doctoral thesis
Loading your saved state.
doctoral thesis
An extensive academic work that one must write in order to obtain a doctoral degree. Also referred to as a dissertation.
Sie forscht seit drei Jahren für ihre Doktorarbeit in der Physik.
She has been doing research for her doctoral thesis in physics for three years.
The word is a simple compound of 'Doktor' (doctor/doctoral degree) and 'Arbeit' (work/paper). It therefore refers to the academic work that one produces for a doctoral degree.
Die Fertigstellung einer Doktorarbeit dauert oft mehrere Jahre.
Completing a doctoral thesis often takes several years.
In connection with a doctoral thesis, certain verbs are used for the different phases: You 'schreibt' (write) it, 'reicht sie ein' (submit it), 'verteidigt' (defend) it, and 'veröffentlicht' (publish) it.
Er muss seine Doktorarbeit bis Ende des Monats einreichen.
He has to submit his doctoral thesis by the end of the month.
To describe the process, you say 'an einer Doktorarbeit schreiben' (to be working on a doctoral thesis). To name the topic, you use 'eine Doktorarbeit über' (to write a doctoral thesis on/about) plus the accusative.
Sie schreibt an ihrer Doktorarbeit in Biologie.
She is working on her doctoral thesis in biology.
dissertation
'Dissertation' and 'Doktorarbeit' mean the same type of academic work: a major paper that you write for a doctoral degree. 'Dissertation' sounds a bit more formal and is often used at universities or in official texts. 'Doktorarbeit' is easier to understand in everyday language and is very common. In most situations, you can use both words.
Beim Termin hat Mehmet über den Zeitplan für seine Doktorarbeit gesprochen.
At the meeting, Mehmet talked about the schedule for his doctoral thesis.
Nach drei Jahren Forschung gibt Anna ihre Dissertation an der Universität ab.
After three years of research, Anna submits her dissertation to the university.