Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Universität | /ˌuni.vɛʁ.ziˈtɛːt/ (Germany, standard) /ˌuni.vɛʁ.ziˈteːt/ |
feminine |
| Hochschule | /ˈhoːxˌʃuːlə/ | feminine |
| Uni | /ˈʊni/ | feminine |
All forms of this word are feminine. When describing yourself as being 'at' a university, use the preposition an rather than in.
Which one should you use?
Universität specifically refers to research universities. Hochschule is a broader term used for various types of institutions of higher education, including universities of applied sciences.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Universität is the most common and widely used word for "university" in German. Hochschule is a formal word used to refer to universities in German, though it can also encompass other higher education institutions. In casual conversation, the shortened form Uni is the most common way to refer to a university. For slang or student circles, the plural Unis is frequently used.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain regions like Hannover, medical universities or institutions are referred to as Medizinische Hochschule. Additionally, some universities specializing in technical sciences are called Technische Universität or TU for short.
How does it change in a sentence?
Since Universität is a feminine noun, its article changes to der in the dative and genitive cases.
How do you pronounce it?
The word Universität has four syllables and the stress is on the fourth syllable: /ˌuni.vɛʁ.ziˈtɛːt/.
Did you know?
- In Germany, the title of 'Professor' is strictly protected by law. Using the title in a professional or official context without having earned the specific qualification can theoretically lead to legal disputes over the misuse of titles.
- The term Hochschule literally translates to 'high school', but in German it does not mean a secondary school for teenagers. It refers exclusively to institutions of higher education and tertiary learning.
- The word Universität was borrowed into German from the Latin ūniversitās.
Examples in context
- Wo ist eure Uni?Where's your university?This sentence uses Uni to ask where a university is located.Tatoeba #8493305 by Luiaard, translation #6270101 by CK
- Ich gehe zur Hochschule.I am a university student.This sentence uses Hochschule to state that someone is a university student.Tatoeba #4127811 by InspectorMustache, translation #275627 by CC
- Gehst du zur Universität?Do you go to university?This sentence uses Universität to ask if someone attends a university.Tatoeba #1791796 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10564243 by sundown
- Ich studiere an der Universität.I study at the university.
- Meine Schwester besucht eine Hochschule in Berlin.My sister attends a university in Berlin.
- Gehen wir heute Abend in die Uni-Bibliothek?Shall we go to the university library this evening?
- Viele Unis bieten ausgezeichnete Studienprogramme an.Many universities offer excellent study programs.
- Die TU München ist eine renommierte technische Universität.The Technical University of Munich is a renowned technical university.
- An der Medizinischen Hochschule Hannover werden exzellente Ärzte ausgebildet.Excellent doctors are trained at the Medical University of Hannover.
- Die Universität ist eine wunderbare Institution für Lernen und Forschung.The university is a wonderful institution for learning and research.
- 323 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Maximilian are discussing their future plans.
- JuliaWelche Universität besuchst du nächstes Jahr?Which university are you attending next year?
- MaximilianIch möchte an eine Universität in Berlin gehen.I want to go to a university in Berlin.
- JuliaDas ist eine sehr gute Universität.That is a very good university.
- MaximilianJa, die Universität hat einen tollen Ruf.Yes, the university has a great reputation.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “university” translations and entries Universität, Hochschule, Uni, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Hochschule, Uni, Universität, uni, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
