Lehrbeauftragten

Lehrbeauftragten is a term used in German-speaking higher education to describe individuals who are commissioned by a university to teach courses and perform related teaching duties without holding a permanent faculty position. They are typically external experts, such as professionals from industry, independent scholars, or researchers from other institutions, who contribute specific expertise to the curriculum.

Appointment and terms vary by institution and country, but Lehrbeauftragten are usually hired for a defined teaching load over a semester or an academic year. Compensation is commonly paid as a teaching fee or honorarium based on the number of teaching hours or courses, rather than a full faculty salary. The arrangement is generally temporary and does not automatically confer long-term employment or tenure.

Duties of Lehrbeauftragten primarily include delivering lectures or seminars, preparing instructional materials, and assessing students within the scope of the contract. They may participate in course coordination and exam-related activities, but they typically do not have the same rights as regular faculty, such as automatic eligibility to supervise doctoral theses or participate in faculty governance.

Variations exist across Länder and institutions. In Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, Lehrbeauftragten help universities access external expertise and expand teaching capacity, especially for specialized or interdisciplinary topics. Criticisms often focus on job security, social security coverage, and limited career prospects, given the precarious nature of many contracts. The status is distinct from Gastdozenten (guest lecturers) and from permanent academic staff such as professors or Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiter.