die Vorlesungen
Translation
lectures
Examples
Die Vorlesungen beginnen nächste Woche.
The lectures start next week.
Er besucht zwei Vorlesungen am Montag.
He attends two lectures on Monday.
Grammar Patterns
to give a lecture ((on sth.)) The professor is giving a lecture on history. Der Professor hält eine Vorlesung über Geschichte.
to attend a lecture ((by sb.)) I'm attending a lecture by Professor Schmidt. Ich höre eine Vorlesung bei Professor Schmidt.
Similar Words
der Vortrag (the talk/presentation), das Seminar (the seminar)
Etymology
A noun derived from 'vorlesen' (to read aloud). 'vor-' (in front of) + 'lesen' (to read) + '-ung' (noun suffix). Historically, professors would read from their notes.
Memory Tips
Picture a professor 'reading' (lesen) 'before' (vor) the students. That's a 'Vorlesung' or lecture.