The highest academic degree awarded by a university after the successful completion of a doctoral process (writing a doctoral dissertation).
example
Sie hat viele Jahre geforscht, um ihren Doktortitel in Biologie zu erlangen.
She did research for many years in order to obtain her doctorate in biology.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is a compound made up of 'der Doktor' (doctor) and 'der Titel' (title). It literally refers to the academic title that one receives after completing a doctorate.
EXAMPLE
Der Doktortitel ist der höchste akademische Grad in Deutschland.
The doctorate is the highest academic degree in Germany.
Typical verbs
Common verbs in connection with 'Doktortitel' (doctorate) are 'erwerben' (to acquire/earn), 'erlangen' (to obtain), 'verleihen' (to award, by the university), and 'führen' (to use/carry the title in one's name). Colloquially, people also often say 'seinen Doktor machen' (to do one's doctorate).
EXAMPLE
Er arbeitet hart, um eines Tages den Doktortitel zu erwerben.
He is working hard to earn a doctorate one day.
Cultural context
In Germany, the doctorate has high prestige. It is common to address people with this title directly as 'Herr Doktor' (Mr. Doctor/Dr.) or 'Frau Doktor' (Ms. Doctor/Dr.) in formal situations.
EXAMPLE
In der E-Mail schrieb er: „Sehr geehrte Frau Doktor Meier, ...“
In the email, he wrote: 'Dear Dr. Meier, ...'
Compare with
near_synonym · confusable
Doktortitel vs Doktor
doctor
'Doktor' and 'Doktortitel' both belong to the academic field. 'Doktor' is the person or the title before the name, for example in a form of address. 'Doktortitel' is the academic degree itself, which you receive after completing a doctorate. So you can say: a person has a 'Doktortitel' and may then use the title 'Doktor'. Learners easily confuse the words because both are connected with the same qualification. In practice: 'Doktor' is used with people and names, while 'Doktortitel' means the earned distinction.
Doktortitel
Nach vielen Jahren Forschung hat die Lehrerin ihren Doktortitel bekommen.
After many years of research, the teacher received her doctorate.
Doktor
Doktor Weber hält morgen einen Vortrag an der Universität.
Doctor Weber is giving a lecture at the university tomorrow.