specialization
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specialization
A specialized subfield within a larger academic discipline, course of study, or training area.
Sie studiert Medizin mit der Fachrichtung Kardiologie.
She is studying medicine with a specialization in cardiology.
The word is made up of 'Fach' (subject, as in an academic subject or field) and 'Richtung' (direction). So it literally describes the specific direction you take within a subject.
Innerhalb des Fachs Informatik gibt es viele verschiedene Richtungen.
Within the field of computer science, there are many different directions.
The component 'Fach-' is very productive and always refers to a specific area or expertise. Other examples are 'Fachbuch' (specialist book), 'Fachsprache' (technical language), 'Fachmann' (expert), or 'Facharzt' (medical specialist).
Für dieses Problem brauchen wir einen Fachmann.
For this problem, we need an expert.
'Fachrichtung' (specialization) is used almost exclusively in the context of education and work, especially for degree programs at universities or for vocational training occupations.
Welche Fachrichtung möchtest du in deinem Masterstudium wählen?
Which specialization would you like to choose in your master's program?
Common verbs used with 'Fachrichtung' (specialization) are 'wählen' (to choose), 'wechseln' (to change), 'studieren' (to study), or 'sich spezialisieren auf' (to specialize in).
Er hat sich entschieden, seine Fachrichtung von Maschinenbau zu Elektrotechnik zu wechseln.
He decided to change his specialization from mechanical engineering to electrical engineering.
degree program
Studiengang and Fachrichtung both refer to the academic focus of a course of study. The Studiengang is the complete program aimed at a degree, while the Fachrichtung can also be just a specialized subfield within it. Use Studiengang for the specific program and Fachrichtung for the specialization.
Lea hat im Studiengang Maschinenbau die Fachrichtung Fahrzeugtechnik gewählt.
Within the mechanical engineering degree program, Lea chose vehicle engineering as her specialization.
Lea hat sich für den Studiengang Maschinenbau an dieser Hochschule entschieden.
Lea chose the mechanical engineering degree program at this university.
