der  Hochschullehrer

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈhoːxˌʃʊlˌleːʁɐ/

👨‍🏫 What does Hochschullehrer mean?

A Hochschullehrer is a male person who teaches and often also conducts research at a Hochschule (an institution of higher education, like a university or a university of applied sciences). It's a job title within the academic environment.

The feminine form is die Hochschullehrerin.

It's an umbrella term that can encompass various academic positions such as Professor (professor), Dozent (lecturer), or wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter (research associate) with teaching duties.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Guide: Der Hochschullehrer

The word 'Hochschullehrer' is a masculine noun. It follows the so-called n-declension (schwache Maskulina or weak masculine nouns), meaning it takes an '-n' or '-en' ending in all cases except the nominative singular.

Declension for 'der Hochschullehrer'

💡 Example Sentences

1. Der Hochschullehrer bereitete seine Vorlesung vor. (The university lecturer prepared his lecture.)
2. Das Büro des Hochschullehrern befindet sich im dritten Stock. (The university lecturer's office is on the third floor.)
3. Ich habe dem Hochschullehrern eine Frage gestellt. (I asked the university lecturer a question.)
4. Wir trafen den Hochschullehrern auf der Konferenz. (We met the university lecturer at the conference.)
5. Viele Hochschullehrer engagieren sich in der Forschung. (Many university lecturers are involved in research.)
6. Die Publikationen der Hochschullehrer sind international anerkannt. (The university lecturers' publications are internationally recognized.)
7. Die Universität dankte den Hochschullehrern für ihren Einsatz. (The university thanked the university lecturers for their commitment.)
8. Die Studierenden schätzen die engagierten Hochschullehrer. (The students appreciate the dedicated university lecturers.)

🗣️ Using Hochschullehrer: When is it appropriate?

The term 'Hochschullehrer' is used to describe a person whose main activity is teaching and/or research at a tertiary education institution. It is more formal than 'Lehrer', which typically refers to teachers at schools (primary and secondary level).

• Context: Academic environment, universities, universities of applied sciences, research institutes.
• Distinction: A 'Professor' is a Hochschullehrer with a specific title and status (often after a Habilitation or appointment). A 'Dozent' is also a Hochschullehrer, often without the title of professor. 'Hochschullehrer' is the more general term.
• Formality: Rather formal, used in official contexts, reports, or when describing the professional field.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article 'der': Remember that 'Lehrer' (teacher) is masculine (der Lehrer). A Hochschullehrer is a specific type of teacher, so the article remains der. Think of the person teaching often being male (historically and grammatically masculine as the default form).

Meaning: Break down the word: Hochschule + Lehrer. It's a teacher (Lehrer) at a 'high' school (Hoch + Schule), meaning a university or college.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Caution: Not every Akademiker is a Hochschullehrer (some only do research), and 'Lehrer' usually does not refer to higher education teaching staff.

😂 A Little Joke

Student asks his professor: "Herr Professor, können Sie mir das bitte nochmal erklären? Ich habe es immer noch nicht verstanden."
The professor: "Gerne! Wie oft denn noch?"
Student: "Bis ich es verstanden habe!"

Translation:
Student asks his professor: "Professor, could you please explain that again? I still haven't understood it."
The professor: "Gladly! How many more times?"
Student: "Until I've understood it!"

📜 Poem about the Hochschullehrer

Im Hörsaal steht er, klug und schlau,
Der Hochschullehrer, man hört genau.
Mit Wissen, Forschung, Jahr um Jahr,
Bringt er den Köpfen Neues dar.
Von Formeln, Theorien, weitem Feld,
Erklärt er den Studis ihre Welt.

Translation:
In the lecture hall he stands, clever and smart,
The university lecturer, one listens intently.
With knowledge, research, year after year,
He presents new things to the minds.
Of formulas, theories, a vast field,
He explains their world to the students.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich steh' am Pult, nicht in der Schul',
mein Wissen teil' ich, das ist cool.
An Uni oder FH lehre ich,
wer, sag mir schnell, bin denn wohl ich?

Translation:
I stand at the lectern, not in the school,
I share my knowledge, that is cool.
At university or UAS I teach,
Who, tell me quickly, am I then probably?

Solution: Der Hochschullehrer (The university lecturer)

ℹ️ Other Information

Word Composition:

The word 'Hochschullehrer' is a compound noun, made up of:

• Hochschule: Refers to an institution of tertiary education (university, university of applied sciences, etc.). Composed of 'hoch' (high) and 'Schule' (school).
• Lehrer: Person who teaches or instructs.

Interesting Fact: The term emphasizes the teaching activity at a Hoch-Schule (higher education institution) as opposed to a general school.