lecture
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lecture
A class at a university or college in which a lecturer or professor gives a talk on an academic subject.
Die Vorlesung zur mittelalterlichen Geschichte findet im größten Hörsaal statt.
The lecture on medieval history takes place in the largest lecture hall.
The word is made up of 'vor' (in front of/before) and 'Lesung' (reading, from 'lesen' — to read). Historically, a professor read the course material aloud in front of the students. This literal meaning explains the term.
Der Professor ist bekannt dafür, seine Vorlesungen sehr lebendig zu gestalten.
The professor is known for making his lectures very lively.
Different verbs are used depending on the perspective. Lecturers 'halten' or 'geben' eine Vorlesung (give a lecture). Students 'besuchen', 'hören', or 'gehen in' eine Vorlesung (attend/go to a lecture).
Professor Müller hält diese Vorlesung schon seit zehn Jahren.
Professor Müller has been giving this lecture for ten years.
The term 'Vorlesung' (lecture) is used almost exclusively in the context of universities and colleges. There, it refers to a typical form of teaching.
Im ersten Semester habe ich drei verschiedene Vorlesungen.
In my first semester, I have three different lectures.
course / rate
'der Kurs' and 'die Vorlesung' are both types of classes, but they do not fit the same context. A course can take place in many settings: at an adult education center, online, at school, or at work. Participants often learn over several sessions and sometimes do exercises themselves. A lecture is typically found at a university or college. In a lecture, a lecturer or professor speaks about an academic topic, and the students mainly listen. The risk of confusion comes from the fact that both can be part of learning. If it is university teaching in the form of a talk, 'Vorlesung' is more precise; otherwise, 'Kurs' is often more natural.
Sie verpasst die Vorlesung, weil der Bus zu spät kommt.
She misses the lecture because the bus arrives too late.
Am Montag beginnt mein Kurs für digitales Fotografieren.
My course in digital photography begins on Monday.