Hauptfächer
The German word for 'majors' is Hauptfächer.
The term refers to the main subjects a student studies to earn a degree at a college or university. While Hauptfächer is a common way to describe these, you may encounter other terms depending on the context: Fachgebiet is a formal term for a major and Studiengang is the appropriate term when referring specifically to an academic study program or course of study.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Hauptfächer is a compound of Haupt, meaning 'main' or 'head' and Fächer, meaning 'subjects'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Austria, the term Studienrichtung is often used instead of Hauptfach.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the noun is Hauptfach, while the plural form Hauptfächer is used when referring to more than one major subject.
Did you know?
- The term Fachidiot is a common German slang word for someone who is an expert in their Hauptfach but lacks general knowledge or social skills.
- The word Fächer in Hauptfächer shares the same root as the English word for 'fans'. This is because a 'fan' or 'range' of topics can be spread out like the folds of a handheld fan.
- The root word Fach is incredibly versatile in German. Beyond meaning a school subject, it is used to describe a physical shelf, a professional area of expertise, or even a specific compartment.
Examples in context
- Mein Hauptfach ist Geschichte.My major is history.
- Welchen Studiengang hast du gewählt?Which major did you choose?
- Ich habe mich für das Fach Informatik entschieden.I have chosen the major of computer science.
- Meine Studienrichtung ist Wirtschaftswissenschaften.My major is economics.
- Ich interessiere mich für das Hauptfach Biologie.I am interested in majoring in biology.
- Emma hat ihren Studiengang gewechselt – sie studiert jetzt Jura.Emma changed her major – she is now studying law.
- Seine Studienrichtung ist Germanistik und Kunstgeschichte.His major is German literature and art history.
- Mein Lieblingsfach ist Sportwissenschaft.My favorite major is sports science.
- Die Hauptfächer sind sehr anspruchsvoll.The majors are very demanding.
- Sie hat zwei Hauptfächer gewählt.She chose two majors.
Example conversation
Two students are talking at the university cafeteria.
- FelixHallo Laura, was sind deine Hauptfächer?Hello Laura, what are your majors?
- LauraIch studiere Psychologie und Soziologie als Hauptfächer.I am studying psychology and sociology as majors.
- FelixDas klingt sehr interessant!That sounds very interesting!
- LauraDanke, Felix! Und was studierst du?Thanks, Felix! And what are you studying?
