Glossary

concise summary / outline of a scientific paper

Latin: "nurturing / kind mother" = university

Graduate of a university

The periods at the beginning of a semester during which students can register and re-register for courses.

Compulsory attendance refers to the obligation of students to attend a course in order for it to be considered ‘completed’ or ‘passed’. 

main auditorium, short form for the largest (and most representative) auditorium of a university

Some degree programmes require applicants to take entrance exams. For example, those applying to study sports science must demonstrate their athletic abilities. The entrance exam is designed to assess the applicant’s suitability for the specific programme.

A semester abroad refers to a study period of usually one to two semesters in a country other than the one in which the student began their studies. Students from Germany who spend a semester abroad are referred to as ‘outgoing,’ while students from abroad who spend a semester in Germany are referred to as ‘incoming.’

The deadline by which documents must be submitted or applications made, e.g. the application documents.

A selection process is used to allocate study places to applicants. The criteria vary depending on the degree programme and may include, for example, A-level grades, subject-specific achievements, study aptitude tests, selection interviews or relevant training. 

The Bachelor's degree is an academic degree that can be obtained at universities and colleges as well as universities of applied sciences. The Bachelor's degree replaced Diplom and Magister courses a few years ago. The standard period of study for Bachelor's degree courses is at least three and at most four years. If you pass the final examination, you will receive your first professional qualification. If you wish, you can also do a Master's degree after the Bachelor's degree.

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) is awarded in programs of study in the social sciences, language and cultural studies, and economics. Usually, a major and a minor are combined here. 

The Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree is awarded in subjects in the natural sciences, humanities, engineering or economics. As a rule, only one major subject is studied here. Both bachelor's degrees already qualify students for a profession or subsequent master's studies.

Enrolment at the University of Freiburg refers to the process by which students select courses and register for them via the HISinOne campus management system. For courses with a limited number of participants, they indicate their preferences for the desired courses. 

Berufsfeldorientierte Kompetenzen (profession-oriented competences): You can achieve additional qualifications and ECTS points through these courses that could be most helpful for your later profession.

Each field of study has a specific application process. Information about applying (requirements, deadlines etc.) for your desired course of study can be found in the programme profile.

In a block course, some courses are offered all day during the semester break. For students, the block course has the advantage that you have much more time, for example, to deal with abstract areas of study or to prepare for exams.

The so-called Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz or Federal Training Assistance Act regulates federal support for student training in Germany.

The university location. This usually comprises several buildings. The three major locations of the University of Freiburg are the Universitätszentrum, the Institutsviertel, the Technische Fakultät, the Sportzentrum, the Universitätsklinikum and the Biologie with the Außenkliniken.
Here you will find detailed maps.
With the Campus Tour, you can explore the Universitätszentrum, the Institutsviertel  and the Technische Fakultät online.

HISinOne

see ECTS

Includes the defined organisational and content-related sequence of a curriculum or study programme.

Head of a faculty.

Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (German Academic Exchange Service): The DAAD is the world’s largest funding organisation for the international exchange of students and researchers.

The scientific work necessary to obtain a doctoral degree.

A lecturer is a person who teaches at an educational institution. According to higher education law in Baden-Württemberg since 2007, a lecturer is a clearly defined term that exclusively describes a lecturer at an institute for higher learning. Lecturers at German universities include professors, scientific assistants and assistant professors

The Erasmus program is a support program of the European Union, which promotes exchange programs and stays abroad by students at universities.

In teacher training programmes for secondary schools, students generally study two subjects. In Baden-Württemberg, a third subject can also be taken as an additional subject.

European Confederation of Universities on the Upper Rhine. A consortium of universities: Universities of Basel, Freiburg, Haute-Alsace, and Strasbourg and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

European Credit Transfer System; By completing a module in your course of studies you get awarded with ECTS-credit points. Further information [de].

A study trip accompanied by the lecturer(s) with the aim of deepening the content of a specific topic.

Delete from the list of students when they leave the university, e.g. after finishing their studies.

Events and extra-curricular activities.

Excerpt from a text or a short compilation of the most important thoughts of a given text for answering a question

Subject-specific semesters are the semesters that you have already completed in the study program you are currently enrolled in, in contrast to university semesters, which show how many semesters you are already enrolled at the university.

faculty: a department at the university under which multiple related subjects are bundled

The option to borrow books and media from libraries of other universities and institutions via the Universitätsbibliothek (UB).

As a freemover, you organize your study abroad independently without participating in an exchange program. The prerequisite for admission to short-term studies is proof of sufficient German language skills and several semesters of study in the same subject at your home university. It is not possible to obtain a degree within the framework of short-term studies (as a free mover). If you wish to earn a degree, you must apply for full-time study. As a free mover, you will usually remain enrolled at your home university for the duration of your studies and continue your studies there upon your return.

Gemeinsame Kommission: Examination office for the Faculty of Philology, Humanities, and Economics and Behavioural Science

Courses of study leading to a first university degree (usually Bachelor's and State Examination).

B.A. programs consist of a major and a minor and, in addition, practice-oriented courses (e.g. seminars or courses) on occupational field-oriented competencies (EB/BOK). A B.Sc. program consists of a major or a major and a minor as well as occupational field-oriented competencies.
A special feature is the so-called polyvalent two-major bachelor's degree program.

advanced seminar: An advanced course at the end of the semester to deepen students’ understanding prior content during their studies that builds on previous seminars (Proseminare)

A written examination of a topic. Starting from an independent question, a specific topic is dealt with on the basis of literature and sources. The aim of the term paper is to demonstrate a reflective approach to a topic and a question. It serves to learn scientific writing and to acquire the ability to deal with scientific questions independently.

Campus Management System: Calling up the course catalogue, exam grades, study reports, etc. Further information.

recreational sports [de] organised and offered by the university for students and staff.

The Hochschulzugangsberechtigung is a certificate or qualification that allows the holder to study at a university. Examples include the Abitur (general higher education entrance qualification) and the Fachhochschulreife (qualification to study at a university of applied sciences). Applicants who have obtained their qualification abroad will need to submit it for recognition prior to admission.

A lecture hall is a room or building used in a university or college for lectures, seminars or other teaching events. 

E-learning platform. Access to learning material

enrollment: The enrollment process at the university (≠ application)

An institute is an organizational unit within a faculty at a university that specializes in a specific field of research and teaching.
Faculties bring together multiple institutes in a thematic area.

Natural Sciences Campus: University buildings for the natural sciences located outside the main campus (KG I-IV)

Interdisciplinary approach, linking the methods of different disciplines.

The International Office of the University of Freiburg helps UFR students plan and organize stays abroad, offers advice on programmes such as Erasmus+ and scholarships, and organizes informational events.
The International Office also offers a Welcome Service and a Housing Service for exchange students coming to Freiburg.

collegiate building: The name for the main campus buildings (KG I-IV).

Derived from the Latin term colloquium. A scientific discussion between lecturers and students / a scientific meeting with experts and researchers.

co-students

Part of the study programme is to acquire specialist knowledge and to learn the scientific methods of the field. In order to be able to cope with university studies, you also need interdisciplinary skills. On the kosmic learning platform [de], you will find free online self-study offers on the topics of presentation, group work, self-organisation and intercultural challenges. The online courses are designed to help first-year students to understand more easily the requirements of the university system and the academic teaching and learning culture, and thus to meet them better.

You only study one or two semesters as an exchange student at the university (Freiburg).

A chair is a position held by a full professor at a university. The chair is usually affiliated with an institute where the professor conducts research. In Germany, the term chair (Lehrstuhl) refers not only to the chair holder, but also to all employees working within the chair.

Comprises the various forms of teaching at a higher education institution, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, tutorials.

Proof, in the form of a Transcript of Records or a special form, that certain courses (lectures/seminars/modules or similar) have been completed.

A reading room is a room in a library that users can use for working and reading. This room is particularly important in reference libraries and archives, as some books cannot be borrowed and can therefore only be used in the reading room. 

The master's degree is an academic degree. It denotes the completion of a second academic education and usually lasts two to four semesters. The prerequisite for studying for a Master's degree is a Bachelor's degree or a degree in a traditional, single-stage academic programme, such as Magister, Diplom, a degree in medicine or the First State Examination.

The Master of Arts (M.A.) is usually awarded in degree programmes in the social and societal sciences, linguistics and cultural studies.

Teacher training in Baden-Württemberg is based on a bachelor's and master's degree system: the grammar school teacher training programme consists of a polyvalent bachelor's degree (DE) with two main subjects (reference) and a master's degree in education based on the bachelor's programme. This master's programme is a prerequisite for admission to the preparatory service/teaching internship.

The Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree is usually awarded in subjects in the natural sciences, humanities, engineering or economics.

A  student ID number serves to identify a person within a register of persons (matriculation register). Upon matriculation at the university, each student is assigned a matriculation number, which is only assigned once to guarantee a unique identification.

The university-wide Matrix Messenger offers user-friendly, data protection compliant communication and is similar to WhatsApp & Co., with automatic course groups and ILIAS integration. It simplifies the organization of student council activities and centralizes communication channels. Registration is done via the UniAccount. Further information about setting up the Matrix Messenger Support on ILIAS or by email. 

Inexpensive warm meals, payable with the UniCard. In order to pay, money must be transferred to the UniCard.

Mentoring is a personal and supportive relationship of trust between someone at the beginning of his or her career (mentee, such as a beginning student) and a more experienced individual (mentor: an advanced student, a professional)

MINT subjects is a term for teaching and study subjects or professions in the fields of mathematics, information technology, natural sciences and technology.

Module: Study contents are summarized in so-called modules. They are organized by topic and in coherent „units“. In general modules are considered complete after the participant has taken an exam.

Module manual: A thorough explanation about the requirements to complete the course of study or an individual course.

An administrative tool for University accounts: managing the university e-mail address, changing passwords, etc.

The procedure for subsequent admissions is used to allocate remaining places in degree programmes with restricted admission. Applicants who were not admitted in the main procedure can then move up the list. Places are usually allocated according to the existing selection criteria, often according to the ranking of the numerus clausus (NC) (see glossary entry: closed number, NC). If the requirements are the same, a drawing of lots may be used to decide. 

B.A. programs consist of a major and a minor and, in addition, practice-oriented courses (e.g. seminars or courses) on occupational field-oriented competencies (EB/BOK). A B.Sc. program consists of a major or a major and a minor as well as occupational field-oriented competencies.

"nomen nominandum", event will take place, lecturer not yet known

Numerus Clausus (NC) means closed number and indicates that the number of places in a degree programme is limited.
The NC is often erroneously understood as the Abitur grade required for admission. In fact, however, in the NC subjects the number of study places is simply compared with the number of applicants in each application round. If there are more applicants than study places, which is usually the case for these subjects, the study places must be allocated according to legally regulated criteria.
The central, but never the only criterion is the Abitur grade, which can be improved by further criteria for the admission procedure.
The respective NC thus indicates which (possibly improved) Abitur mark was necessary for a course of study in the last admission procedure in order to obtain a place.
This also explains why the NC of a subject can vary from semester to semester.

The Online Study Choice Assistants (OSAs) are a free service offered by the Advising and Counselling of the Service Center Studium of the University of Freiburg. Subject-specific sample tasks, videos and an expectation comparison offer a realistic insight into the everyday study and teaching of a certain subject. After completing them, you can better assess whether a subject really fits your expectations and desires.

With the Individual Study Design option, it is possible to start some subject-related Master's programmes (M.A. / M.Sc.) after the Bachelor's degree. The associated requirements should be clarified at an early stage with the study and/or subject counselling.

Teaching profession option (LA) is studied by prospective teachers. This can be followed by the Master of Education (M.Ed.). This is a prerequisite for the traineeship at a school, the last stage on the way to becoming a teacher at a Gymnasium.

The orientation examination is a proof of basic knowledge and skills, is conducted during the course of your studies and - depending on the subject - must be completed by the end of the 2nd or 3rd semester.

If you are studying two degree programmes at the same time, this is referred to as parallel studies. Parallel studies involves a considerable amount of effort and high demands.

In the polyvalent dual major bachelor's degree programme, two major subjects are studied equally. Which academic degree (B.A. or B.Sc.) is awarded depends on the subject in which the Bachelor's thesis is written. The 2-HF-B can be studied with two options: Option Teacher Training or Option Individual Study Design.
Further information can be found at the Freiburg Advanced School of Education (FACE) [DE].

The practical semester offers students the opportunity to gain practical experience in their future field of work for one semester. It is usually also possible to complete this internship abroad. 

The doctorate (Latin promotio 'promotion') is the award of the academic degree of doctor or doctor in a particular field of study

introductory seminar: A basic course at the beginning of the course of study.

Examinations during the course of study are performed in the form of module examinations. Module examinations are either final module examinations in which all components of a module are examined, or partial module examinations which relate to one or more components of a module. The type and scope of the examinations that can be taken in written, oral or practical form are specified in the respective module handbook.

examination regulations: Lawfully binding criteria for all deliverables required to complete a degree.

Psychotherapeutische Beratungsstelle (Psychological Advisory Office); counselling for personal and study-related issues.

University IT Services, RZ: IT service provider at the university.

standard period of study: Bachelor: typically 6 semesters with a bachelor’s thesis; Master: Typically 4 semesters with a master’s thesis.

lecture series on a specific topic, usually interdisciplinary and with several speakers.

re-registration: Money transfer for the Student Union, administrative fee and student government fee in order to be enrolled for the following semester.

Administrative fee: In order to enroll or to re-enroll at the University of Freiburg, a fee of 190 € will be charged.

The semester ticket is a discounted ticket for local public transport (ÖPNV), which is valid for students for one semester. The semester ticket is so inexpensive because all students pay for it together with the semester fee, which is paid upon matriculation or re-registration.

You can purchase the semester ticket at the RVF.

If a course with 1 SWS is specified in the course catalogue, this means one semester hour per week and corresponds to 45 minutes per week, further information [de].

A course in which knowledge is conveyed in small groups, most often in conjunction with the student creating his or her own scientific work.

Service Center Studium: Registration Office and central location for all questions, information, counselling and administration regarding studying at the University of Freiburg.

The academic year is split into winter semester (01.10. - 31.03.) and summer semester (01.04. - 30.09.). Each semester is divided into a lecture period and a lecture-free period.

social sciences

Sprachlehrinstitut (Language Teaching Centre, SLI); a possibility to take language courses.

Office hours are (usually regular) opportunities provided by lecturers during which students can ask individual questions, e.g. about seminar content or exam preparation.

Freiburg im Breisgau, with a population of around 230,000, is the fourth largest city in Baden-Württemberg and the southernmost city in Germany after Stuttgart, Mannheim and Karlsruhe.
The old town with the landmarks Freiburg Münster and Freiburger Bächle is the destination of more than three million visitors annually. The city is regarded as the gateway to the Black Forest and is known for its sunny, warm climate. It is also considered an eco-city because nowhere else are so many people cycling.

• Further information
• The Studierendenwerk also provides useful information about life in and around Freiburg

Time periods at the university: s.t. (sine tempore „without time“): start on the hour. c.t. (cum tempore „with time“): start 15 minutes after the hour. Further information [de].

A scholarship is financial support awarded by public or private institutions, foundations, companies, universities or government agencies. Unlike student loans or government grants such as BAföG, scholarships do not usually have to be repaid. The scholarship information tool provides an overview of various scholarship programmes.

The confirmation of study/certificate of enrollment confirms that students are properly enrolled for the current semester.

The departmental academic advising provides assistance with questions regarding the content of the subject (structure and content) and is responsible for questions that are primarily subject-specific (internships, partner universities, etc.). In addition to providing advice, its tasks also include organising the structure of the degree programme.

There are various ways to cover the living expenses during your studies, ranging from BAföG to scholarships and jobbing.
Information and advice can be obtained, for example, from the scholarship counselling service of the Advising and Counselling of the Service Center Studium or from the Student Union.

Courseworks are individual written, oral or practical achievements, which are usually performed by the student in connection with courses; they may also consist of regular participation in a course for which ECTS points are not awarded alone.  The academic achievements must be assessed as "passed" or "failed" by the lecturer of the respective course, but not necessarily also graded.

Study plan: The study plan is designed as a recommendation and point of orientation for a course of study. By sticking to the study plan, students can ensure a seamless time at the university. However, switching or changing several aspects of the plan are possible. Changes must be cleared with the exam regulations.

student ID card that also serves as a library card and debit card at the campus cafeterias.

Registration office: Main point of contact for applications, enrollment, exmatriculation, transferring, changing courses of study, taking a leave of absence etc.

Studierendenrat (the student council [DE]): is the official student representation.

Contact point for all students with questions about life as a student, e.g. accomodation, financing, insurance etc.; here you will find a lot of useful information and assistance.

The Studium Generale is a university programme offering interdisciplinary courses that serve to promote general academic education. It provides insights into various subject areas, promotes interdisciplinary perspectives and broadens general knowledge. 

The term thesis refers to student research work. and is typically used to describe the final project of a degree programme (e.g. bachelor’s thesis, master’s thesis).

The transcript of records lists the courses you have taken at the University of Freiburg, how many ECTS points you have earned and what grade you have received.

Contact person, confidant, learning companion, usually students from a higher semester.

Tutorial: A tutorial – like a lecture or a seminar – is a type of class at the university. Students meet (particular in the earlier semesters) in small groups under the supervision of older students to discuss e.g. lecture contents or exercise sheets.

Practice: Specific topics are deepened and applied in practice, typically offered as an augmentation to math and language courses.

User recognition with which students can register with the university’s IT service provider, consisting of an abbreviation of the student’s name and a random number.

Museum about the university’s history.

The University of Freiburg is one of the best universities in Germany. Since the winter semester 15/16, more than 25,000 students have been enrolled at the University of Freiburg. The University of Freiburg is a full university with eleven faculties.
Further information:

• Portrait of the University
• History of the University
• Homepage of the University of Freiburg

Universitätsbibliothek (University library). Further subject-specific libraries are available in the respective faculties.

With more than 15,000 employees, Freiburg University Medical Centre is one of the largest university hospitals in Germany. A university hospital is affiliated with a university with a medical faculty and combines science with practice.

Official interruption of studies for half a year, which must be applied for at the university (taking into account certain reasons). The student remains enrolled, but is usually not able to attend courses.

VerkehrsAG Freiburg [DE]; public transportation network (tram, busses etc.).

A full course of study leading to an academic degree (bachelor's, master's, state examination).

Some degree programmes offer students the opportunity to refresh their subject-specific (prior) knowledge before the start of the semester.

Lecture: A class with a usually large number of participants during which time a lecturer conducts a presentation about a particular topic.

The academic year is divided into winter semester (01.10. - 31.03.) and summer semester (01.04. - 30.09.). Each semester is divided into a lecture period and a lecture-free period.

Course catalogue: Readers can determine which classes are happening when for each semester by referring to the course.

The academic year is divided into winter semester (01.10. - 31.03.) and summer semester (01.04. - 30.09.). Each semester is divided into a lecture period and a lecture-free period.

research assistant; also student assistant

Student residence halls offer reasonably priced accommodations for students during their studies, typically in the form of small single rooms or shared flats. In Germany, student resident halls are usually managed by the local student union.

Zentrale Studienberatung (Advising and Counselling of the Service Center Studium): Counselling for any and all questions pertaining to a student’s course of study before, during or after university.

Zentrum für Schlüsselqualifikationen (Center for Key Qualifications): Interdisciplinary, needs-based class offerings.

Permission to enrol and commence studies after successful application. Admission is also required for specific examinations and doctoral studies.

Admission restrictions apply when the number of applications exceeds the number of available places. Places are allocated via a selection process, often based on the numerus clausus (NC). 

No selection process is carried out for degree programmes that are marked as open admission. This is often the case for degree programmes where, based on the university's experience, there are more study places than applicants

Second degree programme taken up after completing a first degree programme.