Which two terms are correct German equivalents for 'doctoral thesis'?

• A. Diplomarbeit
• B. Masterarbeit
• C. Dissertation, Doktorarbeit
• D. Hausarbeit

Answer: (C)

Understanding what students call a doctoral-level written work in German helps you choose the right terms. A doctoral thesis in German is typically called either Dissertation or Doktorarbeit. Dissertation is the formal scholarly document associated with earning a doctorate and is widely used in universities. Doktorarbeit is the straightforward, everyday way to say the same thing—literally the work for the Doctorate. The other options refer to different degrees or types of papers: Diplomarbeit is tied to the older Diplom degree, Masterarbeit to a Master’s thesis, and Hausarbeit is a general term for a course or term paper, not for doctoral work. So Dissertation and Doktorarbeit are the correct equivalents.