Engineering at German universities

Changes in modern society have strongly affected German universities. In particular, a large percentage of the younger generation is following a degree course, especially, in engineering. The result is overcrowding. Discussions are taking place on how to handle large student numbers more efficiently without incurring a drop in academic standards. In view of this latter requirement, it is generally accepted that much importance must be attached to all professors retaining a direct involvement in research despite funding problems. Accordingly, recent developments in UK universities, where teaching without a research component is sometimes becoming a reality, are viewed in Germany with some astonishment. Therefore, one aim of this paper is to contribute to the important discussion of the idea of the European University