Promotion
The German phrase for PhD is Promotion.
Promotion refers to the process of obtaining a PhD, the highest university degree awarded after completing original research and a dissertation. To express the act of pursuing or undergoing a PhD program, use the phrase eine Promotion machen.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Austria, the standard formal title for a PhD in social sciences or economics is Doktor der Staatswissenschaften, which is abbreviated as Dr. rer. Pol.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a person who has completed their PhD, you use the noun Promovierte for a female or Promovierter for a male.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the German word Promotion to mean a job advancement or career promotion. In a German academic context, it refers specifically to the process of earning a PhD.
Did you know?
- In Germany, the title Doktor is legally protected and can be included in a passport. Using it without the proper degree can lead to a fine.
- The term Habilitation describes a process that comes after a Promotion, allowing a person to teach as a professor.
- In German academic culture, it is common to list every single single doctoral title a person holds, such as Dr. mult, if they have completed multiple Promotions.
Examples in context
- Unglaublicherweise hat Anna ihre Promotion abgebrochen, um sich ganz Youtube zu widmen.Incredibly, Anna gave up studying for her PhD to devote herself entirely to YouTube.This sentence is useful for describing someone who abandoned their Promotion.Tatoeba #11990504 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #12201515 by sundown
- Dr. Schmidt ist ein Doktor der Naturwissenschaften.Dr. Schmidt is a PhD holder in Natural Sciences.
- Herr Schneider, unser Doktor, wird den Vortrag heute halten.Mr. Schneider, our doctor, will give the presentation today.
- Ich möchte Herrn Dr. Becker gratulieren!I want to congratulate Dr. Becker!
- Nach der Promotion möchte er in der Forschung arbeiten.After his PhD, he wants to work in research.
- Sie schreibt gerade an ihrer Promotion in Biologie.She is currently writing her PhD in biology.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their career goals in a cafe.
- LauraWann schließt du deine Promotion ab?When will you finish your PhD?
- MaximilianIch hoffe, dass ich nächstes Jahr fertig bin.I hope that I will be finished next year.
- LauraDas ist toll, Maximilian!That is great, Maximilian!
- MaximilianDanke, Laura. Es war aber viel Arbeit.Thanks, Laura. But it was a lot of work.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
