Doktormutter and Doktorvater (German for “doctoral mother” and “doctoral father”) are colloquial terms for the person who supervises and assesses your dissertation. The doctoral regulations of your faculty decide who that can be. This glossary explains the roles behind the terms, which of them count legally and how to find a suitable supervisor.
Short answer: Doktormutter and Doktorvater are the colloquial terms for the supervisor of a dissertation. Usually this is a professor of the faculty. Depending on the regulations, a junior professor or a habilitated academic can also supervise. The term has no legal meaning of its own. What counts legally are the roles of supervision and assessment.
The most important points
- Doktormutter and Doktorvater are colloquial terms for the supervisor.
- What counts legally are the roles of supervision and assessment set out in the regulations.
- The faculty decides who may supervise, according to its regulations.
- A written supervision agreement clarifies expectations and timetable.
- A change of supervisor is possible, but it should be coordinated with the regulations and the university.
What does the supervisor actually do?
The supervisor guides the work academically. Typical tasks are help with topic and research proposal, feedback on chapters and structure, advice on methods and research design, and the assessment of the finished dissertation. The supervisor does not write the thesis for you. Your funding as an employee or scholarship holder is a separate matter.
What is the difference between first and second reviewer?
The first reviewer (Erstgutachter) is often the supervisor. The second review (Zweitgutachten) is usually done by another person. The regulations decide whether there are further reviews.
| Role | Who | Task |
|---|---|---|
| Supervision | Often a professor, depending on the regulations also other academics | Academic guidance during the work |
| First review | Usually the supervisor | Assessment of the finished dissertation |
| Second review | Another person, often from the same field | A second, independent assessment |
How do you find a supervisor?
- Check the regulations to see who may supervise.
- Talk to lecturers whose seminars convinced you academically.
- Present a short research proposal that makes the question and method clear.
- Clarify expectations on availability, feedback, timetable and publications.
- Record the agreement in writing if the university offers this.
What should you do if the supervision does not work?
A change is possible. First speak openly with your supervisor and seek advice from the graduate school, an ombudsperson or a trusted contact at the university. The regulations decide whether a change must be formally notified. For the start of a doctorate, see Promotion in Deutschland (in German).
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Doktormutter or Doktorvater?
A dissertation needs reviewers. Whether supervision is formally required is set out in the regulations. In practice, supervision is almost always the norm.
Can supervision come from outside the university?
This depends on the regulations. Some faculties allow external supervision but usually require a link to the university. Ask early, before you build the work on that basis.
Is my supervisor also my employer?
Not necessarily. If you are employed at the university, the employment contract and the supervision are separate questions. Settle both in writing.
Can I end the supervision?
Yes, but a change is usually complicated. Speak openly with the person first and seek advice from the graduate school or an ombudsperson.
Related reading
- Promotion in Deutschland: Wege, Dauer, Finanzierung und Doktortitel (in German)
- Glossary: Promotionsordnung
- Promotionsordnung verstehen: Die wichtigsten Regeln
- Promotion finanzieren: Stelle, Stipendium oder Eigenmittel im Vergleich (in German)
- Krankenversicherung als Doktorand (in German)
Sources: Destatis, press release on doctoral candidates 2025 (in German), 26 August 2026 and Destatis, press release on doctorates in 2025 (in German), 2 October 2026.
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
