Numerus clausus

numerus clausus; admission grade threshold

noun NOO-may-roos KLOW-zoos Rare

Origin: from Latin: closed number

Usage Note

Numerus clausus (NC) is the minimum Abitur grade required for admission to oversubscribed university programmes such as medicine or law. The term is widely used in everyday German: Das Fach hat einen NC means admission is grade-restricted.

Examples

"Für Medizin gibt es einen strengen Numerus clausus."

Natural Translation

For medicine there is a strict numerus clausus.

Literal Translation

For medicine exists a strict numerus clausus.

Related Words

Explore German by topic

GermanNow

Tipping in Germany: A Visitor's Etiquette Guide

Tipping in Germany means saying your total out loud, not leaving coins. Learn the exact phrases, how much to tip, and the Sie-vs-du etiquette travelers need.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

German Separable Verbs: When the Prefix Splits

German separable verbs split in two: the verb stays near the front and the prefix flies to the end. Learn the stress test and where every piece goes.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

GermanNow

Weil vs Denn vs Da: "Because" in German

Weil and da send the verb to the end; denn keeps it in second position. Here's how to pick the right German "because" and place the verb correctly.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

German Body Parts: Vocabulary + How to Say It Hurts

Learn German body parts with der/die/das and plurals, plus the two ways to say something hurts: Mir tut der Kopf weh and Ich habe Kopfschmerzen.

June 9, 2026 5 min read