die  Professur

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/pʁofɛˈsuːɐ̯/

🎓 What does 'die Professur' mean?

The German noun Professur (feminine, article: die) primarily refers to two related concepts in English:

• The position or office of a professor: This is the most common meaning. It describes the role and associated duties (teaching, research, administration) at a higher education institution (university, college, etc.). Example: Sie hat eine Professur für Geschichte inne. (She holds a professorship in history.)
• The academic chair: Sometimes, the term is used synonymously with Lehrstuhl, referring to the organizational unit at a university led by a professor and dedicated to a specific subject area. Example: Die Professur für theoretische Physik ist neu besetzt worden. (The chair for theoretical physics has been newly filled.)

It represents a prestigious position in the academic world, often obtained after completing a Habilitation (a post-doctoral qualification in some European countries) or achieving comparable accomplishments.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Deep Dive: Die Professur

The word Professur is a feminine noun. The definite article is always die.

Declension:

📝 Example Sentences

1. Er strebt eine Professur an der Technischen Universität an.
   (He aims for a professorship at the Technical University.)
2. Die Ausschreibung für die Professur wurde veröffentlicht.
   (The advertisement for the professorship was published.)
3. An der Fakultät gibt es mehrere unbesetzte Professuren.
   (There are several vacant professorships/chairs in the faculty.)
4. Nach langer Suche konnte die Professur endlich besetzt werden.
   (After a long search, the professorship could finally be filled.)

🗣️ How to Use 'Professur'?

The term Professur is used almost exclusively in the context of universities, colleges, and scientific institutions.

• Typical Collocations: In German, one can eine Professur innehaben (hold), bekleiden (occupy), erhalten (receive), antreten (take up), or sich auf eine Professur bewerben (apply for). A professorship can also be eingerichtet (established), besetzt (filled), or gestrichen (cut/eliminated).
• Context: Universities, universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen), research institutes, academic careers.
• Distinction: A Professur is the office or chair, while der Professor / die Professorin is the person holding that office. A Professor has a Professur.
• Variations: Germans sometimes distinguish between W1-, W2-, W3-Professuren (salary grades), Juniorprofessur (junior professorship, often a tenure-track position), Honorarprofessur (honorary professorship, often part-time), or Stiftungsprofessur (endowed professorship, funded by third parties).

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Aid: Think of typical feminine endings in German like -ur (e.g., die Natur, die Kultur, die Figur). The -ur ending in Professur helps remember the article die.

Meaning Aid: Imagine a professor receiving an important urkunde (certificate) for their office (their Professur). Or think: A professor researches and teaches for years – it's a long procedure to get a Professur.

↔️ Synonyms and (Possible) Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Sounding Words:

Profession (German): Means profession or trade in general, not specifically the academic office. Be careful not to confuse it with the English word 'profession'.

😂 A Little Joke

German:

Fragt ein Student den Professor: "Herr Professor, kann man für etwas bestraft werden, das man nicht getan hat?"

Professor: "Natürlich nicht, das wäre ja ungerecht!"

Student: "Gut, ich habe nämlich meine Hausaufgaben nicht gemacht!"

English Translation:

A student asks the professor: "Professor, can someone be punished for something they haven't done?"

Professor: "Of course not, that would be unjust!"

Student: "Good, because I haven't done my homework!"

📜 A Poem about the Professorship

German:

Die Professur, ein hohes Ziel,
Für Forschergeist und Wissensspiel.
Mit Lehre, Buch und Kolloquium,
Prägt sie das Auditorium.
Ein Lehrstuhl, wohl etabliert,
Wo Expertise triumphiert.
Ein Leben lang dem Wissen trau'n,
Auf festem Grund Erkenntnis bau'n.

English Translation:

The professorship, a lofty goal,
For inquiring minds and knowledge's role.
With teaching, book, and colloquy,
It shapes the university.
A chair, well-established, sound,
Where expertise does much abound.
A life devoted, knowledge sought,
On solid ground, insights are wrought.

❓ Little Riddle

German:

Ich bin ein Amt an hoher Stätt',
Wo Wissen blüht im Uni-Bett.
Man strebt mich an nach langer Zeit,
Bin Doktorhut und -kleid geweiht.
Mit Forschung und mit Lehre klar,
Bin ich für viele der Polarstern gar.

Was bin ich?

English Translation:

I am an office in a lofty place,
Where knowledge blooms in campus space.
One strives for me through time and test,
By doctor's cap and gown I'm blessed.
With research clear and teaching bright,
For many, I'm a guiding light.

What am I?

Solution: die Professur (the professorship)

💡 Other Interesting Facts

Word Composition:

The word Professur derives from the Latin word professor, meaning "public teacher". The suffix -ur is also of Latin origin and often denotes a state, activity, or result of an activity (compare German Zensur (censorship), Diktatur (dictatorship)).

Trivia:

• In Germany, the appointment process for a Professur (Berufungsverfahren) is complex, often involving multiple stages and peer reviews.
• The number of Professuren at a higher education institution is a key indicator of its size and academic reputation.