Associate professor – ‘außerordentlicher Professor’

The title ‘associate professor’ is most widely used in Anglo-American countries. This position doesn’t have a direct translation or equivalent in Germany – which is why it also be found in a dictionary there. Its closest equivalent position is somewhere between a and a full . 

A near translation is the German title ‘assoziierter Professor’. It indicates that the person concerned can already produce some academic credentials.

What does being an associate professor entail?

An associate professor teaches and conducts research at a university. Their activities include lectures, seminars, mentoring students and conducting independent research. An associate professor generally has a few years experience as an , manages extensive and plays a key role in educating doctoral candidates.

What is the equivalent of an associate professor in Germany?

Associate professors work at prestigious universities around the world, including Cambridge, Harvard and the MIT. They make a significant contribution there to training the next generation of researchers. The term ‘associate professor’ won’t be found in a dictionary in Germany. The nearest equivalent is the position of a W2 professorship. This means that the academic, scientist or can already provide evidence of significant academic performance, assumes teaching responsibilities, collaborates in university committees and attracts .