German word

Volkshochschule

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈfɔlksˌhoːxʃuːlə/

Meaning

  • feminine nounadult education center

Example

Ich besuche die Volkshochschule jeden Mittwoch.

I attend the adult education center every Wednesday.

Illustration for Volkshochschule (adult education center)

More examples

An der Volkshochschule gibt es Abendkurse für Berufstätige.

There are evening courses for working people at the adult education center.

Core concept

Adults gather after work in a local classroom to study languages, job skills, or creative subjects.

Common phrases

  • an der Volkshochschule

    at the adult education center

  • einen Kurs an der Volkshochschule belegen

    take a course at the adult education center

  • sich an der Volkshochschule anmelden

    enroll at the adult education center

Similar words

VHS: The usual abbreviation for an adult education center and its courses.
Kurs: An organized series of lessons on one topic or skill.
Weiterbildung: Extra training or study to improve professional abilities.
Erwachsenenbildung: The field of teaching and learning for adults.

Definition in German

Öffentliche Einrichtung für Erwachsenenbildung, die niedrigschwellige Kurse in Sprache, Beruf und Kultur anbietet.

Word origin

Volkshochschule combines Volk, meaning 'people', with Hochschule, meaning 'higher education institution', and denotes education offered for the general public.

Usage tips

  • Volkshochschule is feminine, with the plural Volkshochschulen, and VHS is the common abbreviation.

Other meanings

  • community collegenoun
  • lifelong learning centernoun

Related words

  • Volkshochschulangebotadult education center offeringnoun
  • Volkshochschulwesenadult education systemnoun

Word lists with this word