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Citing sources correctly: Quoting and avoiding plagiarism

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Citing sources correctly: Quoting and avoiding plagiarism

In short: Whoever uses others’ texts, images, data or ideas must name the source; verbatim takings go in quotation marks, and plagiarism can lead to grade deductions or failing.

In more detail: In term papers, project documentation and reports: traceability and honesty apply. Plagiarism is passing off others’ work as one’s own. It can have consequences (grade 6/fail, attempted deception, exclusion from the exam, and with copyright infringement also legal consequences).

In Depth

What must be referenced?

  • Verbatim quotations (in quotation marks, with source and page).
  • Paraphrase of others’ ideas: likewise with source.
  • Figures, statistics, charts, images, code from other sources.
  • Common knowledge (e.g. “Berlin is the capital”) needs no reference.
  • AI-generated texts: mark use if required; check content (errors, invented sources); the responsibility remains with you.

Citation styles

  • Short reference in the text (author-year): “… (Müller 2023, p. 14).” plus bibliography at the end.
  • Footnote with source on the page.
  • Numbers [1] with a list (technical texts, IEEE). An entry contains: author/editor, title, publisher/platform, year, for web pages URL and access date. Example: BSI (2024): IT-Grundschutz Compendium. https://www.bsi.bund.de (accessed 12 March 2026). Choose one consistent form (observe school/IHK requirements); tools: Zotero, Citavi, Word source manager.

Good sources and handling

Prefer reliable sources: specialist books, standards, authorities, manufacturer documentation, scientific publications. Wikipedia is a starting point but only second choice as a reference (read the original sources there). Check author, date, intent. Secure sources (screenshot/PDF with date), since web pages disappear. Keep notes with sources while reading so that nothing is missing later.

Avoiding plagiarism and rights

  • Own words and understanding instead of copy-and-paste; mind maps and notes help.
  • Images: check licence (Creative Commons, attribution), otherwise own graphics.
  • Code from tutorials/forums: mind source and licence (Stack Overflow: CC BY-SA).
  • Do not reuse your own earlier work without notice.
  • Plagiarism software (Turnitin and others) compares texts; honesty is easier.
  • Agreement: in group work mark your own parts. In the IHK project documentation you explain what your contribution is.

See also: Copyright, Quoting, memes and fan art, IHK project documentation, Media literacy and sources

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