Common Terms Used in German Universities and What They Mean

If you're looking to start studying in Germany as an international student, sometimes the terms used can be confusing, because they may not have an equivalent in your own native language. Here's a list of the most common terms used in german universities and what they mean.

Leibniz Universität in Hannover, Germany

Vorlesung
Lectures held by professors of the corresponding subject, typically theory based and doesn't offer much discussions between students and the professor. Depending on the size of the class, Vorlesung can be held in lecture halls (Hörsaal) or seminar rooms. Vorlesung is held only in Vorlesungszeit, typically around 14-16 of the whole semester.

Seminar
A class usually set up for students to be able to discuss the topics they had in the Vorlesung with their classmates and/or the seminar leader. The seminar leader can be the professors themselves or their assistants.

Übung
This can mean two things, either Praktikum, which consists of lab sessions for practical implementation of theories explained in the Vorlesung, or an exercise class, where students are required to solve a set of questions each week to be discussed in class. The latter is much like homework and normal classes in school.

Vorlesungsfreiezeit
The time in the semester where no lectures are held, but practicals can still take place. Exams are also usually set at the beginning of this time.

Rückmeldung
Reregistration as a student by sending tuition fees (Semesterbeitrag) for the upcoming semester.

Semesterbeitrag
Tuition fees for the semester, the amount differs based on the university.

Klausur
End of semester exams. There are no midterms in Germany, and the materials are those that have been discussed in the Vorlesung and if applicable, the accompanying Seminar or Übung. Most are written tests, but it can be oral as well (mündliche Prüfung). For a more in depth information on the exam season in Germany, click here.

Prüfungsanmeldungszeitraum
A span of two weeks in which students register for the exams that they are planning to take for the semester. Registration after this time is possible up to a month, but students are then required to pay a sum of money for registering late.

Testat
A mini test that are usually done within practicals and based on the topic of the day's experiments. Students may have to pass this test to the satisfaction of the lab assistants to be able to do the day's experiment. This test is set to ensure the students' understanding of the theories behind the experiments and their danger. Testat can be a written or oral test.

Kolloquium
An oral test that are done in small groups, usually towards the end of the practicals. The topics are those that are handled in the practicals, as well as the theories behind them. Students may be required to pass this test before they are allowed to take the exam for the subject.

Protokoll
A lab report based on the experiments done in the practicals, consisting of the result of the experiments, the theory behind them, and discussion of how the result reflects on the theories.

Mensa
The dining hall that offers breakfast/lunch/dinner depending on the university at a reduced and affordable price for the students

Studentenwohnheim
Student housing that is regulated and owned by the university. See the different types of student housing here.

Referat
A presentation on a specific topic by the students that would be discussed with their classmates. Usually a part of Seminar.

Hausarbeit
An essay written on a specific topic. Possibly involving answers to a set of questions set by the professor.