Maria Thurmair

Prof. Dr. Maria Thurmair serves as Professor of German as a Foreign Language Philology at the University of Regensburg within the Faculty of Languages, Literature and Cultural Studies, Institute of German Studies. She has held this position since 1998 after previously teaching at the University of Rostock from 1996. Her academic leadership extends to roles as Women's Representative and Equal Opportunities Officer for Science and Art of the Faculty of Philosophy III.

Her scholarly foundation includes:

• Magister Artium (1984) in German as a Foreign Language, Modern German Literature, and English Linguistics from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
• PhD (Dr. phil., 1987) in German as a Foreign Language, German Linguistics, and English Linguistics from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

Prof. Thurmair's research bridges theoretical linguistics with practical language teaching methodology. Her expertise spans text linguistics, modal particles, comparative structures, word formation, and the spoken-written language continuum. She has made significant contributions to understanding how linguistic structures function across different text types and how this knowledge can inform language teaching practices, particularly for German as a foreign language.

Her recent publications reveal evolving interests in language-culture-communication intersections across scientific discourse, artistic expression, and cross-cultural contexts. She has increasingly focused on practical applications of linguistic theory for language learners and educators, evident in her contributions to reference works like the Duden grammar.

Prof. Thurmair's institutional leadership demonstrates her commitment to academic excellence beyond research and teaching responsibilities, contributing to gender equality and opportunities in academia.