Fachrichtungen

Fachrichtungen are fields of study or disciplines within education and research that designate specialized domains within a broader subject area. They help organize curricula, degree programs, and professional pathways by specifying areas of focus or expertise.

In German-speaking countries the term is used especially in higher education and teacher training to indicate a specific field of study or a teaching subject. For example, within a degree program a student may choose a Fachrichtung in engineering (such as Maschinenbau or Elektrotechnik) or in the humanities (such as Geschichte or Germanistik). In teacher education, students often select two Fachrichtungen that determine which subjects they will teach at the secondary level.

In schools, subjects are typically referred to as Fächer; however, Fachrichtungen are relevant for curricula design, specialization, and continuing education, as well as research orientations within a department. Fachrichtungen influence the selection of courses, examination requirements, and qualification profiles. They may be mandatory within a program or offered as electives, shaping career opportunities in industry, academia, or public service.

The concept is flexible and evolving, with increasing emphasis on interdisciplinarity and cross-disciplinary fields that combine multiple Fachrichtungen. Emerging areas such as data science, environmental studies, or health sciences illustrate how Fachrichtungen can adapt to new knowledge and societal needs while providing a framework for organizing study plans and guiding professional preparation.