German word

Professor

Pronunciation

IPA/pʁoˈfɛsoːɐ̯/

Meaning

  • masculine nounprofessor

Example

Ich habe den Professor gestern getroffen.

I met the professor yesterday.

Illustration for Professor (professor)

More examples

Die Studentin spricht mit dem Professor.

The female student is speaking with the professor.

Core concept

A university figure carries both the authority of a formal title and the activity of a working researcher.

Common phrases

  • ein Professor

    a professor

  • mit dem Professor

    with the professor

Similar words

Doktor: An academic degree or title awarded for completing doctoral-level research.
Dozent: A lecturer who teaches at a university or vocational college under varied employment arrangements.
Lehrer: A teacher who instructs schoolchildren or pupils and helps them learn.

Definition in German

Akademischer Titel für eine Person, die an einer Hochschule Lehrveranstaltungen gibt und in ihrem Fachgebiet forscht.

Word origin

The German title Professor was borrowed from Latin professor, which referred to someone who publicly declared or professed knowledge.

Usage tips

  • The feminine form is Professorin, with the plural Professorinnen, so German uses a distinct feminine noun rather than adding a general English-style label.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word