Academic language
This page provides an overview of the differences between everyday and academic language, offering advice on writing academic texts.
Everyday language vs. academic language
Table 1 provides examples of everyday and academic language, clearly highlighting their respective characteristics.
Table 1: Examples of everyday and academic language (translated into English from Ruhmann, o.J.)
Example for everyday language | Example for academic language |
|---|---|
Dear Grandma, in my PhD thesis I looked at a medical topic that is important to many people affected by it. I investigated why some people continue to experience pain in certain parts of their body for years, even though the injury or inflammation that caused the pain has long since healed. This is because … | The study investigated the distribution of NMDA and substance P receptors on ganglion cells in the anterolateral tract of the medulla oblongata in relation to primary afferent nociceptive input. |
What do you notice? Personal tone | What do you notice? The study investigated |
Academic language …
is not everyday spoken language and
does not mean pompous jargon, but rather
clear written English and correct technical terms, as well as
scientifically precise phrasing – that is, phrasing things in such a way that misunderstandings are impossible (see the materials on Moodle)
Advice regarding the choice of words
Keep it simple and concise
Table 1 summarises the results.
Regarding the results, table 1 offers a summary.
Vary your sentence structure (translated into English from Theuerkauf, 2012, S. 150 - 151) –
Alternate between passive and active voice
(1) The time trend of the measurement data is shown in the graph.
Suggested solution
The graph shows the time trend of the measurement data.
(2) A hydraulic press is used to transmit energy.
Suggested solution
A hydraulic press transmits the energy.
Gender-neutral language – yes or no?
Currently, there are no binding guidelines on gender-neutral language in academic texts.
We recommend adding the following note on gender-neutral language as a footnote to your work:
For the sake of readability, we have opted not to use the masculine, feminine and diverse forms (m/f/d) simultaneously. Instead, we have used the generic masculine form. All references to people apply equally to all genders.
If in doubt, please discuss your approach to gender-neutral language with your supervisor.
Resources
In English
The University of Manchester, 2023. Academic Phrasebank [Accessed: 28 May 2026]. Available at: https://www.phrasebank.manchester.ac.uk/
In German
For guidance on writing with scientific precision in German, see this Moodle course (accessible to THM members)
Schreibcenter am Sprachenzentrum TU Darmstadt, n. d. Formulierungshilfen für das wissenschaftliche Schreiben [Accessed: 29 January 2020]. Available at: https://www.owl.tu-darmstadt.de/media/owl/schreibtechniken_und__uebungen/Formulierungshilfen_NEU.pdf
Further reading
In English
Osmond, A.,2024. Academic Writing and Grammar for Students, 3. ed. London: Sage.
In German
Schroth-Wiechert, S., 2011. Deutsch als Fremdsprache in den Ingenieurwissenschaften. Formulierungshilfen für schriftliche Arbeiten in Studium und Beruf. Berlin: Cornelsen. ISBN 978-3-06-520665-5
Kruse, O., 2007. Keine Angst vor dem leeren Blatt: Ohne Schreibblockaden durchs Studium. 12. ed. Frankfurt/Main: Campus-Verlag. ISBN 978-3-593-38479-5
See Chapter 4 - Gestaltung von Sprache in Schreibprojekten, S. 86 - 107
Kühtz, S., 2016. Wissenschaftlich formulieren. Tipps und Textbausteine für Studium und Schule. 4. ed. Paderborn: Schöningh. UTB. 3471. ISBN 3-8252-4666-3
Theuerkauf, J., 2012. Schreiben im Ingenieurstudium: Effektiv und effizient zur Bachelor-, Master- und Doktorarbeit. Paderborn: Schöningh. ISBN 3-8252-3644-7
See Chapter 7.5 - Formulieren Sie!, S. 147 - 153
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