promovieren

earn a doctorate

verb pro-mo-VEE-ren Less Common

Origin: from Latin promovere 'to move forward'

Usage Note

promovieren specifically means to do or complete a PhD, not to get a job promotion (that is befördert werden) - a classic false friend with English 'promote'. It pairs with bei for the supervisor and über for the topic: bei Professor Klein über Goethe promovieren. Someone who has done so holds the title Doktor.

Examples

"Sie möchte in Physik promovieren."

Natural Translation

She wants to earn a doctorate in physics.

Literal Translation

She wants in physics to-doctorate.

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