university of applied sciences
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university of applied sciences
A higher education institution that, unlike a university, is more strongly focused on the practical application of knowledge and preparation for a profession. The course of study is often more application-oriented and includes practical semesters.
Sie studiert Wirtschaftsingenieurwesen an einer Fachhochschule in Berlin.
She is studying industrial engineering at a university of applied sciences in Berlin.
The word is composed of 'Fach' (specialized field), 'hoch' (high), and 'Schule' (school). So literally, it is a 'higher school for a specific subject' and emphasizes specialization.
Eine Fachhochschule bietet oft sehr spezialisierte Studiengänge an.
A university of applied sciences often offers very specialized degree programs.
For higher education institutions, the preposition 'an' is used. You study 'an der Fachhochschule' (at the university of applied sciences, dative) or apply 'an der Fachhochschule' (to the university of applied sciences, dative).
Mein Bruder studiert Informatik an der Fachhochschule Köln.
My brother is studying computer science at the Cologne University of Applied Sciences.
In everyday language, in texts, and also in official contexts, the abbreviation 'FH' is used very frequently. For example, people talk about an 'FH-Abschluss' (degree from a university of applied sciences).
Er hat seinen Master an einer FH in Österreich gemacht.
He did his master's at a university of applied sciences in Austria.
A key term in connection with universities of applied sciences is the 'Praxissemester' (practical semester). Many degree programs include a mandatory semester in which students work at a company.
Im Praxissemester konnte sie wertvolle Berufserfahrung sammeln.
During the practical semester, she was able to gain valuable professional experience.
higher education institution
A university of applied sciences is always a type of Hochschule, so both words can refer to the same institution. “Die Hochschule” is the more general term and does not specify the type. “Die Fachhochschule,” by contrast, explicitly highlights the stronger focus on practical training and professional preparation. Choose “Hochschule” when the exact type should remain open, and “Fachhochschule” when it is important.
Meine Schwester studiert an einer Fachhochschule und sammelt dort viel praktische Erfahrung.
My sister studies at a university of applied sciences and gains a lot of practical experience there.
Meine Schwester studiert an einer Hochschule und sammelt dort viel praktische Erfahrung.
My sister studies at a higher education institution and gains a lot of practical experience there.
