das  Kolleg

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/kɔˈlɛk/

📚 What exactly is 'das Kolleg'?

The German word das Kolleg (neuter gender) primarily has two meanings:

1. An educational institution: This is the most common meaning. A Kolleg is often a type of school for adults ('zweiter Bildungsweg' - second educational path) allowing them to obtain the 'Abitur' (university entrance qualification). There are also specialized types like 'Studienkollegs' (preparatory courses for foreign university applicants) or 'Berufskollegs' (vocational colleges).

2. A group of colleagues or a committee (less common): Sometimes 'das Kolleg' is used synonymously with 'das Kollegium' to refer to a group of people working in the same profession or institution, especially in academic or ecclesiastical contexts. However, this usage is less common than 'das Kollegium'. It can also refer to a single lecture or a lecture series at a university (although 'die Vorlesung' is more usual).

🚨 Attention: Do not confuse it with der Kollege (male colleague) or die Kollegin (female colleague).

Article rules for der, die, and das

📐 Grammar and Declension of 'das Kolleg'

Das Kolleg is a noun of neuter gender. Its declension generally follows the pattern of strong nouns.

Declension (Meaning: Educational Institution)

Declension (Meaning: Committee, Lecture - less common)

For the meaning "committee/body", the plural "Kollegien" is often used, analogous to "Kollegium". For "lecture", the plural "Kollegs" is more common.

✨ Example Sentences

1. Er besucht ein Abendgymnasium, genauer gesagt ein Kolleg, um sein Abitur nachzuholen.
   (He attends an evening school, specifically a 'Kolleg', to catch up on his 'Abitur'.)
2. Nach der Arbeit geht sie direkt zum Kolleg.
   (After work, she goes straight to the 'Kolleg'.)
3. Viele Kollegs bieten spezielle Vorbereitungskurse an.
   (Many 'Kollegs' offer special preparatory courses.)
4. Der Professor hält ein interessantes Kolleg über Quantenphysik. (less common)
   (The professor is giving an interesting lecture series on quantum physics.)
5. Das Kolleg der Kardinäle tritt zusammen. (less common, usually 'Kollegium')
   (The College of Cardinals convenes.)

💡 How to Use 'das Kolleg'?

• In Educational Contexts: The most frequent use refers to educational institutions, especially those for adult education ('zweiter Bildungsweg') or university preparation. Example: "Das Kolleg startet im September." (The 'Kolleg' starts in September.)
• As a Committee/Group: Less common. In this case, 'das Kollegium' is usually the preferred choice as it more clearly denotes the body of people (e.g., teachers at a school, professors in a faculty). 'Das Kolleg' might appear in specific, often historical or formal contexts (e.g., 'Wahlkolleg' - electoral college, 'Kardinalskolleg' - College of Cardinals), or when referring to a university lecture series.
• Distinction: It's important to distinguish 'das Kolleg' from der Kollege / die Kollegin (individual colleagues) and das Kollegium (the collective body of colleagues, e.g., teaching staff).

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic: Think of 'das Kollegium' (neuter) or 'das Gymnasium' (neuter). Many educational institutions in German are neuter, perhaps because they represent a neutral place of learning? Das Kolleg fits this pattern.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine going to 'das Kolleg' (school) so you can later have nice 'Kollegen' (colleagues) with whom you might form a 'Kollegium' (body of colleagues).

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Lehrer im Kolleg: "Wer kann mir sagen, was das Gegenteil von 'kollegial' ist?"
(The teacher at the 'Kolleg' asks: "Who can tell me the opposite of 'collegial'?")

Meldet sich ein Schüler: "'Unkollegial', Herr Lehrer?"
(A student answers: "'Uncollegial', teacher?")

Lehrer: "Fast! Richtig wäre 'Chef'!" 😉
(Teacher: "Almost! The correct answer is 'Boss'!" 😉)

📜 Poem about the Kolleg

Das Kolleg ruft

Am Abend, wenn die Arbeit schweigt,
(In the evening, when work falls silent,)
Ein neues Ziel sich deutlich zeigt.
(A new goal clearly shows itself.)
Das Kolleg öffnet seine Tür,
(The Kolleg opens its door,)
Für Wissen, Bildung, jetzt und hier.
(For knowledge, education, here and now.)

Man büffelt Formeln, lernt Vokabeln,
(One crams formulas, learns vocabulary,)
Will neue Horizonte haben.
(Wants to have new horizons.)
Ein zweiter Weg, ein neuer Start,
(A second path, a new start,)
Im Kolleg, auf besond're Art.
(In the Kolleg, in a special way.)

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich bin kein Haus für jedermann,
(I am not a house for everyone,)
Doch Wissen fängt hier neu oft an.
(But knowledge often starts anew here.)
Erwachsne drücken hier die Bank,
(Adults sit at the desks here,)
Fürs Abi oder höh'ren Rang.
(For the 'Abitur' or higher rank.)

Mal bin ich eine Gruppe fein,
(Sometimes I am a fine group,)
Von Leuten mit demselben Schein (Beruf).
(Of people with the same purpose (profession).)
Doch meistens bin ich, sächlich klar,
(But mostly I am, clearly neuter,)
Ein Ort des Lernens, Jahr für Jahr.
(A place of learning, year after year.)

Was bin ich?
(What am I?)

Solution: Das Kolleg

🌐 Further Information

Etymology: The word "Kolleg" comes from the Latin collegium, meaning "association of officeholders" or "society". It is composed of con- (together) and legere (to read, gather, choose). The original meaning thus refers more to a group of people coming together.

Types of Kollegs in Germany: There are various types, e.g.:

• Abendgymnasien/Kollegs: For working adults to obtain university entrance qualifications.
• Studienkollegs: Prepare foreign university applicants for studies in Germany.
• Berufskollegs: Offer vocational training courses, often with the option to acquire school-leaving qualifications.