der Campus
campus
The grounds and buildings of a university, college, or sometimes a large company.
EXAMPLE
Die neue Bibliothek befindet sich direkt auf dem Campus.
The new library is located right on campus.
der Campus
campus
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Meanings
Usage tips
Origin of the word
'Campus' is a modern loanword from American English, originally from Latin, where it means 'field'. In German, it is used for the grounds of a university.
EXAMPLE
Viele Studierende verbringen ihre Pausen auf dem Campus.
Many students spend their breaks on campus.
Correct preposition
The word 'Campus' is almost always used with the preposition 'auf'. To describe a position, you use the dative ('auf dem Campus' = on campus). To describe movement there, you use the accusative ('auf den Campus' = onto/to the campus).
EXAMPLE
Die Mensa befindet sich auf dem Campus.
The cafeteria is located on campus.
Typical collocations
Common expressions are 'auf dem Campus leben' (to live on campus, in a student residence), 'der Campus der Universität' (the university campus), or 'ein großer/moderner/neuer Campus' (a large/modern/new campus).
EXAMPLE
Die Universität hat einen sehr modernen Campus mit vielen Grünflächen.
The university has a very modern campus with lots of green spaces.
Compare with
Campus vs Universität
university
Universität can refer to all the buildings and grounds belonging to the institution, even when they are spread across multiple locations. Campus means a contiguous area with its associated buildings. Universität fits the institution’s entire complex, while Campus fits a specific, enclosed university site.
Campus
Auf dem zentralen Campus liegen alle wichtigen Gebäude dicht beieinander.
All the important buildings are close together on the central campus.
Universität
Die Gebäude der Universität sind über die ganze Stadt verteilt.
The university’s buildings are spread throughout the city.
In real life
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