seminar
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seminar
A course at a university or college in which the active participation and discussion of the students are the main focus.
Ich muss für mein Seminar über Goethe noch ein Referat vorbereiten.
I still have to prepare a presentation for my seminar on Goethe.
Pay attention to the preposition: At a university, you 'besucht ein Seminar' (attend a seminar) or are 'im Seminar' (in the seminar). In a professional training course, you 'nimmt teil' (participate) — 'an einem Seminar teilnehmen' (to participate in a seminar).
Ich sitze gerade in einem Seminar zur deutschen Literatur.
I am currently sitting in a seminar on German literature.
In the university context, 'Seminar' is often combined with activities such as 'ein Seminar besuchen' (to attend a seminar), 'sich für ein Seminar einschreiben' (to enroll in a seminar), or 'ein Referat im Seminar halten' (to give a presentation in a seminar).
Für dieses Seminar muss man sich online einschreiben.
You have to enroll online for this seminar.
In the context of professional development, typical combinations are 'an einem Seminar teilnehmen' (to participate in a seminar), as well as 'ein Seminar anbieten' (to offer a seminar) or 'ein Seminar leiten' (to lead a seminar).
Meine Chefin hat mir angeboten, an einem Marketing-Seminar teilzunehmen.
My boss offered me the chance to take part in a marketing seminar.
This meaning is rare today and is almost only used in compound words such as 'Priesterseminar' (training institution for priests, seminary) or 'Lehrerseminar' (historical training institution for teachers).
Sein Urgroßvater war früher Direktor eines Lehrerseminars.
His great-grandfather was once the director of a teacher training seminary.
course / rate
„der Kurs“ and „das Seminar“ both refer to teaching and learning events. „Kurs“ is a general word for instruction on a specific topic, for example a language course, cooking course, or computer course. „Seminar“ is often used at a university or in professional continuing education. It often involves participation, discussion, or a specific topic. The words can be confused because a seminar can also be a kind of course. „Kurs“ is broader, while „Seminar“ often sounds more specific or more formal.
Mein Kollege besucht heute ein Seminar zur sicheren Arbeit mit Kundendaten.
My colleague is attending a seminar today on working safely with customer data.
Am Abend macht Paul einen Kurs, weil er besser kochen lernen möchte.
In the evening, Paul is taking a course because he wants to learn how to cook better.