First: What is a project report (Projektarbeit)?
A Projektarbeit is a written report of approximately 6–12 pages in which the student writes an academic paper on a specific topic related to their field of study. Through this report, the student demonstrates their ability to:
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carry out academic research and analysis
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use academic German appropriately
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structure ideas and document sources properly
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give an oral presentation (Präsentation) in front of a committee or class
Basic structure of a project report
1. Title page (Deckblatt)
It includes:
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title of the project
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student’s full name
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student ID (Matrikelnummer)
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name of the Studienkolleg
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name of the supervisor (Betreuer/in)
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date
2. Table of contents (Inhaltsverzeichnis)
Lists the chapter headings and corresponding page numbers.
3. Introduction (Einleitung)
The introduction should cover:
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the topic of the report and why you chose it
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the main problem or research question (Fragestellung)
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the method or approach used
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a brief overview of the following chapters
Length: about half a page to one page
4. Main part – theoretical/analytical section (Hauptteil)
Here you present:
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a detailed explanation of the topic
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analyses, examples, data or arguments from different sources
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where applicable: comparison of different perspectives, charts, graphs, diagrams
Length: about 4–6 pages or more
5. Conclusion (Schluss/Fazit)
The conclusion should include:
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a summary of the main findings
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a clear answer to the research question
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recommendations or your personal opinion, supported by evidence
Length: about half a page to one page
6. Bibliography / list of references (Literaturverzeichnis)
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arranged in alphabetical order
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includes books, articles, and websites
Example:
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Müller, Hans (2021): Wirtschaft in Deutschland. Berlin: Springer Verlag.
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Statista (2023): Anzahl der Arbeitslosen in Deutschland. Online: www.statista.de
7. Appendices (Anhang) – if applicable
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questionnaires
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tables
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large figures or charts
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images
Important rules for writing
| Rule | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Language | Must be academic, clear, and free from language mistakes. |
| Structure | You must follow the complete, methodical structure described above. |
| Referencing | Every non-original piece of information must be referenced – using APA or the style requested by your supervisor. |
| Font | Typically Arial or Times New Roman, size 12, line spacing 1.5–2. |
| Submission | Often submitted in printed form and additionally as a PDF or Word file electronically. |
| Presentation | You must prepare a short oral presentation (5–10 minutes) to present your project to the class/committee. |
Examples of common topics
In the W-Kurs (Economics):
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Auswirkungen der Inflation auf den Konsum in Deutschland
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Online-Handel vs. stationärer Handel – eine Zukunftsanalyse
In the G-Kurs (Social Sciences):
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Medien und ihre Rolle in der politischen Meinungsbildung
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Integration von Migranten in Deutschland – Chancen und Herausforderungen
Golden tips
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Choose a topic you like and for which you can find enough sources.
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Start early and don’t wait until the last week.
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Don’t forget to check grammar and spelling carefully.
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Practise your oral presentation in advance.
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Discuss your project with your supervisor before the final submission.
Editorial note
The authors and editorial team of this website strive to provide accurate information through thorough research and consultation of multiple sources. However, errors or uncertain details may still occur. Therefore, the information provided in these articles should be regarded as an initial, non-binding reference. For definitive and up-to-date information, always consult the relevant authorities and official institutions.