adult education center
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adult education center
A public adult education institution that offers a wide range of courses in different areas such as languages, culture, work, and health.
Ich habe mich für einen Töpferkurs an der Volkshochschule angemeldet.
I signed up for a pottery course at the adult education center.
The word consists of 'Volk' (people), the linking element '-s-', and 'Hochschule' (college/university). So it is literally a kind of 'college for the people'.
Die Idee der Volkshochschule ist, Bildung für alle zugänglich zu machen.
The idea of the adult education center is to make education accessible to everyone.
In everyday language, the abbreviation 'VHS' is almost always used. For example, you say 'Ich gehe zur VHS' (I'm going to the VHS) or 'Ich mache einen Kurs an der VHS' (I'm taking a course at the VHS).
Das neue Programm der VHS erscheint nächste Woche.
The new VHS program comes out next week.
A Volkshochschule is an adult education institution. It is not part of the regular school or university system for young people, but offers courses for all age groups for personal or professional continuing education.
Viele Rentner besuchen Kurse an der Volkshochschule, um aktiv zu bleiben.
Many retirees attend courses at the adult education center to stay active.
In connection with the Volkshochschule, the verbs 'besuchen' (to attend), 'belegen' (to take), or 'machen' (to do/take) are often used for courses. You register 'an der' VHS 'für einen Kurs an' (sign up at the VHS for a course).
Ich möchte einen Fotografie-Kurs an der Volkshochschule belegen.
I would like to take a photography course at the adult education center.
university
'die Universität' and 'die Volkshochschule' are both places where you can learn. But they are not the same thing. At a 'Universität', you study a subject, do research, and can earn an academic degree. A 'Volkshochschule' offers courses for adults, for example in languages, computers, health, or culture. You normally do not complete a university degree program there. The words can be confused because both have to do with education. When it is about university studies and degrees, 'Universität' fits. When it is about individual courses for adults, 'Volkshochschule' fits.
An der Volkshochschule besucht Ali am Abend einen Deutschkurs.
Ali attends a German course in the evening at the adult education center.
Meine Freundin studiert Medizin an der Universität in Köln.
My friend is studying medicine at the university in Cologne.