"Privatdozent, zu
Vorlesungen an einer Hochschule berechtigter Gelehrter ohne Professur"
(Brockhaus Lexika, 2003). This unique title found at universities in
some German speaking countries derives from the distinction
between the university as an academic institution and an employer. Like an
associated professor in other countries the Privatdozent is a member of the
faculty with the academic rights of a professor (i.e. has been awarded the also
quite unique "venia
legendi") with regard to teaching, examinations and the supervision of diploma,
masters or doctoral theses. However, he or she is not employed and, accordingly,
obligations other than academic are limited and there are no duties connected to
a staff position. The philosophy behind this construction is that the holder of
such a position compensates the benefits of the association (i.e. free use of
the universities facilities) and the possible exercise of rights in academic
matters by contributing to the universities curriculum.
Legal background:
Fertig, Hans, Die Zulassung als Privatdozent,
DVBl 1960, 230;
Fertig, Hans, Rechtsnatur und Führung des
Professor- und Privatdozententitels, DVBl 1962, 126;
Karpen, Ulrich, Das Erlöschen der venia legendi
eines Privatdozenten bei Berufung an eine andere Hochschule, DVBl 1975, 404;
Köstlin, Thomas, Der kostenlose Privatdozent?
Lehrverpflichtung und Art. 12 GG, DVBl 1987, 123 - 128.
