colloquium
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colloquium
An academic or professional discussion group, conference, or seminar, often at a university or research institution.
Das Institut veranstaltet ein Kolloquium zur Zukunft der künstlichen Intelligenz.
The institute is holding a colloquium on the future of artificial intelligence.
oral examination
An oral examination in an academic context, especially the final defense of a doctoral dissertation or another academic thesis.
Nach der Abgabe ihrer Dissertation muss sie noch das Kolloquium erfolgreich bestehen.
After submitting her dissertation, she still has to successfully pass the oral examination.
The word comes from Latin: 'col-' means 'together' and 'loqui' means 'to speak'. A 'Kolloquium' (colloquium) is therefore literally a 'speaking together', which perfectly describes the idea of a professional or academic discussion.
Im Kolloquium diskutierten die Experten über neue Forschungsergebnisse.
In the colloquium, the experts discussed new research findings.
'Kolloquium' is a formal word used almost exclusively in the academic environment of universities and research institutes. In everyday language, people would more likely speak of a 'Diskussionsrunde' (discussion group) or a 'Vortrag' (talk/lecture).
Alle Doktoranden des Fachbereichs müssen am wöchentlichen Kolloquium teilnehmen.
All doctoral students in the department must attend the weekly colloquium.
When the word appears in connection with a final thesis, such as a doctoral dissertation or master's thesis, 'Kolloquium' almost always means the final oral examination. Typical verbs in this context are 'bestehen' (to pass), 'ablegen' (to take), or 'haben' (to have).
Sie bereitet sich intensiv auf ihr Kolloquium vor, das nächste Woche stattfindet.
She is preparing intensively for her oral examination, which takes place next week.
seminar
Seminar and Kolloquium can both involve academic discussions with active participation at a university or college. A Seminar is structured more as a class, while a Kolloquium is more of an academic exchange or discussion group. Choose Seminar for guided learning and Kolloquium for exchanging views on academic questions.
Im Kolloquium diskutieren Forschende die neuen Ergebnisse.
At the colloquium, researchers discuss the new findings.
Im Seminar erklärt die Dozentin das Thema und diskutiert es mit den Studierenden.
In the seminar, the lecturer explains the topic and discusses it with the students.
