Acknowledgement in the Bachelor Thesis: Comprehensive Guide and Practical Tips

The acknowledgement in the bachelor thesis is an important part of your final paper that is often underestimated. It offers you the opportunity to acknowledge all those who have supported you during the writing process. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn how to write a meaningful bachelor thesis acknowledgement, avoid common mistakes, and express your appreciation in a professional manner.

Why is the Acknowledgement Important?

The acknowledgement gives your work a personal touch and shows that you appreciate the support you have received. It can positively influence the reader and underscore your professionalism. A well-formulated acknowledgement bachelor thesis helps your work leave a lasting impression.

When and Where Do You Place the Acknowledgement?

As a rule, the acknowledgement follows directly after the abstract and before the table of contents. It is part of the front matter of your work and is not included in the actual text length. This keeps your acknowledgement discreet, but still present for those who take the time to read it.

Who Should You Mention in Your Acknowledgement?

1. Academic Supervisors and Lecturers

Main Supervisor: Thank your supervisor for professional support and valuable advice.
Second Examiner or Reviewer: If they have made a significant contribution.
Other Academic Staff: For example, lab technicians, librarians, or research assistants who have supported you.

2. Family and Friends

Emotional Support: Parents, siblings, friends who have supported you during your studies.
Practical Help: Friends who have helped you with organizational or logistical tasks.

3. External Supporters

Interviewees or Survey Participants: If your work is based on primary data.
Companies or Organizations: That have granted you access to resources or data.
Financial Sponsors: Scholarship providers or sponsors who have financially supported your research.

How Do You Formulate the Acknowledgement?

Personal, but Professional

Use polite and respectful language. Although the acknowledgement is more personal than the rest of your work, you should still maintain a professional tone. Avoid colloquial expressions and adhere to the scientific standards of your university.

Specific and Concrete

Mention the names of the people and briefly describe how they helped you. This shows your sincere appreciation and makes your acknowledgement credible. For example:

"My special thanks go to Prof. Dr. Max Mustermann for his continuous support and valuable advice during the creation of this work."

Short and Concise

An acknowledgement should not be too long. Half to a full page is usually sufficient. Do not overload the acknowledgement with too many details or long anecdotes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing the Acknowledgement

Introduction: Start with a general expression of gratitude.
- Example: "At this point, I would like to thank everyone who supported me in the creation of this bachelor thesis."
Academic Support: Thank your supervisors and lecturers.
- Example: "My special thanks go to Prof. Dr. Max Mustermann for his valuable advice and his tireless support."
Personal Support: Thank family and friends.
- Example: "A heartfelt thank you goes to my family and friends, who have always supported me."
External Support: Mention external partners or institutions.
- Example: "Many thanks to XYZ GmbH for access to important data and resources."
Conclusion: Conclude with a final thank you.
- Example: "Without the support of all these people, this work would not have been possible."

Practical Examples of an Acknowledgement

Example 1

At this point, I would like to sincerely thank my supervisor, Mr. Prof. Dr. Max Mustermann, for his continuous support and valuable advice during the creation of this work. My special thanks also go to my family and friends, who have always supported me. Many thanks to the employees of XYZ GmbH for access to important data and resources.

Example 2

I would like to thank everyone who has supported me during my studies. A special thanks goes to my supervisor, Dr. Anna Beispiel, for her patient guidance and constructive feedback. I would also like to thank my parents for their unwavering support and my friends for their encouragement and help in difficult times.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Being Too Informal

Avoid colloquial expressions or humorous remarks. The acknowledgement should remain respectful and professional.

Excessive Praise

While it is important to show gratitude, the acknowledgement should not be too effusive. Stick to the essentials and avoid excessive flattery.

Forgetting Important People

Think carefully about who has made a significant contribution and make sure you don't inadvertently exclude anyone. A list of supporters can help you keep track.

Too Long or Too Short

An acknowledgement should be half to a full page. Too short to adequately express your gratitude, or too long to tire the reader.

Formatting Tips for the Acknowledgement

Font and Size: Use the same font and size as in the rest of the document.
Paragraph Structure: Structure the acknowledgement into meaningful paragraphs to improve readability.
No Page Numbering: Since the acknowledgement is part of the front matter, it is often not numbered.
Consistency: Make sure that the formatting of the acknowledgement is consistent with the other sections of your work.

Further Resources

For additional tips and detailed instructions, visit our detailed article on Acknowledgement in the Bachelor Thesis.

Conclusion

The acknowledgement bachelor thesis offers you the opportunity to express your appreciation to the people who have supported you on your academic journey. With the right wording and a well-thought-out structure, you can write a professional and personal acknowledgement that perfectly rounds off your bachelor thesis.

Use these tips to make your acknowledgement bachelor thesis schreiben a successful part of your final paper. A well-formulated acknowledgement is not only a polite gesture, but also a sign of your recognition for the support you have received.