Definition

A licensed teacher or lecturer at a university in Germany and some other European countries who does not have a role in university administration and earns money through fees.

Example

The privatdocent taught advanced courses in philosophy at the university.

Conversation

Have you heard about the role of a privatdocent in universities?

Yeah, I think they teach but aren't part of the university's administration.

Exactly! It’s interesting how they rely on fees for their income.

I know, it sounds both challenging and rewarding at the same time.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Privatdocent → It is formed from 'privat' (from German 'privat', meaning private) and 'docent' (from Latin 'docere', meaning to teach). The term refers to a private lecturer or instructor, typically at a university, who is not a full professor but is qualified to teach.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'private' ('privat') teacher who is 'teaching' ('docere') at a university level, which helps you remember that a privatdocent is a private lecturer.

Visually Confused Words