verteidigung thesis english

Stack Exchange Network

Stack Exchange network consists of 183 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow , the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers.

Q&A for work

Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search.

PhD thesis defense in German: Rigorosum, Disputation, Kolloquium, or Verteidigung?

In order to finish a PhD and obtain the title of doctor, the candidate must present their thesis and do a defense, that is, roughly speaking, to discuss the thesis and answer questions from the jury.

In English, we call it thesis defense , and in French it is called soutenance .

I would like to know how to say that in German. It seems (but of course, I am not sure) that one could say it as

• Verteidigung
• Disputation

Could someone tell me if all these four words are synonyms and if they are really equivalent to thesis defense in English? If they mean the same, are some of them more formal than others? And is there another way to say it?

• translation
• english-to-german

• Note that this is not restricted to a PhD, but Bachelor and Master theses as well. –  infinitezero Commented Sep 23, 2020 at 17:10
• A Google search for "Promotionsordnung" gives you many hits. It seems that Disputation occurs most frequently, but also Kolloqium and (öffentliche) Verteidigung occur. It depends on the university. See also hochschulkompass.de/promotion/promotionsphase/… . –  Paul Frost Commented Sep 29, 2020 at 22:45

2 Answers 2

First beware that this is a typical case of academia varies more than you think it does . There is no general rule on how doctoral exams are done; instead, this is decided by the faculty. As a consequence, doctoral exams vary widely between universities and faculties. I know of two universities which have a joint graduate school for one field and even there doctoral exams differs extremely between the two universities.

This also applies to the terminology. So, the same term may mean something considerably different at a different faculty, in particular when it comes to official procedure. Therefore, in the following I can only write about how these terms are generally understood:

Verteidigung is arguably the most general term and the most frequently used term. Every¹ doctoral examination has at least one component in which the candidate has to face questions from the examiners and Verteidigung covers it. Official rules that are not specific to universities usually use this term when necessary. E.g., the date of the doctoral exam is usually referred to as Datum der Verteidigung.

While Disputation is just a Latin word for Verteidigung, it is used much more rarely and usually refers to a specific format of the exam, where the defendant faces questions from the examiners in public, possibly in a strict format. It can also be used in a more general sense, synonymously to Verteidigung, but at least in my experience that is rather rare.

A Rigorosum is a specific kind of doctoral exam that is characterised by featuring questions on the entire field of the candidate. It is usually not public. Many faculties do not perform this kind of exam.

A Kolloquium is a general term for a public talk, usually with questions from the audience. In the context of a doctoral exam, the candidate gives a talk on their thesis, which is usually public but may be restricted to members of the university or similar in special cases.

For example, my own doctoral exam consisted of a Kolloquium, where I talked about my thesis on dynamical systems, and was followed by a Rigorosum, where I was asked questions on my thesis but also on particle physics and solid-state physics. The entire thing was referred to as Verteidigung.

In conclusion , I strongly recommend Verteidigung unless you want to specify the mode of exam.

Finally note that the above primarily reflects the situation in Germany and the usage of these terms is somewhat different in Austria. For example, Rigorosum has a broader scope .

¹ At least as far as I know. As I said academia varies more than I think it does.

• 2 Excellent answer. I would have considered Verteidigung and Disputation synonyms, with the latter perhaps becoming less common. I can be wrong, though. –  Carsten S Commented Sep 23, 2020 at 10:07
• @CarstenS: Disputation can be used synonymously with Verteidigung, but at least in my experience that’s very rare and reason enough not to use the term when you want to avoid confusion (also see my edit). –  Wrzlprmft ♦ Commented Sep 23, 2020 at 11:16
• 1 @Olafant: Please see my edit. –  Wrzlprmft ♦ Commented Sep 23, 2020 at 11:16
• Thank you very much for such a complete answer! Rigorosum was not clear to me probably because the PhD programs that I am used to do not have this evaluation step and the questions from the jury are, in general, only about the thesis. –  Hilder Vitor Lima Pereira Commented Sep 23, 2020 at 11:53
• Actually, "Vortrag"/"Abschlussvortrag" and "[mündliche] Prüfung" are two more terms in use, sometimes in combination. –  O. R. Mapper Commented Sep 23, 2020 at 17:38

I have heard this being refered to as Verteidigung, Disputation and Rigorosum. These are all in use. Which one is used depends on university and faculty tradition I'd say, but they're all understood.

I haven't heard Kolloquium being directly used for this kind of event, Kolloquium is a broader term that refers to all kinds of meetings and discussion events with an academic topic. A disputation can be seen as a special kind of Kolloquium.

Your Answer

Sign up or log in, post as a guest.

Required, but never shown

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy .

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged translation english-to-german or ask your own question .

• Featured on Meta
• Upcoming initiatives on Stack Overflow and across the Stack Exchange network...
• Preventing unauthorized automated access to the network

Hot Network Questions

• In Buddhism, why care about future selves?
• SSH client does not offer public key to SSH server
• How to Remove Caps for HMI Door Pins
• Is there a security vulnerability in Advanced Custom Fields related to the SCF fork?
• Reality Check - How possible is it for a single human to reach "Space Engineers" level of technological prowess?
• Roll a die in 3D
• How do I tell a powerline apart from other wires?
• Copy-pasting a part of LGPL-licensed file into Python library
• Offering shelter to homeless employees
• How should I handle students who are very disengaged in class?
• What does "epic column inches" mean?
• How to test batteries number of cycles (manufacturing quality assurance)
• Are there infinitely many possible thoughts?
• In what Disney film did a gelatinous cube appear?
• Cryptic simulated voltage in Circuit Lab
• Blue Clouds - Dekadoku
• Does painting or staining a fence make it last longer?
• What's a realistic cadence for refueling an HLS Starship on-orbit?
• Record creation not working on a custom object
• Why does Lean 4 not execute the given code?
• SSL certificate working ok on Firefox but not for Chrome
• Is observation the only way to indicate that God is real?
• Filling gaps in weatherproof switch gland
• How much knowledge and effort is required to see Northern Lights?

Werbung - LEO ohne Werbung? LEO Pur

Sie scheinen einen AdBlocker zu verwenden.

Wollen Sie LEO unterstützen?

Dann deaktivieren Sie AdBlock für LEO, spenden Sie oder nutzen Sie LEO Pur!

Liebe Nutzerin, lieber Nutzer,

Spende per überweisung, spende über paypal.

Suchrichtung

Bevorzugter wortschatz, bei einer mehrwortsuche.

Beliebte Suchbegriffe

Bitte aktualisieren Sie Ihren Browser. Ihr Browser ist veraltet, daher kann es zu Einschränkungen in der Funktionalität kommen.

Die reine Wörterbuchsuche wird im InternetExplorer in Version 8 und 9 noch unterstützt (ohne Gewähr auf funktionierende Zusatzdienste wie Aussprache, Flexionstabellen etc.). Siehe dazu auch die offizielle Ankündigung durch ­ Microsoft zum Support-Ende der verschiedenen InternetExplorer-Versionen.

Weitere Aktionen

• Sonderzeichen  
• Tippen Sie Pinyin-Silben ein, um die chinesischen Kurz-Zeichen vorgeschlagen zu bekommen.  
•   Transliteration aktiv Tastaturlayout Phonetisch

In welchem Forum wollen Sie eine neue Anfrage starten?

•   App für Android / iPhone
•   Tools für Browser
•   Über uns / LEOs Geschichte
•   Neues bei LEO
•   Werbung auf LEO
•   Stellenangebote
•   Einstellungen
•   Passwort ändern
•   Ungelesene Beiträge im Forum
•   Ungelesene private Nachrichten
•   Heutige Vokabeln lernen
•   Sprachkurs fortsetzen

Password requirements: at least 10 characters (1 capital letter, 1 digit, 1 symbol)

Your location IP or your device IP has changed. For security reasons we have sent a PIN to the e-mail address stored in your user profile. Please enter this PIN below and log in.

For any queries or personal advice, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly support team – we look forward to hearing from you! You can call us on:

Germany & Austria

Other countries (Support in English)

Phone Number

+49 176 32 48 00 11

+359 87 645 58 59

Availability

08:00 – 17:00 (CET) Monday to Friday

09:00 – 18:00 (EET) Monday to Friday

11 Effective Strategies For A Triumphant Thesis Defense

Dreading the thesis defense? Don't worry. With the right battle plan, you can conquer even this last bastion. We'll tell you how to defend yourself confidently and become the next thesis hero. Go in and win!

You've made it! Your thesis is finally finished and submitted. The long-awaited degree is within reach. But there is still one important hurdle to overcome: the oral examination. This is where you have to prove that you can defend your thesis. Whether you are defending your bachelor's thesis, master's thesis or doctoral dissertation, all defenses have one thing in common: you present your work to a committee of experts and answer critical questions. You can quickly work up a sweat. Keeping a cool head is the be-all and end-all. We'll show you how to do this in this article.

Discover with us the 11 best strategies for a successful thesis defense.

What Is A Thesis Defense All About?

Once you have submitted your thesis, you need to demonstrate to professors that you know your work and your subject. You will also be required to showcase your ability to present all relevant information and findings coherently and responding thoughtfully to questions and criticism from both the committee and the audience. While presenting you will need to go beyond demonstrating theoretical knowledge but also prove that you have acquired skills in data collection, analysis, and the formation of meaningful conclusions.

The nature and complexity of a thesis defense depend on the level of the degree. Bachelor’s and Master’s thesis defenses are usually less extensive as compared to a PhD thesis defense. The latter is considered the most comprehensive and rigorous one. If you wish to know more about a PhD thesis defense, check out our comprehensive free study guide . But regardless of the type of defense, the general rule is: If you want to emerge as an academic winner, you need to follow a few essential steps.

Discover Your Thesis Defense Strategy Plan

Your thesis defense doesn't have to be a nerve-wracking experience. The right preparation is everything. We'll tell you what you need to do to leave nothing to chance in the oral exam.

1. Know The Contents Of Your Thesis

Do your preparation work well. You might have written and submitted your thesis, but you need to know it like the back of your hand. A profound understanding of your thesis will not only boost your confidence but also help you identify its weaknesses. Don’t be afraid to address them during your defense, as this will demonstrate your commitment to rigorous academic inquiry as well as your readiness to engage in scholarly dialogue.

2. Attend Other Thesis Defenses

To get an accurate impression of what to expect at your thesis defense, a good strategy is to visit other thesis defenses. You could attend thesis defense from various academic departments but we recommend that you focus particularly on those within your own department. This targeted approach will provide you with valuable insights that could be applied directly to your thesis defense.

3. Prepare A Strong Presentation

The next step is the preparation of a presentation. Be sure to talk to your advisor well in advance and understand what are the exact requirements of your university regarding the thesis defense. While crafting your presentation think about how you can effectively communicate your findings. Make sure that your slides complement your words while also offering the right visual aids that will enhance the understanding of the committee. Keep your presentation concise and focused, highlighting the key points. It is crucial that you emphasize key points.

Break down your thesis into digestible segments. Take the time to explain each part clearly providing additional context. This will help you relate each element of your presentation to the overall narrative of your research. By doing so you ensure that your presentation appears more structured while also helping the members of the committee as well as the audience follow it step by step.

4. Anticipate Questions And Prepare For Them In Advance

While in preparation, another crucial aspect is making a list of questions and answers about your research study. After the presentation, you will be asked questions by the members of your thesis committee. This is why it’s a good idea that you are well-prepared for the questions that you think are likely to be asked. One way to do that is by seeking help from your advisor or peers who can help you identify probable areas of inquiry.

5. Practice Your Presentation

Practice makes perfect, which is why you should practice your presentation in advance. Take the time to rehearse it at least several times before the actual thing. This approach will help you build up confidence while also refining your delivery. Remember that mumbling or stuttering can distract the committee from the overall message while also leaving a bad impression.

Let’s not forget that by practicing your presentation you become ultimately familiar with your thesis, reducing the chances of getting flustered or losing your train of thought during the actual defense. It also provides an opportunity to fine-tune the timing of your presentation, ensuring that you will stay within the allocated time frame. Ultimately, the more you practice, the more well-prepared you'll be when facing the committee and the audience, making for a more successful and less stressful experience.

6. Understand The Character Of The Examiners

Get to know your committee members in advance as they play a key role in evaluating your presentation and defense proper. Become familiar with their academic backgrounds and areas of expertise. This approach can assist you in tailoring your presentation and answers to align with their interests. What is more, by doing so you demonstrate that you are thinking several steps ahead in your preparation while also showing dedication to delivering a well-informed and engaging defense.

7. Have A Back-Up Plan

For your presentation, you will be expected to use different technologies. As good as technologies might be, technical glitches can always occur unexpectedly. This is why it is recommended that you have a backup plan that will help you mitigate such risks. One such plan may involve the old-fashioned way of printing out copies of your slides. Other alternatives include a USB flash drive with your presentation or uploading your presentation to an online cloud storage .

8. Dress For Success

Having a good defense outfit is a must for your success. Dressing like a professional will give you a chance to be seen as a colleague with your examiners. It’s important that your attire aligns with the occasion, however, make sure that you pick out clothes and shoes that are comfortable. A thesis defense could last for hours requiring you to stand up and move around so picking up shoes that hurt or clothes that will make you sweaty might not be the best choice.

9. Bring the Essentials

In addition to your PowerPoint presentation you should bring a handout for the members of the committee so they can easily follow your presentation and understand what you are talking about. This way they can easily follow your presentation and refer to what you’re talking about. Another essential thing to carry with you is water . The thesis defense can drag on for hours and cause a dry mouth. It is also a good idea to bring a notebook and a pen in case you need to write down something.

10. Stay Calm And Confident

Being nervous is a common feeling for most students who are engaging in a thesis defense. Coping with thesis defense anxiety can seem difficult but can actually be overcome very easily. Consider techniques such as visualization, positive self-talk, specific breathing techniques or other mindfulness practices in order to get a clear mind and sharp focus during the examination. Take deep breaths and don’t be afraid to maintain eye contact with your audience.

11. Engage Effectively During The Q&A

The professors evaluating your work will be trying to identify the edge of what you know. Following your presentation, there is a question-and-answer session. The questions will most likely be about the core content of your thesis. You might also be asked to summarize certain findings and embed your work in the wider subject context.

When the committee and the audience pose questions, listen attentively and take a moment to gather your thoughts before responding. Engage effectively by providing concise and relevant answers . If a question is unclear, don't hesitate to seek clarification. If you don’t know the answer to a question, it’s best that you admit it. What you might do in such a situation is explain why your thesis didn’t address that specific point or that the posed question could lead to further research.

Additionally, be open to further discussion or elaboration if committee members or the audience wish to explore specific aspects of your research. This interactive exchange of ideas demonstrates your readiness for scholarly dialogue and can lead to valuable insights and constructive feedback.

Ready For The Final Battle?

Now it’s your move! Armed with this battle plan, nothing stands in the way of your confident victory in this final academic battle. You are now in a favorable starting position to keep a cool head and bring out the heavy artillery. Your knowledge is your weapon with which you can confidently conquer this strategically important career goal. The thesis triumph is yours!

Elitsa is a seasoned content creator, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Westminster. A writer by day and a reader by night, she loves to delve into different worlds of writing, expanding her professional horizons while drawing inspiration from diverse themes and topics.

← Previous

Next →, discover more exciting articles.

Thesis printing – spoilt for choice: Find cool paper types

Ready to submit your thesis? The first impression counts – and the last impression remains forever!

Any mistakes discovered in your graduate thesis after binding it? Practical tips and advice

SPIN TO WIN A DISCOUNT & SAVE MONEY

To improve support for screen readers, please open this link. To deactivate improved support für screen readers, please open this link.

Begin of page section: Page sections:

• Go to contents (Accesskey 1)
• Go to position marker (Accesskey 2)
• Go to main navigation (Accesskey 3)
• Go to sub navigation (Accesskey 4)
• Go to additional information (Accesskey 5)
• Go to page settings (user/language) (Accesskey 8)
• Go to search (Accesskey 9)

End of this page section. Go to overview of page sections

Begin of page section: Page settings:

Begin of page section: Search:

Begin of page section: Main navigation:

Page navigation:

• About the University
• Organisation
• Working at University of Graz

Research Profile

• Our Expertise
• Research Questions
• Research Portal
• Promoting Research
• Research Transfer
• Ethics in Research
• Prospective Students
• International
• Research and Business
• Master's plus
• Sustainable University
• Researchers answer
• Alumni offers
• Work for us

Begin of page section: You are here:

• Personalities
• Master's Programme
• Student Services

Begin of page section: Sub navigation:

Master thesis and defense

Handling and regulation of the supervision of master's theses as well as assignment of master's thesis topics.

The master thesis is written in the third/fourth semester of the master program. The regulation about the handling and supervision of master theses as well as the assignment of master thesis topics within the master program GLOBAL STUDIES is defined as follows:

• The topic of the master's thesis must be meaningfully related to the disciplinary specialization and in particular to the submodule "Scientific work and research context" (research module) (see curricula) . An explicit connection of the master thesis topic to a specific course is not required.
• The master thesis comprises 20 ECTS.
• In addition to writing the Master's thesis, the corresponding courses from the assigned submodule "Scientific Work and Research Context" (research module) from the chosen disciplinary specialisation must be completed for the specialisations Business and Environment and Society and Culture. At least 12 ECTS from the chosen disciplinary specialisation are required to attend the course accompanying the Master's thesis (e.g. Master's seminar/Master's colloquium or similar). This point is not a prerequisite for the specialisation in Law and Politics.
• The topic of the Master's thesis must always be chosen in such a way that it can be completed within six months and is reasonable.
• The Dean of Studies is responsible for approving the Master's thesis topic.
• The supervisor has two months for the evaluation.
• The following applies to the choice of the supervisor: The supervisor must be assigned to the chosen disciplinary specialization in which the master's thesis is written and must usually be a habilitated professor.

ATTENTION: For all study plans, the period between the official submission of the Master's thesis to the URBI Dean's Office and the Master's examination/defense must be at least 4 weeks!

Defense of the master thesis

After the positive assessment of the master thesis, the oral defense of the thesis (as a subject examination with 1 ECTS) takes place, possibly even before all ECTS required for the degree have been completed. The examiner is the supervisor of the master thesis. In addition, a person has to keep the minutes. This person has to have a valid scientific employment at the University of Graz, but requires neither a doctorate nor a habilitation. The candidate organizes the defense himself/herself in consultation with the supervisor (date, place, submission of the necessary forms to the Dean's Office). Online defenses are possible without approval. Subject of the defense is (a) 15 minutes presentation of the work and (b) 10 minutes discussion of the work.

Begin of page section: Additional information:

Begin of page section: