Master’s Thesis (Masterarbeit)
How can you plan, write, and complete your thesis successfully and on time?
The Master’s thesis is the final major requirement in a Master’s degree programme. Its purpose is to:
demonstrate your ability to conduct independent academic research
analyse a specialised topic in depth
provide a scientific contribution (even if modest)
Typical length: 60–100 pages
Typical time frame: 4 to 6 months (depending on university and subject)
| Phase | Suggested duration |
|---|---|
| Choosing a topic and finding a supervisor | 1–2 weeks |
| Initial literature review and formulation of the research question | 2–3 weeks |
| Writing the exposé and detailed work plan | 1–2 weeks |
| Data collection or source analysis | 3–4 weeks |
| Writing the main content | 5–7 weeks |
| Revision and proofreading | 2–3 weeks |
| Printing and submission | final week |
Tip: Always reserve at least one “buffer week” for emergencies (illness, technical issues, delays in feedback).
Title page (Titelblatt)
Table of contents (Inhaltsverzeichnis)
Summary in German and English (Zusammenfassung / Abstract)
Introduction (Einleitung)
Theoretical background (Theoretischer Hintergrund)
Methodology (Methodik)
Results (Ergebnisse)
Discussion (Diskussion)
Conclusion and outlook (Fazit & Ausblick)
Reference list (Literaturverzeichnis)
Appendices (Anhang)
Declaration of originality (Eigenständigkeitserklärung)
Before you start writing
Choose a topic you are genuinely passionate about.
Make sure that enough data and literature are available.
Agree on a clear plan and timeline with your supervisor.
While writing
Write the introduction last, after the main body is largely finished.
Use precise, objective, academic language.
Avoid excessive direct quotations; paraphrase in your own words and cite correctly.
Continuously link your results back to your research question.
After writing
Proofread carefully (or use tools like Grammarly / Duden Mentor, and ideally a second pair of eyes).
Check all formal requirements: layout, margins, font, citation style.
Ensure you meet all submission requirements (printed copies, digital version, upload to the online portal).
| Tool | Use |
|---|---|
| Zotero / Citavi | Managing references and literature |
| Scrivener / Word | Structuring and writing long documents |
| Grammarly / Duden | Language and spell checking |
| PlagScan / Turnitin | Plagiarism detection |
| Trello / Notion | Time and task management |
„Ich schreibe meine Masterarbeit über …“ – I am writing my Master’s thesis on …
„Die Abgabefrist ist am …“ – The submission deadline is on …
„Könnten Sie bitte ein Feedback zu meinem Kapitel geben?“ – Could you please give feedback on my chapter?
„Welche Zitierweise soll ich verwenden?“ – Which citation style should I use?
„Wie viele gedruckte Exemplare muss ich einreichen?“ – How many printed copies do I have to submit?
Editorial note
The authors and editorial team of this website strive to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors or uncertainties may still occur. Therefore, the information in this article should be regarded as an initial non-binding guide. For definitive and up-to-date regulations, always refer to the official information provided by universities and competent authorities.
