Vorprüfung

Vorprüfung (German: preliminary examination) is a procedural step used in various institutions to screen documents or proposals before the main assessment. The exact scope and authority vary by institution and field, but typical purpose remains: to determine whether a submission fulfills formal requirements (format, length, documentation), addresses a feasible and coherent scientific or administrative project, and is suitable to proceed to a full evaluation.

In universities, Vorprüfung often refers to an initial review of a doctoral proposal or dissertation manuscript, and sometimes of research proposals submitted for a grant or admission to a program. The reviewer checks completeness, compliance with guidelines, appropriateness of methodology, topic relevance, and compliance with ethical or legal standards. If satisfactory, the process continues to the formal examination or evaluation; if deficiencies are found, the candidate may be asked for revisions or clarification, or the submission can be rejected at this stage.

In other administrative contexts, Vorprüfung may concern applications, permits, or tenders, where a preliminary check ensures documents are complete and the applicant meets basic requirements before the official processing begins.

The outcome of a Vorprüfung is generally advisory rather than final, though in some cases it can have binding effects within the institution’s procedures. It is distinct from the substantive assessment of quality or merit that follows, such as a dissertation defense or formal grant evaluation. Time limits and criteria for Vorprüfung are typically defined in institutional or departmental guidelines.