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University Glossary German/English

The University Glossary contains German terms and their English equivalents or explanations. These include both terms specific to the University of Göttingen (eg names of individual institutes or faculties) and terms that may be used elsewhere (eg in general administration or by funders such as the DFG).

The Glossary is designed to provide clear, useful translations and explanations to aid communications with international staff and students (both inside and outside the University), improve research grant applications, and correct common errors. The legally binding term is always the German term. The English equivalents and explanations are provided for informational purposes.

Please use the glossary as an initial reference point or as support for AI-supported translations. It can be used alongside our English Usage Style Guide and the University’s German/English DeepL translation service which, wherever possible, includes words from the University Glossary. Please refer external translation agencies to these tools.

The Glossary contains many terms, but not everything that you may need for your work. Feel free to send queries to Melissa Sollich (Public Relations, melissa.sollich@uni-goettingen.de).

Deutsch Englisch / Notes
Abrechnung von Reisekosten 1. travel claims; 2. reimbursement of travel expenses
Abschluss 1. Hochschulabschluss - degree; university degree; successful completion of university coursework; (US) completed college
2. qualification; qualification awarded
3. Schulabschluss - school leaving certificate; school leaving qualifications; (US) high school diploma
Abschlussarbeit thesis (Bachelor/Master), dissertation (PhD)
Note: at the undergraduate level, dissertation is more common in the UK, final thesis is more common in the US.
Abschlusszeugnis (Schule) Abschlusszeugnis (Schule): school leaving certificate, (US) diploma
Abschlusszeugnis (Hochschule): examination certificate, (US) transcript
final record (document listing final marks), degree certificate (Abschlussurkunde) 
Absichtserklärung letter of intent
Absolvent*in 1. graduate
2. degree recipient (less common)
Abteilung Department
Note: It is not always necessary. For example, "Abteilung Göttingen International" is translated to "Göttingen International". Some faculties use the German word "Department" as a larger version of an "Abteilung" - so a "Department" is made up of smaller "Abteilungen". In this case, the faculty rule should be followed. Translation of Abteilung could be team or group or it could be left out (as in the example here with Göttingen International).
Abteilung Bioklimatologie Bioclimatology Group
Abteilung Humangeographie Department of Human Geography
Abteilung IT 1. IT
2. IT Department
Abteilung Öffentlichkeitsarbeit 1. Public Relations
2. Public Relations Department
Abteilung Personaladministration und Personalentwicklung HR Department
Abteilung Studium und Lehre Student and Academic Services
Akademische Jahresfeier academic end-of-year celebration
Akademische Personalentwicklung Academic Staff Development Unit
Akademischer Oberrat  Senior Lecturer
Note: Akademischer Oberrat is generally a permanent post for an academic with responsibility for teaching and management with an academic rank approximately between lecturer and professor. 
Analyse und Transformationen von Text und Objekt
Structures and Transformations of Texts and Objects
Note: core topic of the University's research strategy updated 2023
Anerkennung (von Studien- und Prüfungsleistungen) recognition of credits and qualifications 
Anerkennung (von Studienleistungen) recognition of credits
Angehörige staff and students
Note: try to avoid "members" and be specific about who you address, "Angehörige" may also include alumni or guests
Annahmeerklärung Declaration of Enrolment
Antrag proposal
Antragsskizze draft proposal
antragstellende Hochschule, Universität 1. host university
2. applying university
Audit ‚berufundfamilie’ Work and Family Audit
Audit ‚Vielfalt gestalten’ Diversity Audit
Aula the Aula
Note: please refer to "the Aula" or "the Aula (Göttingen University's Great Hall)"
Ausschlussfrist 1. final deadline
2. closing date
Außeruniversitäre Einrichtung institutions outside the University
Außeruniversitäre Forschungseinrichtung research institution outside the University
Azubi (Auszubildender)/Ausbildung apprentice/apprenticeship
Note: An apprentice (Azubi) is a student who must complete an apprenticeship (Ausbildung) to graduate, similar to "Lehre". Azubis learn on the job.
Note: the German word "Ausbildung" has a broad meaning to include all training. "Apprenticeship" means learning a trade, usually at a lower salary. If you are writing about a situation where a trainee does it without pay, it could be "vocational training" or "training to be X".
BAföG (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz) BAföG (Germany's Education Assistance Act)
Note: can refer to the BAfög law or the actual maintenance grant/financial aid
BAföG-Bescheinigung certificate for §9 BAföG
Note: BAfög (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz - Germany's education funding law) is financial support from the government which is awarded to students according to need.
barriere-frei accessible to all
Note: Accessibility can also refer to websites (ease of reading)
Note: It is useful to be specific about physical problems of the environment which bar accessibility, eg "not accessible to wheelchair users" or "limited accessibility for wheelchair users". Barrier-free would probably be understood in some contexts but is not widely used. For instance, "barriers to learning" might be used but this could have a range of meanings.  
Befürwortung der für die antragstellende/n Universität/en zuständigen Wissenschaftsbehörde/n des Bundeslandes oder der Bundesländer endorsement by the science or research authority/authorities at the state level responsible for the applicant university/universities
behindert People with a disability / people who have a disability
Note: "disabled people" can also be used
Note: "handicapped" is an outdated term that is considered offensive. Please avoid.
Bernstein Netzwerk Computational Neuroscience Deutschland Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience
beteiligte Universität/Einrichtung participating university/institution
beteiligte Wissenschaftler participating researchers
Betreuungsausschuss Thesis advisory committee
Biodiversitätsmuseum Göttingen Biodiversity Museum Göttingen
BLAB Lebenswissenschaftliches Schülerlabor (BLAB) BLAB University’s school laboratory for Life Sciences
Building a Sustainable Future
Building a Sustainable Future
Note: overarching strategic objective of the University's research strategy updated 2023
Bundesgesundheitsministeriums Germany's Ministry of Health
Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF) Federal Ministry of Education and Research
Campus Laboratory for Advanced Imaging, Microscopy and Spectroscopy (AIMS) Campus Laboratory for Advanced Imaging, Microscopy and Spectroscopy (AIMS)
Campus-Institut Data Science (CIDAS) Campus Institute Data Science (CIDAS)
Campuslabor Digitalisierung und computergestützte Analytik (DCA) Campus Laboratory for Digitization and Computational Analytics (DCA)
Chancengleichheit equal opportunity
Note: "equal opportunity" is more common in the UK, "equal opportunities" (in the plural form) is more common in the US.
Charta ‚Familie in der Hochschule’ Charter ‘Family Life and Academia’
Controlling auditing, monitoring, or review
Note: The word "control" and "controlling" is much stronger in English and usually means that something will be changed rather than checked.
Corona coronavirus
Note: coronavirus (the virus) or Covid/Covid-19 (the illness) are used in international texts instead of corona, depending on the context. COVID/COVID-19 are correct in scientific texts (as it is an acronym). Covid/Covid-19 is correct in other texts (as Covid is pronounced as it is written as a word and not as a string of letters).
Courant Forschungszentren Courant Reseach Centre
Note: Courant Research Centres were interdisciplinary centres for up to three junior research groups set up by the University, with the advice of external experts, to address innovative research topics)
Creating Knowledge for Change
Creating Knowledge for Change
Note: overarching strategic objective of the University's research strategy updated 2023
Dekanat Dean's Office
Department für Agrarökonomie und Rurale Entwicklung Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development
Deutchlandstipendium (plural Deutschlandstipendien) Deutschlandstipendium (Germany's scholarship for students)
Note: the word should be used in the German with an explanation as needed. The scholarship (from the BMBF) includes financial support as well as other support (such as mentoring and networking). https://www.deutschlandstipendium.de/deutschlandstipendium/de/services/english/the-deutschlandstipendium-best-of-both-worlds-for-students.html 
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) German Research Foundation (DFG)
Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Deutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ) German Primate Center - Leibniz Institute for Primate Research (DPZ)
Note: formal name in English which only needs to be used once at the beginning of an official text or table.  Thereafter, it can be referred to as the German Primate Centre (DPZ).

DFG Forschungsgruppe (FOR) DFG Research Unit (FOR)
DFG Graduiertenkolleg (GRK) DFG Research Training Group
Note: these are divided between DGF Research Training Groups (GRK) and International Research Training Groups (Internationales Graduiertenkolleg)
Diversitätsstrategie Diversity Strategy
Diversity als Chance – Die Charta der Vielfalt der Unternehmen in Deutschland Diversity Charter
Doktormutter PhD supervisor
Doktorvater PhD supervisor
Dorothea-Schlözer-Programm Dorothea Schlözer Programme
Dr. Dr
Note: "Dr." can be used but isn't necessary especially as this is a contraction of "Doctor" and not an abbreviation.
Drittmittel Research grant funding
Note: It is also acceptable to use "external funding". "Third party funding" is often used by EU funders and so you should use this term if this is your audience. However, it wouldn't be widely understood outside Germany/EU funding circles.
Drittmittelgeförderte Projekte Grant-funded research projects
Einrichtung 1. institute
2. facility (Note: this is often used for service departments)
3. institution (often this refers to a university or large organisation)
E-Mail email
Energiecontrolling Energy Control Department
Note: this is an office within a larger department and "control" here is being used to mean "monitoring". https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/62371.html
Erkenntnistransfer knowledge transfer
evangelische (esg) und die katholische (khg) Studierendengemeinde  The Protestant (esg) and Catholic (khg) student congregations 
Note: "evangelical" in everyday English is used to mean zealous and can be used in contexts that are not religious. It would not be widely used to mean "protestant".
Note: lower case in DE and EN for esg and khg is correct in this case
Experimentelles Praktikum Hands-on training in the laboratory (equivalent to Laborpraktika)
Note: "laboratory practicals" would also be fine and can refer to individual training events rather than a period of time spent in a laboratory learning 
Exzellenzcluster Cluster of Excellence
Note: this is research funding specific to German universities
Exzellenzcluster Zentrum für Mikroskopie im Nanometerbereich und Molekularphysiologie des Gehirns (CNMPB) Cluster of Excellence Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain
Fachschaft departmental student representatives
Fakultät für Agrarwissenschaften Faculty of Agricultural Sciences
Fakultät für Biologie und Psychologie Faculty of Biology and Psychology
Fakultät für Chemie Faculty of Chemistry
Fakultät für Forstwissenschaften und Waldökologie Faculty of Forest Sciences and Forest Ecology
Fakultät für Geowissenschaften und Geographie Faculty of Geoscience and Geography
Fakultät für Mathematik und Informatik Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science
Fakultät für Physik Faculty of Physics
FamilienService Family Service
Feldübungen practical training in the field
Note: if referring to practical work conducted by a researcher in the natural environment (not in a laboratory), the term "fieldwork" can also be used.
Förderlinie funding line
Förderung des wissenschaftlichen Nachwuchses promotion of early career researchers
Forschungsgroßgeräte major research equipment
Note: if writing for the DFG, please use "major research instrumentation"
Forschungsorientierte Gleichstellungsstandards der DFG DFG Research-Oriented Standards on Gender Equality
Forum Wissen - das Wissensmuseum der Universität Göttingen Forum Wissen - the knowledge museum of the University of Göttingen
Forum Wissen Göttingen Forum Wissen Göttingen
Forum Wissen
Sammeln, Forschen, Ausstellen: das Wissensmuseum der Universität Göttingen 
Forum Wissen
Collecting, Researching, Exhibiting: the Knowledge Museum of Göttingen University
Forum Wissen
Was Wissen schafft
Forum Wissen
Knowledge in the making
free-floater Note: the concept of “Free-Floaters” was introduced by the University as a mechanism to strengthen academic recruitment of the very best early career researchers for tenure-track Junior Professorships. These positions were advertised openly without specific subjects and gave the University the freedom to recruit internationally, flexibly and optimally to secure excellence. The recruitment process was jointly managed by the GRC and the University. 
Funktionsstelle Funktionsstelle
Note: Holders of "Funktionsstellen" positions have an academic profile and are assigned with a permanent role in areas of research, teaching, research and information infrastructure, or science management within faculties and central units (not within central administration). The German term "Funktionsstelle" is the official job title and should be used with an explanation in English texts. See website: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/673670.html  
Gebäudemanagement Estates and Facilities Management
Gemeinsames Prüfungsamt der mathematisch-naturwissenschaftlichen Fakultäten Examination Office for Mathematics and the Natural Sciences
Gender Controlling equal opportunities monitoring
Note: please avoid the phrase "Gender controlling" in English.  
Georg-August University School of Science (GAUSS) Georg-August University School of Science (GAUSS)
Georg-August-Universität Göttingen

Universität Göttingen
University of Göttingen 
Note: Göttingen University is also acceptable. Georg-August-Universität should be used in legal documents and University of Goettingen is used for research publications or anywhere that an ö might not be read by a database. It is acceptable to use UGOE as an abbreviation in texts where the word count is important (eg grant applications) as long as the name is stated in full when UGOE is first used. Please do NOT use other abbreviations, such as "GAU" or "GAUG". See the University's Two-page Style Guide for full details:  https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/77766.html 
Georg-Eckert-Institut für internationale Schulbuchforschung (GEI) Georg Eckert Institute for International Textbook Research (GEI)
Gesellschaft für wissenschaftliche Datenverarbeitung mbH Göttingen (GWDG) Gesellschaft für wissenschaftliche Datenverarbeitung mbH Göttingen (GWDG)
Note: German is used in English texts. The GWDG is the computing centre for the University and a computing and IT competence centre for the Max Planck Society. It is widely known as GWDG:  https://www.gwdg.de/
Gespenstschrecke leaf insect
Gleichstellungs-Controlling Equal Opportunities Monitoring
Gleichstellungs-Innovations-Fond Equal Opportunities Innovation Fund
Gleichstellungskonzept Equal Opportunities Strategy
Göttingen Campus (GC) Göttingen Campus
Göttingen Campus QPLUS Projekt Göttingen Campus QPLUS project
Göttingen eResearch Alliance (eRA) Göttingen eResearch Alliance (eRA)
Göttingen International the International Office
Göttinger Graduiertenschule Gesellschaftswissenschaften (GGG) Göttingen Graduate School of Social Sciences (GGG)
Göttinger Zentrum für Molekulare Biowissenschaften Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB)
Graduiertenkolleg research training group
Graduiertenschule graduate school
Note: Research and learning for PhD students registered at Göttingen University, including those carrying out research across the Göttingen Campus, is organised into four graduate schools according to academic fit. The graduate schools are an umbrella for the doctoral degree programmes and Research Training Groups of the faculties and research centres assigned to them.
Graduiertenschule Forst- und Agrarwissenschaft (GFA) Graduate School of Forest Sciences and Agricultural Sciences (GFA)
Graduiertenschule für Geisteswissenschaften Göttingen (GSGG) Graduate School of Humanities Göttingen (GSGG)
Großgeräte major equipment
Note: If writing for DFG grants, please use the term “major research instrumentation” for Forschungsgroßgeräte. For the EU, “major equipment” or “sets of instruments” is used. For our website or other funders, please consider “large-scale equipment”, “core equipment” or “research infrastructure”.
Grundlagen von energetischen Prozessen in Materie 
Energy Processes in Matter
Note: core topic of the University's research strategy updated 2023
hauptberuflich full-time
Note: this actually means that the job is their main position and is usually applied to senior academics (for instance a Vice-Principal) who has decided to relinquish their academic role to concentrate on senior management
Heidenreich von Siebold Programm Heidenreich von Siebold Programme
Hochschuldidaktik (als Einrichtung der Universität Göttingen) Section for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
Note: this is a department in the University. If talking about "Hochschuldidaktik" generally as a subject, other descriptions and translations can be used
Hochschulsport University Sports
Hochschulsport (Göttingen) University Sports (Göttingen)
Honorarprofessur Honorary professor
Note: used for an academic whose level of academic achievement is recognized by a university who would award such titles. However, the academic is employed by another entity, such as a hospital, industry or other institute. This is an unpaid or visiting title to convey academic rank.
Immatrikulationsbescheinigung, die certificate of enrolment
Impressum contact address or address
Note: "Impressum" is a requirement for all company websites in German-speaking countries. It is not used in other countries. It could be translated as "registered office" or "official information" or used in itallics and explained, depending on the context. "Imprint" can be used in publishing (particularly books) to show who the publisher is, but "imprint" is generally meaningless to most international English-speakers.
Impulsräume
Note: from the University's Research Strategy
space for the emergence of new topics
Institut für Diversitätsforschung Göttingen Diversity Research Institute
Institut für Röntgenphysik Institute for X-ray Physics
Internationalisierungsstrategie Strategy on Internationalization
Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institut für Zoologie & Anthropologie Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institute of Zoology and Anthropology
Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institut für Zoologie und Anthropologie Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institute of Zoology and Anthropology
Juniorprofessor Junior Professor
Juristische Fakultät Faculty of Law
Kleinbauer/Kleinbäuerin and Kleinbauern/Kleinbäuerinnen smallholder farmer and smallholder farmers
Note: The German version with "-in" or "ihnnen" refers to female smallholder farmer/s. This distinction wouldn't necessarily be used in an English text as "smallholder farmer" could be male, female, trans or the gender might not be known. However, it is worth considering when "she" could be used or when gender is important in the context and the text should be made explicit about gender.
Kognitive Prozesse und ihre Grundlagen
Foundations of Cognitive Processes 
Note: core topic of the University's research strategy updated 2023
Kultur-Raum Region Kultur-Raum Region - an exhibition space showcasing the region's cultural institutions and museums
Note: as the "Kultur-Raum Region" is a room in the Forum Wissen that visitors will need to find, please use the German name in translations and add the description at the beginning of the text or as needed
Laborpraktika Hands-on training in the laboratory
Note: "laboratory practicals" would also be fine and can refer to individual training events rather than a period of time spent in a laboratory learning 
Lehrstuhl, der chair or professorship
Note: chair or professorship refers to a person in English, not a research group
Lehrstuhlinhaber*in X Professor of X
Leitlinien zur Transparenz in der Forschung Guidelines for Transparency in Research
Margaret Maltby Mentoring Programm The Margaret Maltby Mentoring Programme
maßgeblich beteiligte Wissenschaftler*in(nen) principal investigator(s)
Max-Planck-Forschungspreis Max Planck Research Award
Max-Planck-Gesellschaft Max Planck Society
Max-Planck-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Wissenschaften e.V. Max Planck Society for Advancement of Science
Max-Planck-Institut (MPI) Max Planck Institute (MPI)
Max-Planck-Institut für biophysikalische Chemie (MPI BPC) Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry (MPI BPC)
Note: see entry about the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences
Max-Planck-Institut für Dynamik und Selbstorganisation  (MPIDS) Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization (MPIDS)
Max-Planck-Institut für Experimentelle Medizin (MPI EM) Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine
Note: see entry about the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences
Max-Planck-Institut für Multidisziplinäre Naturwissenschaften (MPI-NAT) Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences (MPI NAT)
Note: was founded 1 Jan 2022 from a merger between the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry (MPI BPC) and MPI for Experimental Medicine
Max-Planck-Institut für Sonnensystemforschung (MPS) Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (MPS)
Max-Planck-Institut zur Erforschung multireligiöser und multiethnischer Gesellschaften (MPI-MMG) Max Planck Institute for the Study of Religious and Ethnic Diversity (MPI-MMG)
Medien- und Informationsmanagement Information and Advisory Services
Mediziner*in physician or (medical) doctor
Meinungsfreiheit, die freedom of speech
Mensa "cafeteria" or "dining hall" or "canteen"
Note: if you are referring to a specific "Mensa" such as the Alte Mensa (which is now the University's conference centre) or Mensa am Turm (which is still a canteen), you should use the German term exactly as it is and explain as necessary
Molekulare Grundlagen von zellulären Netzwerken
Molecular Foundations of Cellular Networks
Note: core topic of the University's research strategy updated 2023
Mund-Nasen-Bedeckungen face mask
Mund-Nasen-Schutz face mask
Nachhaltige Entwicklung, globale & lokale Dynamiken und Verantwortlichkeit
Sustainable Development, Global and Local Dynamics, and Responsibility
Note: core topic of the University's research strategy updated 2023
Nachhaltige Landnutzung und Biodiversität
Sustainable Land Use and Biodiversity
Note: core topic of the University's research strategy updated 2023
Nacht des Wissens Night of Science
Nachwuchsgruppe independent junior research group
Note: this term comes from the DFG Excellence Strategy and could be used with caps if it refers to a specific named group.
Nachwuchsgruppenleiter*in independent junior research group leader
Note: if this is the official job title of a named individual, it is common to use caps (Independent Junior Research Group Leader)
Nachwuchswissenschaftlerer*in Postdoc or Early Career Researcher (ECR)
Note: postdoc refers to the phase following PhD completion, whereas Early Career Researcher includes other researchers who may still be studying. Avoid using "young" (as in young scientist) unless describing school children or there is an age restriction (for instance as in some funding schemes).  
nebenberuflich part-time or holding a senior academic position alongside their academic roles
Note: this is usually applied to senior academics (for instance a Vice-Principal) who retains their academic role in addition to their senior management role 
Niedersächsische Akademie der Wissenschaften zu Göttingen (AdW) The Göttingen Academy of Sciences and Humanities in Lower Saxony (AdW)
Note: renamed in Dec 2022 to include the word Niedersächsische/Lower Saxony in the title
Niedersächsische Staats- und Universitätsbibliothek (SUB) Göttingen State and University Library (SUB)
Niedersächsische Staats- und Universitätsbibliothek Göttingen (SUB) Göttingen State and University Library (SUB)
Niedersächsisches Ministerium für Wissenschaft und Kultur (MWK) Ministry of Science and Culture of Lower Saxony (MWK)
Notfall- und Störmeldezentrale, die The Emergency Helpine and Fault-reporting Service
Note: University department - https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/15742.html
Numerus Clausus (N.C.) numerus clausus (NC)
Note: this term is the same in English but would not be widely understood. It means a fixed maximum number of entrants that can be enrolled on an academic course or at an institution.
Ombudsstelle für gute wissenschaftliche Praxis Ombuds Office for Good Research Practice
Open-Access-Leitlinie der Universität Göttingen (einschließlich der Universitätsmedizin Göttingen Open Access Policy of the University of Göttingen (incl. University Medical Center)
Ordnung der Georg-August-Universität Göttingen zur Sicherung guter wissenschaftlicher Praxis  Rules Governing the Safeguarding of Good Research Practice (2021)
Ordnung über die Einstellung und Evaluation von Juniorprofessor*innen Regulation on the Employment and Evaluation of Junior Professors
Ordnung zur Sicherung guter wissenschaftlicher Praxis (2021) Rules Governing the Safeguarding of Good Research Practice (2021)
Orientierungsphase / O-Phase induction, welcome or orientation week for new students
Note: in German, this is often abrievated to O-Phase
Personalabteilung HR Department
Personalrat (der) the Personalrat (staff council)
Note: this body doesn't have an official English name and staff council wouldn't be widely understood. The Personalrat exists to represent the social and personal interests of all staff as it pertains to their work.
Personen people
Note: "persons" is not incorrect but sounds very official in British English and would normally only be used in contexts such as "missing persons".
Perspektiven für Karrierewege in der Wissenschaft Career Paths in Science and Academia: Perspectives
Philosophische Fakultät Faculty of Humanities
Praktika Hands-on training
Note: where this training takes place in a workplace, it is often referred to as an internship.
Präsenzuniversität a university where the students attend in person as opposed to learning online.
Note: This can be referred to as a "bricks-and-mortar" university, particularly in the US. However, it often works better to use a phrase to underline what is really important, for instance: "The University provides an excellent learning environment, making full use of its modern teaching spaces inside beautiful traditional buildings, offering students the opportunity to interact directly with teaching staff".
Präsidium Presidential Board
Prof. Dr. Professor
Note: "Professor Dr" would not be widely understood internationally and some would assume it meant medical training. "Professor" is generally considered the highest qualification and other qualifications do not need to be included. 
Professorinnen-Programm Programme for Women Professors
Programmpauschale an overhead paid to the University to run a programme, this overhead may be made available to the institute or faculty through an allocation system
projektförmige Förderung project-based funding
Projektleiter*in Project lead or project leader
Note: this individual leads or directs the project, distinct from the "project manager" (Koordinartor*in) who manages the project
Propädeutikum preparatory course
Qualitätsmanagement Studium und Lehre teaching and learning quality management 
Quereinsteiger transfer student
Quereinstieg transfer
Raum für Impulse space for the emergence of new topics
Recht(e) Dritter third party right(s)
Note: this often refers to companies or external bodies who may have legal rights if you (for instance) use their logo or image.
Richtlinie über das Verfahren und die Vergabe von Leistungsbezügen für Professorinnen und Professoren an der Georg-August-Universität Göttingen (ohne UMG) - Guideline on the procedure and granting of performance-based pay for professors at the University of Göttingen (not including the University Medical Center)
Schlüsselkompetenzen Key skills
Note: sometimes "transferable skills" fits the meaning if it refers to skills that are being taught to students to be used in a wider context.
schwerbehindert with a severe disability (as defined by German law)
Note: "severely disabled" is the official translation widely used in Germany of "Schwerbehindert" and is used in legal and HR contexts. Depending on context, you may wish to explain this or use a different term.   
Sekretariat administrative office, secretary or secretariat
Semesterstarttag, der The Semesterstarttag
Note: an event to celebrate the start of the new semester
Semesterwochenstunde (SWS) lecture hours per week or weekly lecture hours
Short-term International Mentorship Programme (STIM) Short-term International Mentorship Programme (STIM)
sogenannt (X) known as (X) or referred to as (X)
Note: in English, "so-called" can be used sarcastically as in "my so-called friend". "Sogennant" may often be omitted or the word being referred to can be put in quotations to show it is being used in a special way or a new term is being introduced. Alternatively, the options above can be used.
Sonderforschungsbereich (SFB) Collaborative Research Centre (CRC)
Note: as used by the DFG
Sozialdienst des Studentenwerks Service provided by the Studentenwerk including counselling, consultation and financial advice.
Note: see also entry for Studentenwerk
Sozialwissenschaftliche Fakultät Faculty of Social Sciences
Spezialisierungspraktikum preparatory practical work
Sprecher Spokesperson
Note: this has a specific meaning for the DFG and is the correct translation for DFG grants
Sprecherin Spokesperson
Note: this has a specific meaning for the DFG and is the correct translation for DFG grants
Staatsexamen State Examination
Stabsstelle (in der Universitätsverwaltung) unit or team or office (as part of the University administration)
Note: "Stabsstelle" has a special meaning in German. This team, unit or office is part of the standard organisational structure, usually created for the short to medium term to carry out an administrave function. The team provides expert knowledge in a relatively independent way. They can carry out strategic work to support a department and may develop into a separate department/section/team according to the University's long-term needs and external pressures. 
Stabsstelle Sicherheitswesen und Umweltschutz Safety/Environmental Section
Studentenwerk Göttingen Studentenwerk Göttingen
Note: the German word should be used and explained if necessary in the context. In German "Studentenwerk" refers to a state-run, non-profit organisation which provides student services (such as canteen and counselling)
studentische Hilfskräfte student assistant 
assistant 
Note: the official job title is the German word and abbreviation is SHK
Studiendekanat Office of the Dean of Studies
Studienkolleg Studienkolleg
Note: recommended to use as is, with explanation. For instance: Studienkolleg is a two-semester course to prepare students who do not have a recognised school-leavers' qualification, such as Arbitur or baccalaureat (or equivalent), but want to study at German University.
Studienzeitbescheinigung Studienzeitbescheinigung
Note: certificate to confirm of periods of study
Studium und Lehre Student and Academic Services
TAN-Liste Transaction Authentication Number list
Theologische Fakultät Faculty of Theology
Thomas-Oppermann-Kulturforum (the) Thomas Oppermann Cultural Forum
TOTAL E-QUALITY Award TOTAL E-QUALITY Award
U4-Netzwerk (U4) U4 University Network (Note: has been changed to U4Society and is part of ENLIGHT)
Ukraine, die Ukraine
Note: Ukraine changed its name and dropped the "the" when it became independent. It is an important sign of respect to refer to it just as "Ukraine".
Understanding Matter, Energy, and Life
Understanding Matter, Energy, and Life
Note: overarching strategic objective of the University's research strategy updated 2023
Universität des Dritten Lebensalters (UdL) University of the Third Age Göttingen (UdL)
Universität, die the University
Note: University is written with a capital if referring to the University of Göttingen (Göttingen University is also acceptable). If not specific about which university, it should be lower case.
Universitätsgebäude, die the University buildings
Universitätsmamsellen Universitätsmamsellen
Note: this is a term used when describing the history of the University of Göttingen which refers to a specific group of academically active daughters of professors at the University 
Universitätsmedizin Göttingen (UMG) University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG)
Universitätsverbund university consortium
Vereinbarkeit work-life balance
or compatability of work and caring responsibilities
Note: "compatibility" in English means "like-mindedness" or "getting on well together". It could be used in the context of working and looking after children, but wouldn't automatically be  understood as such.
Vertrauensdozent personal tutor
Vertrauensdozentin personal tutor
virtuelle Arbeitsgruppe Studium und Lehre/virtuellen AG Studium Lehre/ virtual working group for Student and Academic Services
Vizepräsident für Digitalisierung und Infrastrukturen Vice-President for Digital Transformation and Infrastructure
Vizepräsident/Vizepräsidentin vice-president
Note: capitalise when in a proper title. For example, Vice-President Mary Smith
Vizepräsidentin für Berufungen Vice-President for Professorial Appointments
Vizepräsidentin für Berufungen und Chancengleichheit Vice-President for Professorial Appointments and Equal Opportunities
Vizepräsidentin für Chancengleichheit, Diversität und Internationales Vice-President for Equal Opportunities, Diversity and Internationalization
Vizepräsidentin für Finanzen und Personal Vice-President for Finance and Human Resources
Vizepräsidentin für Internationales Vice-President for Internationalization
Vizepräsidentin für Studium Lehre und Chancengleichheit Vice-President for Teaching, Learning and Equal Opportunities
Volluniversität university offering a comprehensive range of subjects
Vorkurs preparatory course
Vorstand 1. (Management) Board; 2. Board of Directors; 3. Executive Committee
W-Besoldung Professor-level salary
WiMi researcher (see Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiter*in)
Wirtschaftswissenschaftliche Fakultät Faculty of Business and Economics
Wissenschaft science, research or scholarship
Note: see entry for Wissenschaflter*in 
Wissenschaftler*in Scientist or researcher or academic or scholar
Note: all these are acceptable translations, however, "scientist" (and science) is sometimes perceived as referring to the natural sciences only. Depending on the context, "academic" or "researcher" may be better choices to ensure inclusivity. "Scholars" is inclusive and includes students. In the UK, "academic" refers to posts from lecturer to professor level.
wissenschaftliche Hilfskräfte research assistant 
Note: the official job title is the German word and the abbreviation is WHK
Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiter*in researcher
Note: The official job title remains the German word, Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiter*in (abbreviation WiMi). This post is often held by a postdoc or someone studying for a PHD, who may be involved in teaching as well as research. Other descriptions may be more appropriate: PhD researcher/doctoral researcher (working while studying for PhD); coordinator, postdoctoral researcher, teaching and research assistant. The term research assistant is used widely as a translation but can be confused with wissenschaftliche Hilfskraft
WissZeitVG (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz) WissZeitVG is short for das Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (the German law concerning academic fixed-term contracts). The rules affect the periods of employment for researchers both before and after completing their PhD. The law stipulates a maximum number of years following PhD completion before subsequent fixed-term contracts are not allowed. You should always get individual advice as the interpretation of the law is complex and varies according to circumstances, role, region and other issues. 
Zentrale Einrichtung für Sprachen und Schlüsselqualifikationen (ZESS) Centre for Languages and Transferable Skills (ZESS)
Zentrale Kustodie Centre for Collection Development
Note: name used by University (not an official translation)
Zentrale Reisekostenstelle Central Travel Cost Centre
Note: name used by University (not an official translation)
Zentrales Hörsaalgebäude (ZHG) Central Lecture Hall (ZHG)
Note: it is also acceptable to use the German words in English text but as there is an English translation in general circulation (google maps etc), then this can be used.
Zentrum für Biodiversität und Nachhaltige Landnutzung Centre of Biodiversity and Sustainable Land Use