Which one should you use?
While Hochschule is a broad term for any academic institution, Universität specifically refers to universities that have a broader research focus and the authority to grant doctorates. If you are referring specifically to a college of applied sciences, you should use Fachhochschule.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Austria, the term Fachhochschule is commonly referred to as FH.
How does it change in a sentence?
Hochschule is a feminine noun. It changes to der Hochschule when used in the dative case, which occurs after certain prepositions such as zu or in phrases like an einer.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈhoːxˌʃuːlə/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the German word Kolleg to mean a college. In German, Kolleg usually refers to a faculty or a specific type of vocational school rather than a general academic institution.
Did you know?
- The term Hochschule literally translates to 'high school', but in German this refers to higher education and not the secondary school students in English-speaking countries attend.
- A student at a Hochschule might describe their degree as studieren, but in English, 'studying' is a general activity, whereas in German, studieren is almost exclusively reserved for university-level education.
- Some Hochschulen in Germany are called Dual, meaning the student splits their time equally between the classroom and a company to gain professional experience.
Examples in context
- Ich gehe zur Hochschule.I'm a college student.This sentence is useful for saying you are a college student.Tatoeba #4127811 by InspectorMustache, translation #568944 by CM
- Bist du Student an einer Hochschule?Are you a college student?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is a college student.Tatoeba #475864 by Espi, translation #275628 by CK
- Diese Hochschule wurde 1910 gegründet.This college was established in 1910.This sentence is useful for stating when a college was established.Tatoeba #2765487 by Tamy, translation #57985 by CK
- Ich studiere an der Universität.I study at the university.
- Er ist an der Fachhochschule eingeschrieben.He is enrolled at the college of applied sciences.
- Mein Freund geht auf die Uni.My friend goes to college.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Felix are discussing their studies over coffee.
- SarahAn welcher Hochschule studierst du?At which college do you study?
- FelixIch gehe an eine kleine Hochschule in Berlin.I go to a small college in Berlin.
- SarahIst diese Hochschule sehr bekannt?Is this college very well known?
- FelixJa, sie ist lokal sehr beliebt.Yes, it is very popular locally.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “college” translations and entries Hochschule, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
