Are you interested in a career in Germany?
On your way to a professorship at a german university there are a lot of steps to be taken and a lot of questions to be answered
- How do I become a professor in Germany?
- What am I actually qualifying for when I want to become a professor at a German University?
- Is being involved in the academic self administration part of the secondary tasks a professor has?
- Why is it part of the job tasks actually cultivating and developing science through research and teaching study but also offering a further education?
- Can I be considered for a professorship as an internal candidate?
- Which person on the list later gets the offer for the professorship?
The German Association of University Professors and Lecturers (DHV) can support you with all these decisions and be your trusted career partner.
Are you ready for a professorship at a german university? Discover the academic qualifications that are needed for a sucessful professorship:
Writing a habilitation is like writing a second book – really? Find out what really matters in a habilitation:
From the decision to advertise a professorship to the decision on appointment: There are may stages in the process of attaining a professorship.
In Germany, professors are engaged as civil servants or as employees.
Learn more about both options:
Salaries and Compensation for Researchers in Germany
Germany provides competitive and transparent salaries for researchers at all career stages. Positions at universities and public research institutions follow standardized pay scales – such as TV-L (for state institutions) or TVöD (for federal ones) – which ensure fair and consistent compensation based on qualifications and experience.
Postdoctoral researchers and senior scientists typically earn between € 4,000 and € 5,000 gross per month, with salaries increasing over time. Professors are paid according to the W-scale (W1, W2, W3), depending on their level and responsibilities. The basic salaries of full professors start at around €7,000 per month. Appointment bonuses are also common and often open to negotiation which makes significantly higher salaries possible. The German Association of University Professors and Lecturers (Deutscher Hochschulverband) offers helpful guidance and support in these negotiations.
Researchers benefit from comprehensive social security, health insurance, and family support services. With financial stability and strong institutional backing, Germany is a highly attractive location for advancing your scientific career.
How to impress during the Trial Lecture
The trial lecture (in German: so-called „Berufungsvortrag“) is a central part of the selection process for professorships in Germany. It is meant to demonstrate not only scientific excellence but also didactic and personal qualities. Therefore, the trial lecture should be accessible to a broader audience, with a recommended ratio of one third general understanding and two thirds specific research topics.
In addition to academic expertise, the appointment committee also values the candidate's personal suitability. Therefore, candidates are expected to present not only their professional capabilities but also their communication and interpersonal skills.
Practical Tips for your Trial Lecture
- Your trial lecture should begin with a clear, engaging and accessible introduction, followed by the presentation of specific research topics.
- You should present your independent academic track record, rather than just presenting research results.
- Your presentation slides should be simple and well-organized, avoiding information overload.
The trial lecture is more than just a scientific presentation - it is an opportunity to show both scientific excellence and teaching abilities, as well as one’s personality. Good preparation, which takes into account the specific format and engages the audience, is crucial.
Based on: Dirk Böhmann, So können Wissenschaftler beim „Vorsingen“ überzeugen, Forschung & Lehre 07/2020