PROF. DR. definition
PROF. DR. means this person holds a tenured professorship. They are highest in the university hierarchy and have spent up to thirty years working as scholars in part-time contracts before being awarded this title. They have completed two doctoral theses (a Promotion and Habilitation) and have had to maintain a considerable scholarly output to gain a post as professor. Using their full title in e-mails and on certificates is, therefore, a token of respect. Please note that professors are often not at the university for the whole week. They have many other obligations besides teaching. Professors sometimes average up to thirty e-mails per day, and sometimes – unfortunately – students’ e-mails don’t have priority. If in doubt, please ask your lecturer how they prefer to be contacted.