis. It confirms that you wrote the thesis independently, used only the sources and aids listed, and have not submitted the work elsewhere. While it may seem like a mere formality, the statutory declaration carries significant legal weight: a false declaration can result in the revocation of your degree, even years after graduation. This guide explains what the statutory declaration is, provides a standard template, and covers everything you need to know about placing and signing it correctly.

What Is the Statutory Declaration?

The statutory declaration is a formal written statement in which you, as the author of the thesis, affirm that the work is entirely your own. It serves as a legal safeguard against academic dishonesty, particularly plagiarism and ghostwriting. By signing it, you declare under penalty of perjury that you have not used any sources or aids other than those listed, that all passages taken from other works are properly cited, and that the thesis has not been submitted for any other academic degree. Universities in Germany require this declaration for all degree-level theses, and it is a mandatory component of your master's thesis.

Template and Wording

Most universities provide a specific template for the statutory declaration in their thesis guidelines. If your university does not provide one, you can use a standard wording. Always check with your examination office or supervisor to confirm the accepted version at your institution, as even minor deviations in wording can cause problems during the submission process.

"I hereby declare that I have written this master's thesis independently and have not used any sources or aids other than those indicated. All passages that have been taken verbatim or in substance from published or unpublished works are identified as such. This thesis has not been submitted, in whole or in part, in the same or a similar form, to any other examination authority. [City], [Date] [Handwritten signature]"

Where to Place It

The placement of the statutory declaration varies by university, but there are two common conventions. Follow the guidelines of your specific institution to avoid any issues during submission.

• At the very end of the thesis — after the appendices and bibliography. This is the most common placement at German universities.
• At the very beginning — before the table of contents, directly after the cover page. Some universities prefer this position.
• As a separate, loose sheet — a few institutions require the declaration to be submitted as an unbound document alongside the thesis.

Conclusion

The statutory declaration is a legally binding component of your master's thesis that must not be overlooked. Use the template provided by your university, place it in the correct position, and sign it by hand before submission. It takes only a few minutes to prepare but carries significant consequences if done incorrectly. With myessay.io, you can include a properly formatted statutory declaration page in your thesis template from the very beginning, ensuring it meets your university's requirements.